Suspect Air conditioning compressor bad?

SIXTY6GTO

MEMBER
2009 SCION XB
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
87,000 MILES

A/C is Warm. High and low side pressures are both 100psi. Suspect it is the A/C compressor. I want to change the A/C compressor and need the exact factory service manual steps please. Also, the driver's side electric fan did not come on until it was tapped a little bit with a metal object. Probably going to change that as well and need the steps. It is hard to see the clutch on the A/C compressor come on because it appears hidden within the pulley, but since I can't hear it come on, I suspect its not. I also suspect that the compressor is leaking internally causing the 100 psi readings on both manifold gauges and highly doubt it is a bad expansion valve. Thoughts?

Friday, August 8th, 2025 AT 2:03 AM

4 Replies

MECHTRIX

MECHANIC
382 POSTS

Sounds like its over charged the pressures way to high on both sides the hi side shouldnt exceed 50psi. At around 75 degrees outside abient temp.I would check for a blown fuze completely evacuate and refill it back to the proper level and check the expansion valve it might be bad also

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Friday, August 8th, 2025 AT 1:27 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,137 POSTS

If you can't see if the clutch is engaging, I would not assume the compressor is bad. I would turn the system on and check for power at the light green wire to the compressor if you have power and the system is sitting at 100 PSI then the compressor is bad. Here is a guide to help you:

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

Please start a new thread for the fan motor replacement, we only handle one problem per thread, please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Here is how to replace the A/C compressor and a video for the vacuum down and recharge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EqdrBVb0sY

You must remove the two studs and the two bolts to get the compressor out FYI. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response

Images (Click to make bigger)

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Friday, August 8th, 2025 AT 1:37 PM

MECHTRIX

MECHANIC
382 POSTS

Also when you decrese the pressure back to standard. The presure valve will relax again and possibly alow the pump to turn back on. And another problem with a system thats over filled is whenever you put more refrigerent in is theres also pag oil in the can [some cans do and some dont have pag oil in them) mixed in with it wich can lock up the pump thats why I always evacuate the entire system of everything all the gas and all the pag oil and any moisture that might be there and refill it back to normal. Every time I service any ac system. Most shops that work with ac can evacuate it for you cheap or evan free. Good luck

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Friday, August 8th, 2025 AT 1:45 PM

MECHTRIX