No A/C, where to start?

[flatlander745]

Hey guys, the a/c in my 2000 has never worked and I was wondering where to start. The compressor does not engage and the clutch is free. The "a/c" shows up on the climate display.

Thanks!

[bobgto65]

Check the fuses under the hood first. Then you can check to see if the system is charged. The compressor will not turn on if the refrigerant level is low.

[flatlander745]

Ok, found out that the compressor is leaking around the casing. I will be replacing the compressor, orifice tube and receiver/dryer. Which PAG oil do I use? 46, 100 or 150?


Thanks

[pittydaddy]

100 is fine but I will say make sure you follow all precautions when doing this. Make sure you put a good vacuum on the system. Prefill the compressor. And use the correct amount of pag in the system. Last but not least. Check that the low pressure switch still works. You can bridge the plug to see if the compressor will engage. I still can not express how important a good vacuum on the system is. 30 in/mg for 20 mins. For a leak check. To be honest. If you just replace all the parts needed and take it to most sears auto centers they will fill the system for abour 125 bucks. Leak check and all. Just be up front with them and tell them its a new compressor and what other new parts. They should help you out. We would

[pittydaddy]

Check the fuses under the hood first. Then you can check to see if the system is charged. The compressor will not turn on if the refrigerant level is low.

To bypass this all you have to do is unplug the low pressure switch and jump the two wires in the plug. Just to see if the compressor will run. No longer than 3 or 4 seconds or you could damage something

[flatlander745]

The GM dealer ran vac/ pressure test on it and said it was good aside from slight visible wetness on compressor indicating a leak.
I got a good Delphi off a buddies Bonneville that had a good fully charged system when we removed it. No oil was lost from the compressor and the clutch spins free. I will do a quick p/s check on it.

Thanks!

[flatlander745]

Will the system work using the 20 oz can of A/C Pro from Advanced? Do you need to clear a code or something before it will get cold? The dealer told me that because I put a can in a few weeks ago and it never got cold. The clutch engaged and the low side line started frosting up but no cold air. The dealer charged it and it worked for a day because of compressor leak.

Thanks!

[pittydaddy]

Sounds like the oriface tube is blocked. Cheap part. Just sucks cause you have to evac the system again

[flatlander745]

New orifice tube and dryer went in with the compressor, going to dealer tomorrow for recharge.