Need some help with my AC

[dfalk]

So I bought one of those recharge thingies for my AC cuase it doesnt work. First I notcied that the compressor wasnt turning on. I checked all the fuses all they were all find, unless theres some I didnt see. Anyways I just ran a jumper wire from +12 to the compressor and that worked fine and turned it on. I measured the PSI on the low line and it was empty so I added the amount to make it read full. I let it run for about 15 min and still no cold air. What could be the problem? Im thinkin that since the compressor normally wont turn on, somethign in that circuit is causing something else not to turn on maybe? What do you guys think? Also its a 96 grand am, 3.1L.

[Matt95GT]

There's a pressure sensor that will not allow the compressor to engage if pressure is too low or too high.

Running compressor empty = bad (there's lubricating oil in the refridgerant) Are you sure the system was filled and pressurized to the proper levels? If you had to jumper the compressor (due to low refridgerant/pressure) to make it run for that 15 minutes, you may have to replace your compressor now.

[rixGAphx]

Originally posted by Matt95GT
There's a pressure sensor that will not allow the compressor to engage if pressure is too low or too high.

Running compressor empty = bad (there's lubricating oil in the refridgerant) Are you sure the system was filled and pressurized to the proper levels? If you had to jumper the compressor (due to low refridgerant/pressure) to make it run for that 15 minutes, you may have to replace your compressor now.
Agree^ ^ ^.

Adding one can of off-the-shelf refrigerant won't fill a system that is truly empty; won't even half-fill the system to the point where it would work.

Furthermore, how did the original refrigerant escape?
There's a leak.
Just like with a leaking tire, it's worthless to refill it until the leak is repaired.

You are NEVER going to solve this by yourself.
I have a lot of DIY equipment, but frankly a leaking AC system is beyond me.
Take it to an AC specialist, rather than throwing good money after bad.

Good luck.
-Rick

[pokesmot]

^ agree

if its completely empty, (as already mentioned) you have a leak. you need to find the leak, and fix it.

because it is completely empty, you MUST have the system vacuumed before you charge it. if you dont, you will just end up having compressed air and possibly moisture in the AC system, which will ultimately destroy the compressor.

You also MUST add at least about 8 OZ of PAG oil before charging with 134a. if you are going R12 you need to retrofit.

once you destroy a compressor it is very difficult to repair the rest of the system sometimes unless you replace almost everything. When a compressor fails, it usually sends pieces of debris into the rest of the system. it will clog your orfice tube, condensor and anywhere else the particles can travel to.


****************

Your bets bet even if you are a DIY'er is to take it to an ac shop. They will recharge the system, and then check to see where the refrigerant leaks out. They will either use an electronic sniffer, or UV dyes.

once the leak is found you can attempt to repair it yourself if you are confident (make sure you know as much as possible before you attempt... if you wish to attempt it yourself I can let you know how to properly repair) or you can have the AC shop do it all for you which can be costly.

regardless of your decision, IMO you should let the shop vacuum and charge the system for you.