A/C problem - 2000 Impala LS

[oldblu65]

The a/c on my wifes Impala LS suddenly stopped working . It was fine one day , next morning it inoperable . The compressor does not kick on when the a/c button is pushed . I've checked all of the fuses I could find and all are good . There is probably relays in the system as well and I don't have the tools or knowledge to check them .Could the a/c button on the dash be the culprit as it's markings have been worn off from years of use . A friend suggested the problem is most likely that the system needs recharging as r134 frequently leaks out of a/c systems because it's molecules are much smaller than the old r12 gas and because of this , the r134 systems require more frequent recharging than the previous systems. Any thoughts from any and all ? Your help will be greatly appreciated !!

[richtazz]

R-134 systems tend to leak more often due to the fact that they run at higher pressures, not smaller molecules. A check of system pressure with a guage is the first step in diagnosis.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by oldblu65

The a/c on my wifes Impala LS suddenly stopped working . It was fine one day , next morning it inoperable . The compressor does not kick on when the a/c button is pushed . I've checked all of the fuses I could find and all are good . There is probably relays in the system as well and I don't have the tools or knowledge to check them .Could the a/c button on the dash be the culprit as it's markings have been worn off from years of use . A friend suggested the problem is most likely that the system needs recharging as r134 frequently leaks out of a/c systems because it's molecules are much smaller than the old r12 gas and because of this , the r134 systems require more frequent recharging than the previous systems. Any thoughts from any and all ? Your help will be greatly appreciated !!

if this happened over night no a/c operation i would look over the condensor for damage...this is in front of the radiator, look for oil stains...

the a/c has a switch that will prevent a/c operation if there is no refrigerant in the system...this protects the compressor...

as far as leaking goes they all leak ....and if the system does not have sufficent oil they will leak faster... all gm vehicles i have worked on required 6oz of oil,then they slowed the loss of refrigerant to 3-4years before 12oz was needed to top off..

the old vehicles had huge amounts of freon r12 storage, this is why they cooled faster and more ....also it would take longer for all the r12 to leak out...with 134 only a few oz of loss will effect cooling...no storage to back up any losses..

[oldblu65]

The consensus , from everyone I've talked to , is the system needs recharging. I was going to go to parts store and get a " kit " and do it myself . The problem is the guy , at Autozone , tells me the compressor has to run in order to pull the charge into the system and it won't come on . Ideas ?

[brcidd]

The parts gut is no a/c expert-- the compressor will run when it sees 47 psi- your charge kit can at room temp will have about 80 psi- when you connect the can to the system- the 80psi will flow into the lesser pressurized system- and the compressor will "kick on" when the system pressure reaches 47 psi-

Keep in mind that if you system is "dead flat" no pressure at all- then you have a pretty big leak that will need to be fixed- and you will need to pull a good vacuum before recharging- a/c systems don't like air in the system- it act as a contaminant- moisture in air is bad as well-- air fools all the pressure sensors and high pressure is the norm when air is in the system.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by oldblu65

The consensus , from everyone I've talked to , is the system needs recharging. I was going to go to parts store and get a " kit " and do it myself . The problem is the guy , at Autozone , tells me the compressor has to run in order to pull the charge into the system and it won't come on . Ideas ?

going to AZ is your problem,this is not the place to get a/c repair instructions

[oldblu65]

I didn't go to AZ for my a/c repair instructions as you suggested ! My PROBLEM is I can't afford , right now , to take my car to a professional . I came to AF thinking I might get some help diagnosing my cars problem . Seems like sarcasm is the preferred answer from some here . I will truly appreciate genuine help from anyone . If I took your answer as sarcastic but it wasn't meant that way , I apologize for my reaction .

[MT-2500]

That advice is dead on the money.
Do not take j-cAT advice the wrong way.

AZ people are supposed to be parts people but they get to thinking they are mechanics.
Let their repair advise go in one ear and out the other.
I know because my Son-In-law used to work there.


If it quit overnight check fuses and ac controls.
Give us some info so we can help.
Does the heater and ac controls turn on and switch from cold to hot and vent to panel and floor and defrost?
Automatic or manual controls?
Any flashing lights?
Have you looked for anything unplugged?
Does the blower run on all speeds
And see if has any r-134a in system.
Look around for oil spots
System pressure should be around the outside tempt. 50-80 degrees?


