12 years later this video is still helping people. Thank you so much! I was so focused on the compressor that I failed to realize my pressure sensor was chewed through by mice.
Richpin you are a beautiful person. I have a 01 SC and I've never come across a video I couldn't find an answer to from googling "Richpin [problem keywords]". Hopefully I can use this to figure out why my AC hasn't worked yet this year. Thank you!
This is a great set of videos! Before watching these two videos I literally knew next to nothing about AC. Not anymore. I think I might actually be able to get my AC back up and running! Thanks for posting these very detailed and helpful videos!
I love you! Thanks so much for your videos. You have helped me save so much money and taught me how to work on my car. My Saturn is 16 years old and still going strong. I run into problems with her acting up but with your videos I am able to find a solution to the problem.
You’re a genius! I think this is the first time the compressor motor has spun in years. I jumped it with a paper clip turned it on and Bam! It actually started turning. Being low on charge apparently prevents the motor from turning? I think I have no pressure in the lines as there is no cold air at all. I believe I’m going to be able to recharge it now. Thanks again!
Thank you for your video. I used it to diagnose a problem on my 1996 chevy blazer. The clutch on the AC unit was not turning on, and it was blowing warm air. Once I used the paper clip to bypass the relay I was able to reset the clutch, and then I could charge the AC with new refrigerant. I found that there is a leak and that's why I ran out of refrigerant. Thanks for all of your help. It helped me to get on my way to solving my problems. Excellent video.
Thanks very much for the video. I was able to successfully troubleshoot my system and isolated fault to a bad compressor clutch relay. Living in Louisiana having functioning AC is a life saver! Thanks again
Thanks very much for this informative video. You helped me isolate the problem -- my low pressure switch went bad. Replaced it ($9 at parts store), and we're back in business. Thanks again!
Hey rich...i have a 99 saturn sl and because of all your great videos...I have replaced my radiator,water pump and some other minor things that would not have been possible if not for the hard work and time you put in to all your videos. Thank you and please keep those videos coming. "especially for that saturn sl you work on".......V
Without reading the high side it makes it a little differcult to see whats going on.If i were to make a guess i would say there is air in there which probably means you have a hole somewhere in the system.You need to start from scratch put a can of refrigerant with dye in and check for leaks.When you find it replace the part.evacuate and charge the system.
Hi Rich!!! You are a real Master!!! Congratulations from México. Doing all this steps I can Fix my Windstar ´96 AC System!!! Best Regars!! You got a new fan.
The most common reason A/C systems stop working is there is a leak somewhere in the system.What i do is put enough refrigerant with dye in the system to get the compressor to turn on then look for the leak.
hello i like your video its really2x useful... thank you very much for making a step by step procedure i hope you show more video to share...your a top aircon mechanic
First thing i would do is check the pressure if there is none there is a leak somewhere.To find it use refrigerant with dye.Hook up your hose from the can to the low port with the engine off.Turn on the A/C and start the engine.Then turn the valve handle to pierce the can then turn the valve to permit the refrigerant to enter the system.
@pontiachotshot To check put your gauge set on first then see what the reading is not running.If it is at zero start the car turn on the A/C and put in one 12oz can of refrigerant with dye and check for leaks.Always check your gauges if the temperature is 90 deg(f) do not go over 270psi on the high side at 2000 rpm.
If the compressor clutch is engauging like you said then it is a possibility the bulb is burnt out in the switch.The only way to tell what is going on with your air conditioning system is to put a gauge set on it.
Thank you for the good video. In my 2008 Sienna, clutch was not engaging, so I added one can of RedTek 12a, the pressure was on blue and clutch engaged and AC system worked fine for few months(original gas was 134a). Then it stopped blowing cold air. I checked the low side pressure , it was 100 psi. clutch is engaged but no cold air, the compressor turns normal without noisy sounds. I made the low side pressure zero(evacuate the system using the hose, without allowing any humidity in), then I filled the system with one RedTek 12a can(454 g), the pressure went up to about 80 psi, then the clutch engaged, compressor is very smooth, but no cold air. I added another can, pressure up to 100 psi(low side), but still no cold air. I touched the low side pipe, not cold.. I touched the high pressure side pipe that is coming out of compressor, it is not hot.. Wondering, what is going on with this AC system, is the problem in the AC compressor it self, or one of the expansion valves is faulty and wide open, as this vehicle has rear air conditioning. Thank you
Thanks Rich! Narrowed it down. Pressure switch is good. Plenty of freon. There is current at the clutch when engaged. Means the clutch is toast. Guess I'll look for best deal on a compressor, and guy a can of freon, right? Thanks again sir.
