AC Compressor question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,204
Likes: 4
From: Midland Georgia
St. Jude Donor '06
AC Compressor question
How do I know when the compressor is shot? AC blows but not cold. 
It is 94 degrees today. Thankfully this is not my daily driver...
It is 94 degrees today. Thankfully this is not my daily driver...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Need to know what the operating pressures are so you've got to put a manifold gage set on it. I'd go to Pep Boys or an a/c shop and get a performance check - should be less than 50 bucks - or you can buy a half way decent set of gages for about a 100 bucks. Either way, you can then post whatever they are and it'll be a lot easier to see what it needs. Note the outside air temp and if you're doing it yourself, obtain the readings at 1500 rpms, a/c on high, windows down and make sure both of the radiator fans are spinning.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,204
Likes: 4
From: Midland Georgia
St. Jude Donor '06
It is R134
It is a 94 so the system is R134. The previous owner says that AC working when he parked the car months ago. He felt it just needed a recharge also. If the system is low on R134 will the compressor click on and off constantly?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Generally yes, though below 50 degrees, it's going to cycle more than it would at 70. PCM on your car is monitoring the on/off time as well as the signal from the pressure switch and a/c clutch relay. Should it cycle too frequently, it will set a troublecode and shut it down. Rapid cycling can be caused by a plugged up orifice as well as a low charge. Pressures pinpoint the problem.
