A/C not cold but cool

PSAGELY

MEMBER
2012 BUICK LA CROSSE
3.6L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

Pressure gauge reading stays on 120 low side and about 160 on high side and does not move. Does this indicate a new compressor is needed? The compressor was replaced about two years ago. The cooling fans work compressor, clutch runs continuously. Is there other ways to check AC operations?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros. Com. After looking at your low pressure readings, something is wrong unless the outside temperature is over 200 degrees F. The pressure, which will change based on ambient temperature, should be around 40 to 50 psi low side on average during an 80 degree F day and 175 to 210 on the high side at the same ambient temperature.

Since the low side is too high and the high side is too low, something is telling me there is a problem with the compressor. Plus, since the clutch is engaged all the time, that tells me the compressor is not building enough hi side pressure for it to cycle. It does sound like you have a bad compressor.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe