1997 COMMON A/C PROBLEMS...
Hey guys...I am pretty new to the forum, but help when I can. I could definitely use some help. I recently decided to take another stab at my 97 malibu's a/c. The a/c control is operating ok with the occasional flickering from recirc to fresh, and fan speeds 1 and 2 not working. With that out of the way here's my question.

I boought this freon charging bottle with the gauge attatched. It says my psi was around 15. So I gave it a little, and now it's in the blue..(around 30). The pressure is fine, but the compressor/clutch is not engaging...Is there anything else I can do? Maybe jump some wires to see if it will engage? I know that there's a low pressure switch probably, but I was thinking that was a mechanical switch, not electrical...am i wrong?
Any help is better than no help....so please...be nice....
HELP.
Thanks! :icon16:

I'm sure there's a way to jump the "pressure" switch, and use the compressor to draw freon in. Still, there's not a real good success rate expected here. This switch usually opens when the freon is gone, and in a closed system this usually indicates a small leak. The pressure you see might not contain freon.

An A/C guy would evacuate the system (vacuum out the air) and then refill with freon and a leak-dye / oil additive. Then he would check for leaks, repair them, and repeat. A/C isn't really a do-it-yourself thing in my experience, without the tools and knowledge. It's kinda like advanced radiator repair.

You have your little kit, and if you can get the compressor to kick in, you might be able to add freon and stave off service a little while. Disclaimer: I am NOT A/C certified. Good luck.