Priced it. Same price. Gotta buy clutch from manufacturer but after market compressor including clutch and I'm not sure the compressor will not go out soon. So why not replace whole thing? Or should I figure much easier to replace clutch and no need to do freon too? I took it to shop and they wanted 800 bucks to fix it. So I've done without so far... Thanks for advice
richpin06a I actually found out it was a wire that had been chewed on by something when my car sat for a year, but now its the switch preventing the clutch from engaging because when i jumped it with the paper clip it engaged. what can i do about that switch?? thanks so much
If you have voltage at the connector and the clutch is not engaging then run a jumperwire from your battery to the clutch itself and see if it engages. I have seen in the past where I had voltage at the connector but not enough amperage to engage it because my ac relay contacts were bad.
Good video Rich My Saturn SL2 1997 Has a leak somewhere. I install a new compressor and tried charging the system but it was low on refrigerant. So my clutch doesn't engage. I wasn't getting voltage at the compressor. So I went to the pressure switch and bypass it. My clutch did engage. So I guess I will bypass the switch until I get enough freon with dye in it. And then maybe I will have enough freon in the system. 😇😇😇😇😇😇
If the fan does not run and you come to a stop there is no air being drawed through the condenser which will result in very little cooling in the cabin.
I have a 2000 ford ranger. The a.c will attempt to work on startup of the truck, for 3 seconds the clutch will engage and will only if reengage if i turn off the truck and start it again. paperclip trick don't work (pressure switch) refrigerant is good, i know this by running 2 wires directly from the battery to the clutch while the truck is running. the reading on the low side was 35 and the high side 200
hi, Rich i learned a lot from you, from changing the water pump, brakes, cleaning egr and so on it saves me a lot of moneyand i am very thankful of that; i have one question though my saturn a/c suddenly stop working is it possible that low or lack of refrigerant will cause the clutch in the compressor not to spin?
Richpin, I got a Recharge kit/can w hose adapter. Do I start filling the a/c tank w/out starting the vehicle, to build up some pressure first? Or should I start the vehicle, then release the fluid? I've got the saturn w/out continuity showing at the pressure switch. Thx again, trying not to make mistakes...Frank, $300 Saturn Sl2
With the car running, I am getting 14 volts to the compressor, when I jump the switch using a paper clip. The fan turns on, but the clutch does not engage.
Hi, I hope you can answer my question so that when I walk into a repair shop, I won't be so clueless, therefore, be taken advantage of financially. I have a 2007 Toyota Corolla and anytime I turn on the a/c and make only LEFT turns, it makes a noise like sand or a fizzing sound. Nothing is stuck under the carriage of the car, I checked, as well as under the hood, plus when I turn off the a/c and turn left, no noise. Thank you for any help you can offer.
$300 '97 Saturn sl2....I put a new radiator in over the winter, and now the clutch won't engage.. When checking continuity on the pressure switch, there is no need to have the ignition engaged? correct? ok, thanks. 1 more question. The Fan has only worked on the vehicle, when the A/C was engaged, any thoughts? Thx again for keeping my Saturn on the road...
Hi great video. I unplugged the coolant sensor and found the connector to have the green corrosion you talked about. I can't just clean this off and replace the sensor?
The pieces you are missing are: heater box (HVAC module),hoses,compressor,condenser. Important Update: Jan 1 2013 there will be a new richpin channel for all future videos.Richpin06a channel will be solely for all the Saturn lovers out there.Should be a lot of fun so stay tuned.
