Air conditioning compressor does not engage

[auroraterry95]

I have a 1995 Aurora. Last year my AC compressor siezed up and I had it replaced. All was fine. This summer it did not work at all. I suspected a leak and therefore took it back to the shop that replaced the compressor. They said they recharged it but could not do a dye test for leaks because they couldn't get the compressor to engage or turn on, if thats the proper term. They told me I had some code that they scanned for, I don't know what code, but they said they did not have the proper scan tool to reset this code so I should go to the dealer. Does this sound right to anybody. Its been a sweltering hot summer and I would really like to get it fixed without putting a fortune into a ten year old, 160,000 mile car. Thanks for any help.

[zimaad]

unfortunately, these A/C systems are both difficult and expensive to work on. Best bet is to take it somewhere that can properly test/check it. Otherwise, your option is to do the work yourself, but you'll have to spend a lot of time and money to have the correct equipment anyways. If you take it somewhere, find out what needs to be fixed. If they say it needs a new compressor, then my questions are:

1. did the shop that put in your last compressor put in a new or used one?

2. did they also replace the accumulator, orifice tube, or condenser?

3. What was wrong that the last one needed replacing?

4. Is there a warranty on the last compressor?

If you had a compressor failure and they didnt' put in a new accumulator, orifice tube, and at least flush the heck outa the system, then there was possibly some gunk left in the system that caused the new compressor to fail prematurely. First things first, get the problem diagnosed and find out what the code is.

good luck

[zephram22]

maybe the Compressor Clutch Fuse has blown.

[auroraterry95]

Originally Posted by zimaad

unfortunately, these A/C systems are both difficult and expensive to work on. Best bet is to take it somewhere that can properly test/check it. Otherwise, your option is to do the work yourself, but you'll have to spend a lot of time and money to have the correct equipment anyways. If you take it somewhere, find out what needs to be fixed. If they say it needs a new compressor, then my questions are:

1. did the shop that put in your last compressor put in a new or used one?

2. did they also replace the accumulator, orifice tube, or condenser?

3. What was wrong that the last one needed replacing?

4. Is there a warranty on the last compressor?

If you had a compressor failure and they didnt' put in a new accumulator, orifice tube, and at least flush the heck outa the system, then there was possibly some gunk left in the system that caused the new compressor to fail prematurely. First things first, get the problem diagnosed and find out what the code is.

good luck

This is a great site that has saved me more money that anyone can imagine. I can say for sure that the shop I had replace the compressor ONLY replaced the compressor. The reason was that the old one actually siezed, the belt started smoking and I had to have it towed. I am not sure if it was a new/or reconditioned one that they put in, but I know it wasn't a used one(like from a scrap yard).

I guess I will have to bite the bullet and take it to a place that atleast specializes in AC repair, dealers scare me, lol.

Thanks again.