Cannot Recharge AC

[Amber]

Went to recharge my AC in my 97 Eclipse the other day to find that she had WAY to much freon in her. But yet, the AC was not getting cold at all.

- I released the correct amount of freon out of the system. Still nothing. Released a little bit more. Still nothing.
- Realized the the compressor is not turning on at all...
- Went ahead and drained the line, and attached can. Got 10 psi to go into line, and absolutely no more with go in. Still not working.

So...anyone know what is going on here? I'm pretty sure she was working last year (I was pregnant...I woulda died without it...) This is the first time I've tried using this year, so ya.

Thank you in advance for helping me out guys! I'm sure you'll be seeing a lot of posts from me

 

[BogusSVO]

Check the basics, fuses. sounds like you may not be getting 12v to engage the the AC compressor clutch.

 

[Amber]

Thank you! I will check tonight and let you know if it solved the problem!

 

[1995silvergst]

Compressor has to cycle to charge, is the compressor kicking on and off? Do you have the factory service manual? You will need section 55-1 through 55-50. I can send it or post it when I get to my desktop. The system requires very specific amounts of compressor oil and freon, also there is a relay for the compressor clutch, an accu or auto compressor control unit in the evaporator core and fuses under the hood and dash. You can also "jump" some sensors to engage the clutch.

 

[2slow4now]

Was the AC putting any cold air out at all before you tried to recharge it? Can you hear the AC clutch try to engage or see it engage? Does it make noise if it does try to engage?

The reason I ask is the compressor may be locked up. The pulley rides on a bearing so it will turn with the motor even if the compressor is locked up. The clutch is what is connected to the compressor shaft. If it is trying to engage the clutch and just makes noise from slipping then unplug the AC electrical at the compressor.

 

[Amber]

OK...I checked the fuses and everything looks good. HOWEVER, how do I know if a relay is bad? I switched the AC relay with another 12v relay and the compressor still is not turning on. I attempted to charge it again, but still no luck from getting past 10 PSI. The air blowing out the vents is just from the fan...temp depends on how hot is is outside...
I am wondering if I just need a new compressor? I had remembered that before when I would use it, anything I turned on the heat or the AC, the belt would squeal horrificly...non-stop, but as soon as I shut it off inside, the squeal would stop...

 

[Night devil]

Usually these belts break after they squeal. Make sure u still got the belt on, check if theres big leak that got it all out. Just make sure everything is in place before u go buy the compressor.

 

[1995silvergst]

The pic I posted shows how to "jump" the clutch or activate the compressor clutch. Then you will be able to charge the system. The belt squeal can mean a loose belt OR bad compressor you need to find out which. If you "jump" the clutch to engage it while at idle and the belt squeals but does not cycle the compressor you know it is frozen and needs replacing. If it cycles and spins as it should the belt is far to loose or worn.

 

[1995silvergst]

I would also add that the clutch/ compressor must be diagnosed first to then test and diagnose the rest of the system. Once you are able to determine the clutch/compressor work as they should then we can move on to proper charging and checking with a set of gauges to ensure proper function of all parts.

 

[phr0st]

Without a good vacuum on the system you most likely won't get enough freon in the system to meet factory specs. Jump the relay for the ac clutch while the car is off and see if you can see/hear the clutch engage. When you released the freon you replaced it with air and moisture which is very bad for the internals of the system. Put a vacuum on the system put in the correct weight of freon and try again.

 

[Amber]

It is a new belt on the car...I'll try jumping it tomorrow.

 

[Tyeler18]

You weren't overcharged with Freon. The compressor just wasn't on. It is perfectly normal (and should occur) that the low side pressure goes back up when the compressor is off. With the compressor on it's pulling that pressure back down to the 35-45psi range, but once it's off high side and low side will even back out to the 70-100psi range.

You need to get a test light or multimeter and see if you have 12v at the compressor clutch with the AC on. If you do, your clutch is toast. If not it could be a bad relay (seems you've already tested this as not the issue), a fuse (again, seems you've already proved this isn't the problem), the pressure switch (jumper the pressure switch connector to see if it's working), or a wiring issue.

Also you won't be able to fill it with any Freon until the compressor kicks on. The compressor will suck Freon out of the can, those little walmart/parts store recharge kits have no way to force Freon into the system like a true evac/recharge AC machine can.