1996 Buick Regal 3.8L AC pressure cutoff

[SteveinAZ]

Does anyone know where the AC low pressure cutoff switch is. My daughter just bought a 1996 Regal and the AC Clutch is not engaging. I need to jumper the switch so I can get a can of r134A Glow charge in the system and begin diagnostics for leaks but I don't have a manual yet so I am not sure where the switch is.

Thanks for your help.

[brcidd]

Your Regal "W" car has a variable stroke V-5 compressor-- no pressure switch and no need to "jump it" merely pull your vacuum and charge into the vacuum - when system pressure hit 47 psi the ECM will turn on th ecompressor- the 3 -wire transducer on the high side is what tell the ECM to turn on compressor and turn on cooling fan(s) and to turn off compressor if pressur eis too high-- if system is "dead flat" you have a pretty big leak-- need to find and fix leak first- then evacuate and recharge-- most likely leak location is compressor shaft seal- look for oil sling around front of compressor and anything near it....

Also- never try to "jumper" a 3-wire transducer- it can damge the ECM....

[SteveinAZ]

Thank you. I was able to get the AC system charged and running very well .That is until the car died. So right now I cannot start the car. I left the car for about 2 hours and then tried to start it. The dealer says that it may be the security system is tripped and keeping the fuel pump from coming on. They want me to tow it into them. There is a little chip in the key and I do not hear the pump when I turn on the ignition. I tried disconnecting and leaving the battery off for 30minutes with no success. I poured a bit of gas in the airbox connecting tube to the intake and the car ran on the gas for a few seconds then it dies again.. My next question for my daughter's car is. .. Is there indeed a security system that disables the fuelpump? Can I reset the system somehow? How can I avoid this happening again?

Thank you to whoever replies.

[HotZ28]

Will the starter not turn the engine over? Do you see the security light flashing when you attempt to start? If so, the security system has disabled the fuel pump. Try another key, or clean the existing key resistor with a pencil eraser, or Q-Tip and alcohol. The problem could be in the ignition switch, or wiring leading to the key resistor reader. Let us know what the security light is doing first.

[suren]

Steve, Was it easy to charge AC. Did you completely vacuum and then use those cans to charge it up. How many cans did you use. I need to charge up my 2001 Regal LS. Thanks

[BNaylor]

You can't go by a member with a 1996 model.

Refrigerant capacities are different and discrepancies on the data label and owner's manuals. Your R134a capacity should be 2.25 lbs or 36 oz.

[suren]

Thanks Mod. Its 2.2 lbs/35 oz.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by suren

Thanks Mod. Its 2.2 lbs/35 oz.

Close enough but it is actually:

2.25 lb/36 oz/1.02 kg. Revised by GM TSB below (first one) which supercedes all data labels, owner's manual, and the factory service manual.

Also, see NAPA auto refrigerant capacity guides at link below. 36 oz.

NAPA A/C System Refrigerant and Oil Capacity

Document ID # 655009

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HVAC Lack of Performance (Evacuate and Recharge the A/C System) #99-01-38-005
HVAC Lack of Performance (Evacuate and Recharge the A/C System)
1997-2000 Buick Regal

1999 - 2000 Buick Century

1997-2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

2000 Chevrolet Impala

1998-2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue

1998-2000 Pontiac Grand Prix

Condition
Some customers may comment on a lack of expected performance of the air conditioning system in hot humid weather.

Cause
This condition may be caused by an undercharged A/C System. This may have occurred during the vehicle assembly process.

Correction
Service correction procedure for 1997 through 1999 vehicles

Perform the Cooling Insufficient, A/C System Check found in the HVAC section of the appropriate Service Manual. If a condition is identified, make the appropriate repair. If no abnormal condition is identified, proceed to the next step.
Evacuate and recharge the A/C system with 1.02 kg (2-1/4 lbs) of R134a.
Replace the A/C evaporator label with P/N 10442041. This label will allow future service technicians to know at a glance how much refrigerant is required by the system.
Service correction procedure for 2000 model year vehicles.

Chevrolet Impala/Monte Carlo, SOP through VIN Y9133359.

Buick Regal/Century, SOP through VIN Y1101894.

Oldsmobile Intrigue, SOP through VIN YF115332

Pontiac Grand Prix, SOP through VIN YF115332

Perform the Cooling Insufficient, A/C System Check found in the HVAC section of the appropriate Service Manual. If a condition is identified, make the appropriate repair. If no abnormal condition is identified, proceed to the next step.
Evacuate and recharge the A/C system with 1.02 kg (2-1/4 lbs) of R134a.
Replace the A/C evaporator label with P/N 10442041. This label will allow future service technicians to know at a glance how much refrigerant is required by the system.
Service procedure for 2000 model year vehicles within the following VIN breakpoints

Chevrolet Impala/Monte Carlo, VINs Y9133360 through Y9206366.

Buick Regal/Century, VINs Y1101895 through Y1178929.

Oldsmobile Intrigue, VINs YF115333 through YF191330.

Pontiac Grand Prix, VINs YF115333 through YF191329


Important
This group of vehicles had the correct amount of R134a installed at time of manufacture, however, the label was incorrect.


Service procedure for 2000 model year vehicles greater than the following VINs

Chevrolet Impala/Monte Carlo with VINs greater than Y9206366.

Buick Regal/Century with VINs greater than Y1178929.

Oldsmobile Intrigue with VINs greater than YF191330.

Pontiac Grand Prix with VINs greater than YF191329.


Important
These vehicles were produced with the correct amount of R134a and the correct Label.


Inspect/test the A/C system for signs of leaks both visually and with the A/C leak tester used in your service facility.
If a leak is found, perform the recommended repair as outlined in the appropriate Service Manual for the vehicle being serviced.
If no leaks are found, perform the Cooling Insufficient, A/C System Check found in the HVAC sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual. If a condition is identified, make the appropriate repair. If no abnormal condition is identified, the system is operating per design specifications.
Parts Information
Part Name Part Number
Label, 10442041

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation Description Labor Time
D4702 HVAC System Check 0.6 hr*

This is a unique Labor Operation Number for use only with this bulletin. This number will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.

*The 0.6 hr includes the time required to install the new label. If an evacuate and recharge was required, add 0.9 hr to the base time for Evacuating and Recharging the HVAC system.

[suren]

Thanks Mod for the clarification. Very good information.