A/C compressor not engaging

Tiny
TED1069
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 SATURN STATION WAGON
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 45,000 MILES
Diagnosis is compressor not engaging with clutch. Car engine covered with lots of dirt and seeing how compressor on lower portion of engine. Maybe dirt filled spacing in between clutch. Car belonged to a friend whom not much on air conditioning not even in house by choice. Thanks for you're response.
Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 AT 9:58 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,097 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

The most common reason a compressor won't engage is due to low Freon. Now, over time Freon can be lost or there could be a leak.

To determine if there is a leak, you need to place a vacuum on the system and see if it maintains pressure. Or, you can simply try to add Freon to see if once enough is installed the compressor engages.

Here are a few links to help. Take a look through them and see if they help.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-how-to-add-freon

Here is a link that explains how to vacuum and recharge the system. This procedure requires an AC manifold gauge set.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Let me know if any of that helps and what you find. Also, let me know if you have questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 AT 10:49 PM
Tiny
TED1069
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
That's great information. Although, I didn't mention that it was inspected at a lube shop and tech filled with Freon for sake of the test. (My apology for leaving this out, chicks man). Thanks
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Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 AT 11:06 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,097 POSTS
No problem. When freon was added, did it hold pressure? Do you know what the pressures were both high and low side? I've seen freon leak out as fast as it was installed.

Let me know.

Joe
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+1
Thursday, July 11th, 2019 AT 6:57 PM
Tiny
TED1069
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks for reply. It did hold pressure. The car had sat couple of years after original owner passed away and car has 45,000 miles. I know any bit of information helps.
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Friday, July 12th, 2019 AT 9:01 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,097 POSTS
Welcome back:

Is it possible for you to tell me both the high and low pressures? Also, have you checked the basics like fuses? Has anyone checked for power to the compressor?

Joe
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Friday, July 12th, 2019 AT 6:54 PM

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