L200 A/C quit; $800?

2002 L200 w/83K mi. A/C was cold one day - hot the next day. Saturn says
"must be the compressor" after diagnosing the problem; estimate-$800! Took
it home, hooked up the pressure gauges and a can of R134. 100 lbs on both
sides; wouldn't suck in the refrigerant. Compressor runs continuous,
blower blows hot air full blast (automatic climate control), engine
cooling fan doesn't run. I'm A/C illiterate. Can something be blocking the
refrigerant path?

 

Uh...Radiator fan should be on if the ac is on and the compressor clutch
is "engaged".
If you're a/c illiterate then you shouldn't mess with it. Could cost you
more than 800 by the time you take it back in. Saturn isn't the only
place that can give you repair quotes and a diagnosis.

 

sounds more like a stuck TVX to me, but it's possible that the swash plate
in the compressor is stuck, which isn't uncommon in saturns.

I only have one thing to try, sometimes you can unstick it by reving it up
to 3000 rpm in neutral and cycling the A/C compressor on and off about 10
times. (one second on - one second off, repeat). You may need a helper if
you have to resort to unplugging and plugging in the clutch wire to cycle
it, but usually the a/c button works well.

engine cooling fan won't kick on until high side pressure gets up around
350, don't worry about that.

Take it to a independant garage or firestone (yes, firestone, cause they
have national warranties and do good work at fair prices)

no, I don't work for firestone.

Joe F. Brown
Master Auto Tech
L1 Certified

 

Which compressor(s) would that be?

 

Maybe "A/C illiterate" was a little strong; I'm not familiar with Saturn
A/C. I replaced the compressor & convrted my 90 Ranger over to 134a and it
worked till I sold it(5years). I liked the one second cycling @ 3K rpm
idea. I went out with high hopes but it didn't help. I used the relay to
cycle it on/off(rather burn up a relay than my hand). Tried about 50
on/off cycles twice, but still have hot air. Still open for suggestions.
Plan to get 2nd opinoion this week.
I go to Firestone a lot; never thought of them for A/C. Thanks for the
replies.

 

Dumb time: What's the "TVX"?

 

final result: Used compressor $100; local reputable A/C shop installed
w/drier $350. Didn't have time to do it myself. Works great for $450.
Saturn wanted $850 to replace compressor only - they didn't recommend repl
drier - that would be extra $200! Also didn't tell me compressors had been
on backorder all summer. Hope the used compressor holds up.

 

final outcome $450: got a used compressor from junkyard -$100; had A/C shop
install it with a new drier - $350. Works great. Also found out Saturn
dealer doesn't replace drier for $850 - that would put their bill over
$1000! They don't think its necessary to replace drier. Got compressor
from Williams Auto Parts in Portland IN. Excellent place to get late model
parts if they have it. Cleanest junkyard I've seen; good folks there.

 

Everybody I know replaces the dryer when servicing the sealed system. If
there is moisture in the system, you can get away with a good pump-down
vacuum that will purge it. If there was a bad compressor especially, the
system is 'swept' with a flush solvent to remove any nasties and a new
receiver/dryer is installed. This has filter screens and a dessicant.

I made the mistake of going to get a used auto part and calling this
facillity a junkyard. I was politely informed that they were an 'auto parts
recycler'. Place was so clean and well orgainzed, it was amazing. Totally
unlike the junkyards I've been to where you slog through oily mud to get
your parts - and often get good parts too. similarity ends there.

 

Not even a 24 hour 400 micron vacuum will pull moisture out of the oil
or out of the desiccant. A vacuum pump can only boil out remains of
certain solvents and the moisture in the atmosphere that still remains
in the lines. Any moisture that has bonded with PAG stays bonded until
the desiccant removes it. (If the desiccant isn't used up...)

The receiver-dryer/accumulator desiccant bags are also more prone to
failure with age. (not really a good filter then.) If the system is
open, it gets replaced reguardless. If the system is just being
replenished GM recommends it is replaced reguardless if it is 5 years
old or more.

Accumulators are cheap...receiver-dryers cost a little more.
Not replacing them can cost way more depending on how long you intend to
keep the car.

@localhost.talkaboutautos.com>, says...
Very cheap but I stay away from junkyard compressors and especially
"refurbished" compressors. My first choice is either a Sanden or Seltec
aftermarket compressor if and when possible. If none are available then
even a brand new Chinese copy may have a better life expectancy IMHO. Do
you know if they used Double End Capped PAG?