Help troubleshooting AC please.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 555
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From: Celina TX
Help troubleshooting AC please.
I purchased my 98 Coupe about 6 months ago, the AC didn't work and was told it needed a new compressor. Hindsight I should have asked hoiw he came to this conclusion but failed to.
When I turn the AC on the light blinks 6 times and then goes out, the compressor does not kick on. What is the first step to diagnose my issue. I don't want to waste money but want to fix it properly. I was told in addition to the compressor one would replace the accumulater/dryer and orifice tube if in fact my compressor is bad. Any insight would be appreciated.
When I turn the AC on the light blinks 6 times and then goes out, the compressor does not kick on. What is the first step to diagnose my issue. I don't want to waste money but want to fix it properly. I was told in addition to the compressor one would replace the accumulater/dryer and orifice tube if in fact my compressor is bad. Any insight would be appreciated.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Well,,, unless you actually RUN the compressor, your not going to know
Does the system have ANY pressure in it?? Check that and see. If its completely depressurized, I would remove the Orifice Restrictor tube and see what is in the strainer. Thats going to tell you a LOT!!
If its full of debris,,,, your compressor is most likely shot. If not,, you may be able to vacuum down the system and see if it holds a vacuum.
If it holds a vacuum, R-134 isn't that expensive. Recharge the system and see where your at.
Does the system have ANY pressure in it?? Check that and see. If its completely depressurized, I would remove the Orifice Restrictor tube and see what is in the strainer. Thats going to tell you a LOT!!
If its full of debris,,,, your compressor is most likely shot. If not,, you may be able to vacuum down the system and see if it holds a vacuum.
If it holds a vacuum, R-134 isn't that expensive. Recharge the system and see where your at.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 555
Likes: 0
From: Celina TX
Well,,, unless you actually RUN the compressor, your not going to know
Does the system have ANY pressure in it?? Check that and see. If its completely depressurized, I would remove the Orifice Restrictor tube and see what is in the strainer. Thats going to tell you a LOT!!
If its full of debris,,,, your compressor is most likely shot. If not,, you may be able to vacuum down the system and see if it holds a vacuum.
If it holds a vacuum, R-134 isn't that expensive. Recharge the system and see where your at.
Does the system have ANY pressure in it?? Check that and see. If its completely depressurized, I would remove the Orifice Restrictor tube and see what is in the strainer. Thats going to tell you a LOT!!
If its full of debris,,,, your compressor is most likely shot. If not,, you may be able to vacuum down the system and see if it holds a vacuum.
If it holds a vacuum, R-134 isn't that expensive. Recharge the system and see where your at.
Is the orifice tube the line that goes from the condenser to the compressor?
Appreciate the response.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 233
Likes: 1
From: Austin Texas
The OT is inside the hardline going to the evaporator and it's usually glued in with some crud even in a healthy system. Some people have gotten them out with needle nose pliars. Mine was so glued in it took a coat hanger formed into a loop and vice grips. Be prepared for some work.
Also, if you have zero pressure there's a good chance you have a leak somewhere. A vacuum pump can be rented to see if it holds. My experience with these GM ac systems is that the compressor case seal fails at the junction between the cast ends and the center section allowing all the refrigerant and oil to leak out. If you look on the compressor there may be oily dirt on the outside. If so there's a high probability thats what has caused your system to go south. The only remedy I know of is to replace the compressor with a new one (not a rebuild). While your going through all that I'd replace seals and o-rings, flush the evap/cond. and powerwash the condensor coils. you won't believe how much debris can pack into those things on a C5.
If this sounds too involved then it probably is. Like Dgrant said, take it to a trusted ac guy. You can save a lot of money being honest with yourself up front. Let us know how it goes.
Also, if you have zero pressure there's a good chance you have a leak somewhere. A vacuum pump can be rented to see if it holds. My experience with these GM ac systems is that the compressor case seal fails at the junction between the cast ends and the center section allowing all the refrigerant and oil to leak out. If you look on the compressor there may be oily dirt on the outside. If so there's a high probability thats what has caused your system to go south. The only remedy I know of is to replace the compressor with a new one (not a rebuild). While your going through all that I'd replace seals and o-rings, flush the evap/cond. and powerwash the condensor coils. you won't believe how much debris can pack into those things on a C5.
If this sounds too involved then it probably is. Like Dgrant said, take it to a trusted ac guy. You can save a lot of money being honest with yourself up front. Let us know how it goes.
Last edited by Cratecruncher; Mar 12, 2011 at 12:40 PM.