To test out pressure or recharge AC system you need the proper equipment
Starting with a low and high side gauge set.

http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?S...erantGaugeSets
http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?S...egory_Code=DIY


And say no to.
Wal Mart DEATH KITS

You cannot properly and safely recharge an air condition system with them.

The one side stop and go gauge does not tell you what your system is doing or is over charged or undercharged.
A overcharged or malfunction air condition system can reach over 500 lbs of pressure.
Enough to blow up that can or system and freeze you at first and the burn you or blind you and if any propane /butane in there blow and light you up.

The stop leak crap and who knows what kind of oil in the kits there will stop your system for sure.
Just like pouring super glue in it.
And some kits even contain freon with a butane mixer.
Good for a big blast.

If you are going to do it do it right and safe.
Here is what you need to start with.
http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?S...erantGaugeSets

In the older days you could just throw in a can and go.
But over the years just adding freon is getting harder to do.
Newer systems have to have the correct amount of freon down to the ounces.
Most will need pumped down and vacuumed down and the right and amount of oil and a set amount freon charge installed to get the air to cool right and the system to last.
If an air condition is low there is usually a leak that needs fixed and also a lose of lubricating oil from system.
Also air and moisture enters a low system
If you are going to try to do it get the proper type air condition gauge set with the low and high side gauges.
Hook up the gauges and get a reading with compressor running at idle and at 2000 rpm on the high and low side.
Post back pressure reading and we can help you.
MT

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by oldblu65

I didn't go to AZ for my a/c repair instructions as you suggested ! My PROBLEM is I can't afford , right now , to take my car to a professional . I came to AF thinking I might get some help diagnosing my cars problem . Seems like sarcasm is the preferred answer from some here . I will truly appreciate genuine help from anyone . If I took your answer as sarcastic but it wasn't meant that way , I apologize for my reaction .

my remark was not to be harsh in nature...just factual info concerning this store and the employees knowledge....that are employed there...


many visitors to this site will use these remarks to guide them when doing the repairs....


a/c as stated by mt 2500 is complicated and the need for the correct tools and technics can be found not on the internet but by getting a a/c repair manual and learning the proper methods of automotive a/c repair..


most owners today put too much refrigerant into their a/c systems and then they cause more damage....also as stated by mt 2500 some of the a/c repair kits sold will destroy your system, and if you are lacking money to repair a small problem now, after you try to repair yourself you'll be driving with the window down..for sure...

[oldblu65]

The AZ " gut " guy was not the " expert " who gave me advice on what the a/c system needed . In fact , he told me I'd be wasting my money if he sold me the " kit " . He said it was too dangerous to do without having the proper equipment to know what was wrong with the a/c system ! He could have just taken my money then laughed with his cohorts. But he didn't ! Maybe he wasn't your average parts store guy , I don't know . I do know I thanked him for his honesty !

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by oldblu65

The AZ " gut " guy was not the " expert " who gave me advice on what the a/c system needed . In fact , he told me I'd be wasting my money if he sold me the " kit " . He said it was too dangerous to do without having the proper equipment to know what was wrong with the a/c system ! He could have just taken my money then laughed with his cohorts. But he didn't ! Maybe he wasn't your average parts store guy , I don't know . I do know I thanked him for his honesty !

10-4 on that.
Sounds like you got to talk to a good parts man.

If you need help on it we need more info.
Dual zone or single zone or auto ac controls?
Are the controls working right like vent and floor and defrost switch and fan all speeds and tempt change from cold to hot?
Any check engine or flashing lights on?
What engine?

First thing you need to do is check all fuses in all fuse blocks.
There is several different fuses foe clutch and HAVC controls.

If the only problem is compressor clutch will not turn on.
Unplug compressor.
And check for 12 volt power to clutch on one side black wire should have 12 volts key on.

If 12 volts on one side black wire.
Then go to the other wire Dark /green,
Jumper in a ground wire on it.
Plug clutch back up and turn key on and ground dark green wire,
The clutch should kick on when you ground the ground side dark green.
If so leave it grounded and start engine and see if compressor runs ac lines and ac gets cold.
That is only a test so do not leave compressor jumped very long.

A bad AC or plugged system the pressure can go to 500 lbs or more so be careful out there.

Post back if clutch kicks in and ac gets cold.
MT