92 Pont 3.4L Vacuum/EGR/AC Problem

[ronkay]

I have a 1992 Pont SE 3.4 L that has a problem with the AC? When it's at idle AC works fine. However, during normal driving the AC will go on hold. I have a check engine light and a code 32. I've been told the EGR is bad and needs to be replaced but the car should runs fine otherwise. Can/will a bad EGR cause a loss of vacuum that is causing the AC to go on hold?

Thanks,
Ron

[tblake]

what exactly do you mean go "on hold"? It just cuts off? Or stops blowing cold air?

[ronkay]

Sorry for my poor description. When I say it goes on hold, I ment that it stops blowing cold air and just blows air. Also, when that happens, I can feel the compressor go off line when I step on the gas.

So a faulty EGR could cause the AC problem? Is that correct? Other then replacing a $700+ EGR valve is there anything else I can do? I've had the valve apart and cleaned it, cleared the fault in the, but the fault always comes back. Even with the possibility of a bad EGR, I still get excellent performance and milage. 20 in the city and 25+ on the road. Plugs look good and as I said other then the AC everything is good.

What do you suggest or think about this?

Thanks for your time...

Regards,
Ron

[richtazz]

Your problem sounds more like a vacuum leak to me. The EGR on your car is electronic, not vacuum operated, so it wouldn't cause a vacuum issue. The 3.4 DOHC is known for intake vacuum leaks, which will get worse as the engine warms up. Sometimes the leak will not cause driveability issues, but will mess with vacuum operated accessories. Have you ever had problems with the HVAC switching modes (from AC to vent to defrost etc...)? If so, then I would say it's definitely engine vacuum related. You could start by checking the vacuum hoses under the hood for any that are cracked, disconnected or broken before assuming it's the intake.

[ronkay]

This is the first time I've had any HVAC problems. Yes I've had the intake manifold gasket replaced, actually twice. I'll get in there and check over the vacuum lines.. GM did not make this easy to work on, so finding something like this will definitely be a challenge...

Thanks for the input...

Regards,
Ron

[brcidd]

Unplug the power steering high pressure switch on steering mechanism- under driver's side- you'll see it once you lay under it-- tape it off so no one else tries to plug it back in-- it is a normally open switch so it shuts off the a/c when it sees high power steering pressure to avert an engine stall in tight maneauvers- like parallel parking- this was a known problem on '93 "W" cars- especially 3.4l engines.....