A/C system not blowing cold air

Tiny
JOHNNYRAY67
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHEVROLET 1500
  • 4.3L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 260,000 MILES
I checked all fuses first, all good. Put on gauges, engine not running 75 on low side, 75 on high side. Start engine A/C on high, clutch is spinning but pressures stay the same. Also sounds like a rattle or fast ticking sound coming from compressor.
Is compressor bad, need replacement? It did cycle off and on a couple times while testing.
Friday, May 20th, 2022 AT 8:59 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
There are a couple things that cause this, but it sounds like with the testing that you did narrow it down to a compressor.

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

If the compressor clutch is engaging and disengaging, then most likely the compressor is failed.

Basically, if you have equal pressure on both sides of the system when the compressor is on and off then the compressor is not building any pressure.

So, I would suggest replacing the compressor and the receiver dryer. Anytime you have a compressor failure you want to replace this as well because if the compressor released metal in the system, then it will get stuck in the dryer. If you don't replace it, then it will slowly release this into the system and damage the new compressor.

You will need to evacuate the system which will pull out any metal from the test of the components.

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

Then when you charge the system again, you should be just fine.

I am attaching a chart below that will help with showing this as well. When the compressor is on, the low side should be around 35 and the high about 160 PSI. You have high on the low side and low on the high side which is normally a faulty compressor.

However, the give away is that the pressures don't move from static pressure when the compressor is on. Which means it is not working.

Let me know if you have questions. Thanks
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Saturday, May 21st, 2022 AT 2:09 PM
Tiny
JOHNNYRAY67
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Thank you for the help. Time for a new compressor and accumulator. The compressor is the last part of this system that is original equipment. By the way there is a link to an article about how A/C system works, the last picture showing high/low side lines is labeled backwards.
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Saturday, May 21st, 2022 AT 6:58 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Thanks for reading the guide. I will check that out because I didn't notice it and pass it on to the site admin.

Thanks again for the update.
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Sunday, May 22nd, 2022 AT 5:41 AM

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