Another question for you Rich. My AC suddenly went out. The AC button lights up but neither the AC compressor or the engine fan turn on like they used to. Any other tips you might know of? Thanks in advance
I have a 99 Saturn SC2 coupe with 63, 400 mi on it had to replace frame broke a transmission mount the car is in great shape seats interior are perfect replaced all front end parts but it still wants to dark on the road left or right when you hit a line or a hump
In replacing my radiator on my 96 SL -- I couldn't navigate the radiator back in and "bent" my low charge AC line causing it to leak at the compressor. How difficult is it to replace the AC lines -- andy tips/special tools -- and do you have a video on this topic.. thanks again for the videos you have posted -- they have save me time and aggravation..
@richpin06a, just got this 1997yr and model sl2 for nothing. Having a few troubles tbough and your videos have helped a great deal so far. One problem is the ac and I had a question about jumping the clutch with paper clip. Does the car need to be started? I ask because i jumped it with car off and it didn't engage just want to make sure I am doing this right before buying a new clutch or compressor. Speaking of, do you have a video showing how to replace the clutch and the entire compressor?
I am trying to use the video to diagnose the AC on my suburban. I replaced the AC belt and the tensioner that was frozen. The AC clutch kicks on and off every few seconds or so but the AC still blows hot. The simple gauge on the top of recharge system tells me that the one side of the system is in ALERT(as if it's overcharged). I know there are shrader valves and I can release some pressure but did not want to do that quite yet. I did not put any refrigerant in the system at all. They belt has been broken for about a year so the compressor and clutch were not running for a year but do appear to be working from just a visible inspection of the compressor spinning as well as the AC clutch engaging every few seconds. Any thoughts on my next step to diagnose, why it tells me ALERT on the refill side?
everything runs. howerver, I had a friend test it with the can w/dye and it shown a leak, how much will it cost ? and what is the repair will look like?
Great instructional video Rich. Unfortunately I have the same problem with my 1998 SC2 that jednootenboom has above. Every item checks good, compressor operating, pressure switch ok, relay operating, fuses good, low side charge is @ 45-50, still no cold air. Question, what would typical range for high side side pressure be?
I have a 2000 Chevy Malibu that keeps blowing the fuse. When it is not blown, the ac works great, but I cannot count on it lasting long. I read your posts, but didn't see a similar question, is there a common reason why it would continue to blow the fuse? When I jump the fuse with a paper clip, the clutch does engage.
Can you do a video on how to fix a broken door inside the A/C box of a gen 2 or 3 Saturn SL series? I have a 97 Saturn SL2 and air comes out of all the vents except for one of the vents in the center console. A mechanic quoted $1000.00 just to get to it.
to check the pressure if its low, will i have to jump the pressure switch to check pressure or will my gauge read the pressure with out the compressor on ?
My compressor turns on but the low side doesn't move down at all. I can unplug the pressure switch and the clutch stops ... and so it turns on and off but no suction... Is there something else or is it a bad compressor?
Hi richpin, I have 2000 sl1 my ac is not working the compressor pulley is spinning but the clutch is not engaged. I tried to put more refrigerant in but the low pressure was really high up to around 80 would not allow me to add it. I do not know what the pressure on the high side is. All buttons and switches on inside are working.
My L Series has a 3 pin P.S. with Red, Black And White wires to the connector. I did try touching them with my multimeter and did get a 0.00 reading at one point but couldn't see what ones I was testing. You can't see them well like on an S Series. It does have a charge because the compressor was working before it froze up 2 days ago. The clutch wouldn't turn. Now no clutch engaging on the reman compressor. I vacuumed and tried to recharge it and still nothing. Doesn't make sense. Swapped relays and diodes too.
Hey rich, I have 12 volts to the a/c compressor so I suspect the clutch is bad. Is there a way to confirm its the clutch and not a seized or bad compressor? Also if it is the clutch, do I need to remove the compressor to replace the clutch or can I keep it bolted on and just pull the clutch?
I thought the AC Compressor worked at all times when the Defrost mode was switched on, this morning it was 29 degrees, and the AC Compressor was not on with the Defrost and it would not clear my windows....all of them, so I could not see to drive..... I had to pull over.................. My compressor works intemmitenly, so what is going on?
