A/C not working, compressor not kicking on

Discuss your 2000-2005 Bonneville SE, SLE, SSEi, Buick Le Sabre 00-05 and Buick Park Avenue 97-05. Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.
Post Reply
svanwormer
SE Member
SE Member
Posts: 23
Joined: Thu Aug 01, 2019 2:48 pm
Year and Trim: 2002 SLE
2002 SE
2005 SLE

A/C not working, compressor not kicking on

Post by svanwormer »

I know I have blend door actuator issues as they creak when opening and closing but I’m wondering if a bad blend door actuator will actually prevent the a/c compressor from kicking on. A/C worked fine last summer but does not at first attempt this year.
02 SE 111K Florida car that I drove back to Michigan. GXP seats.
User avatar
Sirius
Resident Gearhead
Resident Gearhead
Posts: 2143
Joined: Thu May 22, 2008 10:40 am
Year and Trim: 2003 SSEi
Location: West Point

Re: A/C not working, compressor not kicking on

Post by Sirius »

I don't think the blend doors have anything to do with the compressor clutch engagement. Likely you are low on refrigerant. My 03 has a slow leak and if the refrigerant is too low the compressor will not engage. If you get a DIY kit at a parts store, it might be prudent to get a can with dye in it so you can find a leak if there is one.

The first thing I would do is check the pressure (or have it checked) in your A/C system. You could have other problems, but I'd start there - cheap and easy. Well, cheaper than, say, compressor replacement. :)
gweg_b wrote:People think I'm nuts, but Matt proved it.
Resident Tightwad
Image
Screw you, Photobucket.
svanwormer
SE Member
SE Member
Posts: 23
Joined: Thu Aug 01, 2019 2:48 pm
Year and Trim: 2002 SLE
2002 SE
2005 SLE

Re: A/C not working, compressor not kicking on

Post by svanwormer »

Pressure was over 100 on both high and low side.
02 SE 111K Florida car that I drove back to Michigan. GXP seats.
Post Reply