1994 Cadillac SLS AC Won't Engage

GMC
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DARTH YENNIK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hello, I have a 1994 Cadillac SLS with 124000 miles on it. Recently my air conditioner quit working. I noticed that my compressor isnt kicking in and I was wandering how to solve my problem without paying GMC 165 bucks to check it. I know that its not the freeon. I recently had a new radio and some 12 inch subwoofers put in and I was wandering could they have unknowingly disconnected something to cause this problem(it didnt quit working till after the speakers were put in). I was told by one source that I may need and orifice tube and by another that the ground wire might have fell off of the clutch. Im still drawn toward thinking that mabe my radio and subwoofer instilation may have had something to do with it though...Any sugestions??
Mar 14, 2006 at 9:03 AM
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RAYHUT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 134 POSTS
it's a very big possibillity that it could be your radio and speakers cousing it.i would check that out first.but taking it to a dealer garage take it to a fix it garage like someone who is more of a grease monkey. and know more about cars than the dealer garages.
Mar 14, 2006 at 10:39 PM
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JIMDELRIE
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
If the problem is not caused by an electrical connection, I would have the A/C checked for appropriate refrigerant level (R12 or 134a). A low refrigerant level will not allow the compressor clutch to engage (see low pressure switch on accumulator/dryer). An auto repair shop should be able to check the refrigerant level for a smaller fee than GM.
Apr 4, 2006 at 6:33 AM
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Suggested Repair

Check electrical connections that may have been disturbed during the radio and subwoofer installation, including the compressor clutch ground. If the wiring is intact, have a shop check the refrigerant level (R-12 or R-134a) and the low-pressure switch on the accumulator/dryer, since low refrigerant can prevent the clutch from engaging.

Conversation Summary

A 1994 Cadillac SLS owner reports the air conditioner compressor stopped engaging after a radio and subwoofer installation and suspects a disconnected wire, though an orifice tube or clutch ground was also suggested. One reply recommends checking the radio and speaker installation first and using an independent shop. Another says that if the electrical connections are sound, the refrigerant level should be checked because low refrigerant can keep the compressor clutch from engaging via the low-pressure switch.

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