First of all thanks. Your videos have been helping me keep my old 2002 Saturn going. Now my son is driving it. Unfortunately we are now having problems with the AC. The clutch is not spinning, but I have voltage (just under 14 V) at the connector. The text on the video suggests that it is probably the clutch is bad. I did drive the car around the neighborhood (about 5 mins) then let it sit for 30-45 before doing the tests. Would that effect the results? If not, then I guess the next step is to replace the clutch? Do you have a video showing that process? Thanks. Edit: One thing I forgot to mention is that the clutch does spin freely when tuned by hand, just not engaging via the car electronics.
If the outer clutch plate does not move when voltage is applied i would suspect the clutch as being faulty. I do not have a video for the saturn just this one ua-cam.com/video/dsacpKR_sA8/v-deo.html
I turned a/c with the defrost on for one hour and now the a/c won't come on. the light on the switch keeps blinking and the clutch won't engage. what do you think happened?
The connection is under the compressor on the lower part of the engine. I did get the connection off, and tried to connect each pin to ground through the ohm meter and never found where it was grounded. I also switched the relay with another relay (same number) ran the car for awhile, and the ac worked for about 2 minutes and blew the fuse again.
Hi. I've got a Toyota allex 2005 model. I have added Freon. Problem is my a.c. works for s while and then cold air stops blowing. It will only start if I off the a.c. button and switch it on again. When my car is idle the a.c. seems to cool for longer period. But when I'm driving it would stop cooling within 2 minutes. Any idea what the problem could be?
I have. 98 Saturn sc2 and the pressure switch is shot. Do you have any idea where I can get that switch? I can’t find it anywhere. I love your videos and I even bought myself a multimeter.
...didn't check it (yet), the gauge on the can I bought at Wal-mart only fits the low side port. What are the possibilities? Air in the system? Can i bleed it?
Hey Richpin, love your videos, but I'm having a very odd problem with my ac. when you have the car on and turn on the fan by itself after a while, the IGN 3 fuse blows under the hood and stops power to a bucnch of things. Any ideas why this might be happening? thanks
Hey Rich- thanks for the great videos. When testing the power to the compressor does it make any difference while hole to put the jumper pin in ... And then testing with vm. Thanks-jeff
hi rich great video as all, what's the name of the ignition fuse that's located in the interior junction box? you said others words, I couldn't understand them , can you writer them , thank you rich,cheers from ontario calif,
Nice videos.My a/c works great when it's in the low 80's but 90 or higher it starts acting up,probe jumps to 55-60degress, and here are the symptoms when it's a hot day.I did notice on start-up,the compressor starts and stops 10 times with-in the 1st 2 minutes,then 4 more with-in the next 2 minutes,then compressor stops cycling. If I drive at 55mph or lower I get cooler air,but over 55 the air starts cycle from cool to slightly warmer.No leaks and it's been recharged.Any ideas?
Rich - Thanks for all your Saturn videos. They have been very helpful over the years as I'm struggling to keep my '99 SL2 up and running. So, after watching your video, my clutch is not spinning. The connector (Step 1 in the video) shows 13.7v DC. All the other checks check out fine. I'm getting voltage to the compressor, but clutch doesn't spin. My low side pressure is at 100 psi which is pretty high. I'm the original owner and and never had A/C issue until this summer. I haven't added any charge to the system, and wonder why the pressure is so high. Thoughts?
Added 1 can 134a and oil and bypassed pressure switch. The compressor did start but it was making a loud grinding noise and I turned it off. Guess I'm gonna buy the compressor kit. They told me it comes with the compressor, accumulator, an the orifice. Is there anything else that I have to know before I install these parts? Thanks!
hello .... Thanks for a good titorial ... I have a question! I try all the steps you take in this video but only in the pressure sensor test in the line of high .... (my car is a saturn l100) and the plug has three contacts which none gave the continuities. also connect the plug with a paper clip and the compressor didnot start! pressure is 100 psi with the system off. which you think is the problem? thanks!!!!
