2000 Chevy Blazer I think my compressor is out?

DON1188

MEMBER
2000 CHEVROLET BLAZER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
135,000 MILES

My AC started blowing just hot air. Prior to this you could hear it kick on and off and the RPMs would drop a little when it kicked on. The last few days it kicked on and off after just a few seconds. Now it doesn't kick on at all and is just blowing out hot air. I had my old Bronco done five years ago and the price was $1500 for a new compressor etc.

I have checked the fuses so far. Tried cycling the controls inside. Heat works great and the controls seem to work fine. There is no button for the compressor on the controls.

I was just wondering if there was a way to tell what is wrong without going to a shop? I mean if I can locate the problem myself and say if it is just the compressor I can buy a new one much cheaper than what they charge for one at the shops around here. And just have them put it on. This is Arizona and they know people will pay here.

Thanks
Don

2 Replies

RHALL77

MECHANIC
3,361 POSTS

Sounds like you are just low on freon. Was the compressor grinding or making noise? My advice if it wasn't just have the vehicle checked for leaks in the AC system.

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Monday, April 14th, 2008 AT 7:23 AM

DON1188

MEMBER
16 POSTS

This should be a lesson to people. I finally got it to a shop and they checked it out. No leaks and it was very low on freon. I repossessed this vehicle from my ex because she was not paying on it and I didn't want my credit ruined. To make a long story short. I was talking to my step-son after it came out of the shop. He told me her ex boyfriend was checking all the fluid levels. He noticed that the freon looked overcharged. So he let alot out. How he let it out, who knows. My step-son showed me what this guy used as a guage. It was a quick charge thing you get at auto stores that attaches to a can. One hose thing. It will only fit on what I believe is called the drier. The silver canister at the top. The hose connector won't fit on the tube below. I had to see for myself and I attached it and it does show that it is over charged from that point. It shows 100 in the warning area. I just remember older cars. And I am assuming this is not the low side. But, I know it is correct because a mechanic added the freon and checked it out. My compressor comes on for 19-20 seconds and it is blowing out nice cold air. To the guys credit I can see where he would make this mistake. But, if you don't know what you are doing take it to an expert.
It would have been nice to know what he had done before I took it to the mechanic. It may have saved me a little. I don't know how they check for leaks and all. But, I was charged for that. But, all came out ok. I don't even know if I am correct. Thats why I don't take chances on things I don't know about.
Thank you for your help. And I did contribute.

Don