98 Olds Cutlass A/C compressor shutoff

[torpedo238]

I have an intermittent a/c tbl. The a/c will work fine for a period of time, the a/c light and compressor will turn off. I have to change the fan speed or change from recirc to fresh air for the compressor to come back on. The control panel was replaced, a few years ago, freon charge is ok, when the a/c is working it's ice cold. Any ideas ?

[brcidd]

This sounds like the master a/c on/off switch on the blower motor control- remove control head- take blower motor speed knob off- remove switch and clean contact area where the two brushes wipe on the contact board- the grease dries up and becomes an insulator- and cause intermittent a/c compressor operation- also bend the brushes tighter against the board- re-lub with light oil or light grease- it was particuallry bad on Intrigues and Malibus must be on Cutlass as well- since they are all "W" cars- there should be numerous postings on this well-known fix on other forums and under Intrigue and Malibu- I have done a dozen or so-- sure beats replacing that $105 control head.

[torpedo238]

Thanks, I'll try that.