12 years later this video is still helping people. Thank you so much! I was so focused on the compressor that I failed to realize my pressure sensor was chewed through by mice.
Update, 14 years. Thanks richpin
Richpin you are a beautiful person. I have a 01 SC and I've never come across a video I couldn't find an answer to from googling "Richpin [problem keywords]".
Hopefully I can use this to figure out why my AC hasn't worked yet this year. Thank you!
GlowingNinja A/C is not my specialty so i do not know all the answers there.Googling Richpin is funny though.
This is a great set of videos! Before watching these two videos I literally knew next to nothing about AC. Not anymore. I think I might actually be able to get my AC back up and running! Thanks for posting these very detailed and helpful videos!
Rich, I love your videos. I have two saturns and have been watching your saturn videos for over a year. Thank you!
I love you!
Thanks so much for your videos. You have helped me save so much money and taught me how to work on my car. My Saturn is 16 years old and still going strong. I run into problems with her acting up but with your videos I am able to find a solution to the problem.
I am glad i could help.
You’re a genius! I think this is the first time the compressor motor has spun in years. I jumped it with a paper clip turned it on and Bam! It actually started turning. Being low on charge apparently prevents the motor from turning? I think I have no pressure in the lines as there is no cold air at all. I believe I’m going to be able to recharge it now. Thanks again!
Thank you for your video. I used it to diagnose a problem on my 1996 chevy blazer. The clutch on the AC unit was not turning on, and it was blowing warm air. Once I used the paper clip to bypass the relay I was able to reset the clutch, and then I could charge the AC with new refrigerant. I found that there is a leak and that's why I ran out of refrigerant. Thanks for all of your help. It helped me to get on my way to solving my problems. Excellent video.
After I jumped the switch I compressor kicked on but would not take any freon
oh you r priceless! God is smiling at u for helping others like this
But then why did god give him wrinkled hands?
Man, I've got a Saturn SC1 just like in this and these videos are a lifesaver.
Thanks very much for the video. I was able to successfully troubleshoot my system and isolated fault to a bad compressor clutch relay. Living in Louisiana having functioning AC is a life saver! Thanks again
Thanks very much for this informative video. You helped me isolate the problem -- my low pressure switch went bad. Replaced it ($9 at parts store), and we're back in business. Thanks again!
This video got me pointed to the pressure shutoff switch, fixed the issue on my wife's truck. Thanks for making it!
Thanks' You are already on the service people
I wish you every happiness in your life gentleman
Greetings
Hey rich...i have a 99 saturn sl and because of all your great videos...I have replaced my radiator,water pump and some other minor things that would not have been possible if not for the hard work and time you put in to all your videos. Thank you and please keep those videos coming. "especially for that saturn sl you work on".......V
Great video! Thanks! No nonsense, clear, and straight to the point. Very much appreciated! Looks like the clutch on our compressor is bad.
Without reading the high side it makes it a little differcult to see whats going on.If i were to make a guess i would say there is air in there which probably means you have a hole somewhere in the system.You need to start from scratch put a can of refrigerant with dye in and check for leaks.When you find it replace the part.evacuate and charge the system.
Thank you so much, this helped me fix my A/C, Arizona heat does not play around when you gotta go somewhere.
Hi Rich!!! You are a real Master!!! Congratulations from México. Doing all this steps I can Fix my Windstar ´96 AC System!!! Best Regars!! You got a new fan.
@92Countryb There is not enough of air blowing over the condenser when the car is not moving to give you cold air, very common on the Saturn.
The most common reason A/C systems stop working is there is a leak somewhere in the system.What i do is put enough refrigerant with dye in the system to get the compressor to turn on then look for the leak.
hello i like your video its really2x useful... thank you very much for making a step by step procedure i hope you show more video to share...your a top aircon mechanic
First thing i would do is check the pressure if there is none there is a leak somewhere.To find it use refrigerant with dye.Hook up your hose from the can to the low port with the engine off.Turn on the A/C and start the engine.Then turn the valve handle to pierce the can then turn the valve to permit the refrigerant to enter the system.
