AC Compressor locked up on 97 A4?????
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Atlanata GA
AC Compressor locked up on 97 A4?????
I went to lunch today and when I went to leave the restaurant I cranked up
the car and it made a horrible screaching noise and then died. I tried
cranking it up several more times with the same result. I then decided to
turn off the AC and it cranked up and it ran fine. For a test I turned the AC
on while the car was running and it again made a horrible screaching noise
and killed the motor. I would say all indications are pointing to a locked
up AC compressor. This is on my 97 Corvette A4. Does anyone think it might
be something else?
Anybody know what an AC compressor is going to cost?
How hard is it to change?
What should I do about getting the system recharged?
This kind of sucks, the car only has 43K miles on it.
Thanks,
Seth :nonod:
the car and it made a horrible screaching noise and then died. I tried
cranking it up several more times with the same result. I then decided to
turn off the AC and it cranked up and it ran fine. For a test I turned the AC
on while the car was running and it again made a horrible screaching noise
and killed the motor. I would say all indications are pointing to a locked
up AC compressor. This is on my 97 Corvette A4. Does anyone think it might
be something else?
Anybody know what an AC compressor is going to cost?
How hard is it to change?
What should I do about getting the system recharged?
This kind of sucks, the car only has 43K miles on it.
Thanks,
Seth :nonod:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 8,145
Likes: 1
From: Bradenton FLORIDA
Re: AC Compressor locked up on 97 A4????? (Seth)
Sounds like the compressor alright! The squealing is the serpentine belt...you already stressed it to much with the first stop, and the second probably did more. Replace it as well ASAP. The system may have some filings & debris from the compressor and need flushing and probably a good idea to replace the receiver/dryer as well. You can do both yourself if handy to save$. Get a rebuilt compressor (core exchange) from NAPA or someone else ..get the dryer as well. Take the lines off and flush w/a system flush solvent and bring to an A/C place for evacuation & fill. Good Luck! :D
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Re: AC Compressor locked up on 97 A4????? (Seth)
Seth,also you should install a system-filter in the line(tube) from the condessor which flows to the evaporator-core.
Your GM dealer or A/C-Delco supplyer would know of the part#(the filter can hold material from upto
3 damaged compressors before it becomes restricked).William
Your GM dealer or A/C-Delco supplyer would know of the part#(the filter can hold material from upto
3 damaged compressors before it becomes restricked).William
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: AC Compressor locked up on 97 A4????? (Seth)
And you will see by looking under the hood that the water pump will have to be removed to get that sucker out :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 1
From: Pensacola FL
Re: AC Compressor locked up on 97 A4????? (Seth)
Seth- this same thing happened to me on my 94. My local vette mechanic, who is also a good friend of mine, fixed it fairly easily. The only thing we replaced was the A/C clutch, not the whole compressor. We never had to even crack an A/C line. I don't know if C5's are the same, but the one on my 98 looks fairly close to the one on my 94. This may not be your problem, but worth checking into. I put 5000 miles on the 94 since the clutch was replaced & no problems. My friend bought the 94, & A/C is still kicking! SCOTT
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 8,145
Likes: 1
From: Bradenton FLORIDA
Re: AC Compressor locked up on 97 A4????? (maroon94)
When he kicks in the air in stalls the engine...clutch usually fails to engage the compressor. My money is on the compressor...seen this lot's of times. & yes, put the in-line screen in!
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Atlanata GA
Re: AC Compressor locked up on 97 A4????? (Seth)
I have to take off the water pump!!! This is going to be a bigger job than I thought. So far this is what I have as a list of parts to buy for the job:
AC Compressor
Dryer
Oriface
Filter
Belt
Water Pump Gaskets
Dexacool
Is there anything else I need to buy?
Thanks,
Seth
AC Compressor
Dryer
Oriface
Filter
Belt
Water Pump Gaskets
Dexacool
Is there anything else I need to buy?
Thanks,
Seth
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: AC Compressor locked up on 97 A4????? (Seth)
I have to take off the water pump!!! This is going to be a bigger job than I thought. So far this is what I have as a list of parts to buy for the job:
AC Compressor
Dryer
Oriface
Filter
Belt
Water Pump Gaskets
Dexacool
Is there anything else I need to buy?
Thanks,
Seth
AC Compressor
Dryer
Oriface
Filter
Belt
Water Pump Gaskets
Dexacool
Is there anything else I need to buy?
Thanks,
Seth
