A/C clutch not engaging just blows hot air

Tiny
RODNEY7867
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 SATURN SL1
  • 1.9L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 226,000 MILES
When I turn on A/C it just blows out hot air I watch rpm's and they don't budge. I thought it does if at least the HVAC controls inside is working. I cant add Freon without compressor on and I don't know what to try.
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Friday, July 5th, 2019 AT 6:35 PM

16 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

Is the AC compressor engaging? You will hear it click. Also, why can't you add Freon?

Take a look through this link:

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

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

Let me know exactly what is going on and if either of the aforementioned links are helpful.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, July 5th, 2019 AT 7:07 PM
Tiny
RODNEY7867
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
The A/C compressor not engaging not coming on no power to it. Took multi-meter to it today it has no power going to it.
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Saturday, July 6th, 2019 AT 7:09 AM
Tiny
RODNEY7867
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  • 70 POSTS
I read the BCM controls the power locks and A/C on my car. The power locks were draining my battery so I pulled the fuse for the power locks but what I curios about is if the BCM controls both and the locks drained the battery could it be the BCM fuse being bad?
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Saturday, July 6th, 2019 AT 1:06 PM
Tiny
RODNEY7867
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
Well, I found the body fuse replaced them. Now I have power at compressor but clutch still doesn't kick on. I put one of those reusable gauges you get with the refrigerant and it is reading 100 in the red.
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Saturday, July 6th, 2019 AT 4:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
Welcome back:

Okay, now that we have power, I need to know a few things. First, the 100 psi reading, is that static pressure (everything off)? Also, do you have an AC manifold gauge set that we could also check the high side pressure?

Let me know. Also, let me know the outside temperature when checked. If both sides are 100 psi static, that isn't and issue, but I need to know if they are equal.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, July 6th, 2019 AT 8:04 PM
Tiny
RODNEY7867
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
I don't have a manifold system. I only had the gauge that comes om the trigger recharge can. The reading was with car running A/C on.
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Sunday, July 7th, 2019 AT 5:27 AM
Tiny
RODNEY7867
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
I replaced clutch still have to put belt back on.
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Sunday, July 7th, 2019 AT 6:03 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Welcome back:

Let me know the outcome.

Take care:

Joe
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Sunday, July 7th, 2019 AT 7:31 PM
Tiny
RODNEY7867
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
Well, I found the issue, it is the wires that go to switch. I figured it out by process of elimination. Last time I had no power I checked all fuses and I messed with the wire connector to the control panel now I have reconnected everything else and no power again to anything and again I check and for good measure I got all new and replaced them. With double check wire connector and get back to you.
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Tuesday, July 9th, 2019 AT 2:59 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
Welcome back:

I have attached three pics that I hope help. The first is the switch assembly and the next two are what each wire is used for which goes to the power switch, AC, mode control and so on. Picture 2 deals specifically with the AC.

Here are a few links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know if it helps.

Joe
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Tuesday, July 9th, 2019 AT 7:28 PM
Tiny
RODNEY7867
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
Will A/C system have power if control panel is messed up?
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Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 AT 2:20 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
In most cases, no. However, the compressor isn't working correct?

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 AT 7:53 PM
Tiny
RODNEY7867
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
I replaced the control panel and everything works. Cold A/C, hot heat. Thanks for the help.
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Thursday, July 11th, 2019 AT 5:14 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
Welcome back:

Great! I'm glad you got it working. Let us know if you need help in the future.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, July 11th, 2019 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
RODNEY7867
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
I have new issue my Saturn sl1 2001 taat transmission slams into revers and to all gears except what I believe is fourth if there is a fourth.
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Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 7:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
Welcome back:

I hate to ask this, but I need you to start a new thread related to the transmission issue. We are trying to keep the threads specific to one topic so it helps others.

I hope you understand.

Joe
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Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 7:08 PM

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