@pontiachotshot To check put your gauge set on first then see what the reading is not running.If it is at zero start the car turn on the A/C and put in one 12oz can of refrigerant with dye and check for leaks.Always check your gauges if the temperature is 90 deg(f) do not go over 270psi on the high side at 2000 rpm.
Thanks for the tips, Baaaston. Helped me solve a problem on a Saturn.
good speaking &good video and your explanation, to how we can find out the trouble.thanks
If the compressor clutch is engauging like you said then it is a possibility the bulb is burnt out in the switch.The only way to tell what is going on with your air conditioning system is to put a gauge set on it.
Thank you for the good video. In my 2008 Sienna, clutch was not engaging, so I added one can of RedTek 12a, the pressure was on blue and clutch engaged and AC system worked fine for few months(original gas was 134a).
Then it stopped blowing cold air. I checked the low side pressure , it was 100 psi. clutch is engaged but no cold air, the compressor turns normal without noisy sounds.
I made the low side pressure zero(evacuate the system using the hose, without allowing any humidity in), then I filled the system with one RedTek 12a can(454 g), the pressure went up to about 80 psi, then the clutch engaged, compressor is very smooth, but no cold air.
I added another can, pressure up to 100 psi(low side), but still no cold air.
I touched the low side pipe, not cold.. I touched the high pressure side pipe that is coming out of compressor, it is not hot..
Wondering, what is going on with this AC system, is the problem in the AC compressor it self, or one of the expansion valves is faulty and wide open, as this vehicle has rear air conditioning. Thank you
@TheBboytwister Checking the switch is to see if the switch is closed and the connector for voltage to operate the compressor clutch.
Have you troubleshooted the compressor clutch to see if that is were the fault lies.
If you can move center piece which is the clutch then the compressor might not be seized.What make year vehicle are you working on.
Thanks Rich! Narrowed it down. Pressure switch is good. Plenty of freon. There is current at the clutch when engaged. Means the clutch is toast. Guess I'll look for best deal on a compressor, and guy a can of freon, right?
Thanks again sir.
Why not just replace the clutch? Much cheaper.
Priced it. Same price. Gotta buy clutch from manufacturer but after market compressor including clutch and I'm not sure the compressor will not go out soon. So why not replace whole thing? Or should I figure much easier to replace clutch and no need to do freon too? I took it to shop and they wanted 800 bucks to fix it. So I've done without so far... Thanks for advice
just amazing, thank you so much you made my day 10+
@92Countryb Maybe mounting a fan in front of the condenser might help MAYBE.
Jared Bonner,The IGN3 fuse on the s-series feeds into the A/C relay so i might start at that point.
richpin06a I actually found out it was a wire that had been chewed on by something when my car sat for a year, but now its the switch preventing the clutch from engaging because when i jumped it with the paper clip it engaged. what can i do about that switch?? thanks so much
Jared Bonner Could it be your system is low on charge that is why the switch is not passing voltage..
If you have voltage at the connector and the clutch is not engaging then run a jumperwire from your battery to the clutch itself and see if it engages. I have seen in the past where I had voltage at the connector but not enough amperage to engage it because my ac relay contacts were bad.
I think that is a fair assumption.You could check that by see what the ground control from the PCM is doing at relay pin at the fuse box.
very easy to follow step by step. thank you.
Good video Rich
My Saturn SL2
1997
Has a leak somewhere.
I install a new compressor and tried charging the system but it was low on refrigerant.
So my clutch doesn't engage.
I wasn't getting voltage at the compressor.
So I went to the pressure switch and bypass it.
My clutch did engage.
So I guess I will
bypass the switch until I get enough freon with dye in it.
And then maybe I will have enough freon in the system.
😇😇😇😇😇😇
Thank you for your hard work.
If the fan does not run and you come to a stop there is no air being drawed through the condenser which will result in very little cooling in the cabin.
What are the high and low pressure readings of your system.
I have a 2000 ford ranger.
