A/C Problem Identifying

[faversham]

New here so pardon redundancies. Have '95 3.2 a/t. Trying to diagnose a/c problem at home, if possible.

Symptoms: No Cold Air, period. Used to get a screeching noise from compressor when activated. Drained system, recharged. No screeching noise any longer.

A/C Clutch engages normally (I believe). No leaks in system, retains freon.

I've bought new compressor and accumulator but putting off installation until I get more expert opinions as I'm a novice w/ a/c systems.

Any help appreciated.

 

[Ishodu]

You have to make sure that the compressor is engaging. When it is the center portion of the pulley is turning.

 

[faversham]

A/C Diagnosis

Yes, the middle part of the pulley was spinning and clutch engaging.

 

[projectSHO89]

What are your low and high side readings with the clutch engaged?

Did you actally verify the central compressor shaft was turning by observing the nut on the end? If not, do so. The location of the clutch makes it very easy to misdiagnose it as turning when it in fact is not. Look at it from the underside.

Steve

 

[rangerj]

When you say you drained the system and recharged it, what exactly did you do? Did you vacuum the system BEFORE you recharged it? The A/C system is a sealed system and the only way it would ever need a charge is if it has a leak.

Did you address any leaks before you recharged the system? If you did not that may be part of your current problem. The recharge may have leaked down.

As for installing a new compressor, I would not do that unless the system is chemically cleaned and the accumulator/dryer and the oriface lines are replaced. The easiest way to clean the condenser is to remove it and have a radiator shop pressure test it and clean it.