Hello,
I'm new to the forum and this is my first post. I've searched through past forums and found quite a bit of information, but nothing quite as thorough or detailed as I might like.
Here's the situation:
I've had a 1995 grand am SE 3.1L v6 car without working air conditioning for 5ish years now, but recently I've decided I want to fix it, and fix it myself.
First, the serpentine belt turns well (as it should since everything else works well), but the a/c clutch does not engage (which was expected).
I attempted to charge the system (without testing for pressure first, since I would be entirely clueless as to how to do that). The result of this was a fairly noisy hiss which I could not locate at the time, and the compressor still not turning on.
The refridge that I added had a UV test dye in it, and so yesterday I attempted to find the leak. I believe that I located it at a joint where rubber hose comes into aluminum hosing near the High pressure service port, but I could be mistaken.
I was wondering a couple of things:
1. How do I pressure test the a/c high and low pressure sides?
(I know this seems like a stupid question, but I've never had it explained in such a way that I can understand it)
2. Does anyone have access to a diagram which details the a/c system in the 1995 Grand Am, 3.1L v6?
(I've looked for one of these for weeks but to no avail... I've acquired a bit of knowledge just by looking at the existing system and by looking at pictures of the individual parts. The only part which I'm not sure about exactly is the evaporator core, as far as I can tell I'd be walking down a hopeless path if I attempted to replace this on my own without quite a bit more equipment then I have.)
3. What should I expect if I pursue this project, what should my steps be.
Right now my planned steps are as follows.
1.) Properly look for leaks with a better UV light.
2.) Find any Leaks and attempt to fix them without replacing the hose assembly. (ie simply replace O-rings or attempt to Jimmy rig it).
3.) If necessary, replace the hose assembly (and expansion valve)
4.) If no leaks and sufficient pressure, check relays/sensors. (right now all electrical systems pass a visual inspection).
5. ) If necessary, replace compressor and accumlator/dryer (should I replace the accumlator/dryer when I replace the hose assembly anyways?)
6.) ... so help me god there better not be a 6.
Thanks, if you can answer any of my questions please respond.