The a.c will attempt to work on startup of the truck, for 3 seconds the clutch will engage and will only if reengage if i turn off the truck and start it again.
paperclip trick don't work (pressure switch)
refrigerant is good, i know this by running 2 wires directly from the battery to the clutch while the truck is running.
the reading on the low side was 35 and the high side 200
Awesome video! thanks a lot, A/C is blowing could now!
hi, Rich i learned a lot from you, from changing the water pump, brakes, cleaning egr and so on it saves me a lot of moneyand i am very thankful of that; i have one question though my saturn a/c suddenly stop working is it possible that low or lack of refrigerant will cause the clutch in the compressor not to spin?
You helped me pass my smog test.
I would use a multimeter on the ohm scale with the wire disconnected from the clutch and check to see if the clutch coil is shorted to ground.
Is the cooling fan working.
Richpin, I got a Recharge kit/can w hose adapter. Do I start filling the a/c tank w/out starting the vehicle, to build up some pressure first? Or should I start the vehicle, then release the fluid? I've got the saturn w/out continuity showing at the pressure switch. Thx again, trying not to make mistakes...Frank, $300 Saturn Sl2
What is the high side reading.
With the car running, I am getting 14 volts to the compressor, when I jump the switch using a paper clip. The fan turns on, but the clutch does not engage.
Did you figure this out? I have the same issue on a 02 Saturn sl
Did you have to replace the compressor?
Hi, I hope you can answer my question so that when I walk into a repair shop, I won't be so clueless, therefore, be taken advantage of financially. I have a 2007 Toyota Corolla and anytime I turn on the a/c and make only LEFT turns, it makes a noise like sand or a fizzing sound. Nothing is stuck under the carriage of the car, I checked, as well as under the hood, plus when I turn off the a/c and turn left, no noise. Thank you for any help you can offer.
$300 '97 Saturn sl2....I put a new radiator in over the winter, and now the clutch won't engage..
When checking continuity on the pressure switch, there is no need to have the ignition engaged? correct? ok, thanks.
1 more question. The Fan has only worked on the vehicle, when the A/C was engaged, any thoughts?
Thx again for keeping my Saturn on the road...
Hi great video. I unplugged the coolant sensor and found the connector to have the green corrosion you talked about. I can't just clean this off and replace the sensor?
The pieces you are missing are: heater box (HVAC module),hoses,compressor,condenser.
Important Update: Jan 1 2013 there will be a new richpin channel for all future videos.Richpin06a channel will be solely for all the Saturn lovers out there.Should be a lot of fun so stay tuned.
Another question for you Rich. My AC suddenly went out. The AC button lights up but neither the AC compressor or the engine fan turn on like they used to. Any other tips you might know of? Thanks in advance
I have a 99 Saturn SC2 coupe with 63, 400 mi on it had to replace frame broke a transmission mount the car is in great shape seats interior are perfect replaced all front end parts but it still wants to dark on the road left or right when you hit a line or a hump
Thanks Richpin you are a life saver!!!!!
@acanalesp I am using a craftsman multimeter to do the electrical tests.
In replacing my radiator on my 96 SL -- I couldn't navigate the radiator back in and "bent" my low charge AC line causing it to leak at the compressor. How difficult is it to replace the AC lines -- andy tips/special tools -- and do you have a video on this topic.. thanks again for the videos you have posted -- they have save me time and aggravation..
@richpin06a, just got this 1997yr and model sl2 for nothing. Having a few troubles tbough and your videos have helped a great deal so far. One problem is the ac and I had a question about jumping the clutch with paper clip. Does the car need to be started? I ask because i jumped it with car off and it didn't engage just want to make sure I am doing this right before buying a new clutch or compressor. Speaking of, do you have a video showing how to replace the clutch and the entire compressor?
@gpcdist Are you getting continuity trough the switch
Is there voltage at the electrical connector at the compressor.
