1996 Chevy Astro Air Conditioner compressor kicks off

1996 CHEVROLET ASTRO
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FUANKN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Air Conditioning problem
1996 Chevy Astro 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

I just purchased this Astro. The previous owner said that they had recharged the air compressor and it worked about a month before losing the 143a coolant. i just recharged it again and have no cold air. I charged it to the yellow on the guage. Now the compressor kicks on for about 5 seconds at which time all the pressure disappears on the low side. When the compressor kicks off the pressure is back in the yellow. The compressor is in a cycle where it kicks on then kicks off.

Is this something I can fix or do I need to take it to a shop?

Thank you.
Jul 17, 2009 at 7:02 AM
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FUANKN
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  • 2 POSTS
When I realized that the compressor was shutting down when the pressure reached 20lbs I started filling while the compressor was on. Once I got the pressure to stay above 20lbs while the compressor was on the compressor stayed on.
Jul 17, 2009 at 8:00 AM
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BUDDYCRAIGG
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 2,262 POSTS
I was going to ask if you got more than 1 can in it, but i see you have already solved your problem.

in the future, set the first can of hot water,
this will help all of the freon to get into the system.

once you have one can in, then the system should be able to cycle on it's own and "suck" the other 2 cans in.
Jul 17, 2009 at 3:56 PM
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