Maxima AC Problem

My 1997 Maxima AC does not blow cold air. The compressor cycles on & off every few seconds. I put a gauge on the low pressure side and it read 85-90 psi, way into the danger zone. It will not take freon. Occasionally while trying to put in freon there is a loud racheting sound from the area of the compressor. It only last a second or so. Any ideas?

My 1997 Maxima AC does not blow cold air. The compressor cycles on & off every few seconds. I put a gauge on the low pressure side and it read 85-90 psi, way into the danger zone. It will not take freon. Occasionally while trying to put in freon there is a loud racheting sound from the area of the compressor. It only last a second or so. Any ideas?

The only safe way to add freon is with on of these.
You need to watch both the low and high side at the same time you are adding freon.
http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AMA&Product_Code=66773

http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AMA&Product_Code=DIY-STARTER1

http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AMA&Product_Code=DIYADVANCE

Before we could help we need to know the high andd low side reading at idel and at 2k rpm with the compresser running.

Thanks MT. I took it to an AC tech this morning. He ran all the checks and tells me it needs a compressor, dryer evaporator and a high pressure line.
Bottom line about $ 925. I am a pretty good amateur mechanic and have removed and installed engines and transmissions and rebuilt several engines over the years. Should I install the new parts then take it to a shop to evacuate and charge the system. Thanks. LEL

Thanks MT. I took it to an AC tech this morning. He ran all the checks and tells me it needs a compressor, dryer evaporator and a high pressure line.
Bottom line about $ 925. I am a pretty good amateur mechanic and have removed and installed engines and transmissions and rebuilt several engines over the years. Should I install the new parts then take it to a shop to evacuate and charge the system. Thanks. LEL

That sounds like a good plan of action to me.
MT

Thanks MT, I think that's the plan. LEL

Thanks MT, I think that's the plan. LEL

Let us know what brand of compresser or if just that model or if that company requires the inline filter on all of there compressers.
If you flush and clean system I would see no need for the inline filter.
The are kinda of a pain to install.
If no special need on that system for it I would not use it.
But get a second opion from.
http://www.autoacforum.com/