A/C not working

[FirebirdHatesRice]

Hey guys,

Hope I'm posting this in the right place. Anyways, summer has just began to hit here in Massachusetts with temps getting into the 80's. I turned the A/C on today and noticed that it was just blowing in the air from outside, the compressor didn't seem to be doing its job. After running the car for about 10-15 minutes, I opened the hood and turned the A/C on...no noise. When I touched it, it was warm. Does this mean I need a new compressor, or could it be something less serious?

Thanks

[PiLOTLiTE]

Your compressor might be dead, but I would first check to see if you have a leak in the system. If all the refrigerant leaked out, the compressor will not turn on due to a safety sensor. If the compressor is not able to create pressure due to lack of r-134a in the lines, a sensor will prevent the compressor from coming on and burning itself up. Most A/C services must be performed by qualified people at shops with the proper equipment. That is where I would start.

[FirebirdHatesRice]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by PiLOTLiTE:
Your compressor might be dead, but I would first check to see if you have a leak in the system. If all the refrigerant leaked out, the compressor will not turn on due to a safety sensor. If the compressor is not able to create pressure due to lack of r-134a in the lines, a sensor will prevent the compressor from coming on and burning itself up. Most A/C services must be performed by qualified people at shops with the proper equipment. That is where I would start.<hr></blockquote>

Is it possible that I might just need a simple recharge? I checked the lines and they all seem to be tight and with no holes. Where should I go to get this checked out, Pontiac dealer? Is it expensive?

[need4speed]

There are shops around that specialize in automotive a/c work. You can spot a leak by inspecting the a/c lines and if you see an oil/greasy spot around it, you probably have a leak there. For really slow leaks, the shop can inject UV dye and find it. The compressor is not fried or anything most likely, just need a recharge. The shop will pull a vacuum and hold it for a while, which is another way to determine if a leak is present. Then they will refill it and it will work fine.

The low pressure switch disables the compressor so it doesn't burn up, which is why it wasn't working.

Also, never take your car to the dealer unless you like getting raped or you have no other choice.

[ June 11, 2003: Message edited by: need4speed ]</p>

[FirebirdHatesRice]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by need4speed:

Also, never take your car to the dealer unless you like getting raped or you have no other choice.
[ June 11, 2003: Message edited by: need4speed ]<hr></blockquote>

Yeah, thanks for that advice. I figured that out myself when I asked how much my tail light with 3" crack on it would cost to be replaces...$320! After hearing that, I have never gone back.

Anyways, thanks alot for the help everyone. I thought it might have been low on coolant so hopefully that's it. How much does that generally cost to get refilled?

[FirebirdHatesRice]

Just got everything working. The refrigerant was completely discharged from the system...not a drop in there. I'm assuming that it was discharged when I bought my car a few months back and since it was winter I had no reason to check the A/C. It took some refrigerant and now it's working great. If there is a leak, I also shot some dye in there that will show the leak when you put a blacklight on it. Thanks for the help guys!