I am trying to use the video to diagnose the AC on my suburban. I replaced the AC belt and the tensioner that was frozen. The AC clutch kicks on and off every few seconds or so but the AC still blows hot. The simple gauge on the top of recharge system tells me that the one side of the system is in ALERT(as if it's overcharged). I know there are shrader valves and I can release some pressure but did not want to do that quite yet. I did not put any refrigerant in the system at all. They belt has been broken for about a year so the compressor and clutch were not running for a year but do appear to be working from just a visible inspection of the compressor spinning as well as the AC clutch engaging every few seconds. Any thoughts on my next step to diagnose, why it tells me ALERT on the refill side?
everything runs. howerver, I had a friend test it with the can w/dye and it shown a leak, how much will it cost ? and what is the repair will look like?
Great instructional video Rich. Unfortunately I have the same problem with my 1998
SC2 that jednootenboom has above. Every item checks good, compressor operating, pressure switch ok, relay operating, fuses good, low side charge is @ 45-50, still no cold air. Question, what would typical range for high side side pressure be?
Help me trace back to a bad relay. Thanks for the help!!
I have a 2000 Chevy Malibu that keeps blowing the fuse. When it is not blown, the ac works great, but I cannot count on it lasting long. I read your posts, but didn't see a similar question, is there a common reason why it would continue to blow the fuse? When I jump the fuse with a paper clip, the clutch does engage.
@fbruno082 What year and make Saturn do you have.
Can you do a video on how to fix a broken door inside the A/C box of a gen 2 or 3 Saturn SL series? I have a 97 Saturn SL2 and air comes out of all the vents except for one of the vents in the center console. A mechanic quoted $1000.00 just to get to it.
to check the pressure if its low, will i have to jump the pressure switch to check pressure or will my gauge read the pressure with out the compressor on ?
My compressor turns on but the low side doesn't move down at all. I can unplug the pressure switch and the clutch stops ... and so it turns on and off but no suction... Is there something else or is it a bad compressor?
My compressor is ALWAYS on. The center ring is always spinning with the outer ring even when ac switch is off. Any ideas? [VW POLO 9N 1.2]
zolwikwkurwik
Your mode blend actuator is bad
one more thing is it possible that i can add refrigerant even if the compressor clutch is not spinning? thanks a lot in advance.
i like ur videos, you know what u r doing
Hi richpin, I have 2000 sl1 my ac is not working the compressor pulley is spinning but the clutch is not engaged. I tried to put more refrigerant in but the low pressure was really high up to around 80 would not allow me to add it. I do not know what the pressure on the high side is. All buttons and switches on inside are working.
Excellent videos Thank You!!
My L Series has a 3 pin P.S. with Red, Black And White wires to the connector. I did try touching them with my multimeter and did get a 0.00 reading at one point but couldn't see what ones I was testing. You can't see them well like on an S Series. It does have a charge because the compressor was working before it froze up 2 days ago. The clutch wouldn't turn. Now no clutch engaging on the reman compressor. I vacuumed and tried to recharge it and still nothing. Doesn't make sense. Swapped relays and diodes too.
First question: correct Second question:the fan will only come on when the temp reaches 226 deg have you checked for this.
Hey rich, I have 12 volts to the a/c compressor so I suspect the clutch is bad. Is there a way to confirm its the clutch and not a seized or bad compressor? Also if it is the clutch, do I need to remove the compressor to replace the clutch or can I keep it bolted on and just pull the clutch?
I thought the AC Compressor worked at all times when the Defrost mode was switched on, this morning it was 29 degrees, and the AC Compressor was not on with the Defrost and it would not clear my windows....all of them, so I could not see to drive..... I had to pull over.................. My compressor works intemmitenly, so what is going on?
First of all thanks. Your videos have been helping me keep my old 2002 Saturn going. Now my son is driving it. Unfortunately we are now having problems with the AC. The clutch is not spinning, but I have voltage (just under 14 V) at the connector. The text on the video suggests that it is probably the clutch is bad.
I did drive the car around the neighborhood (about 5 mins) then let it sit for 30-45 before doing the tests. Would that effect the results? If not, then I guess the next step is to replace the clutch? Do you have a video showing that process?
Thanks.
Edit: One thing I forgot to mention is that the clutch does spin freely when tuned by hand, just not engaging via the car electronics.
If the outer clutch plate does not move when voltage is applied i would suspect the clutch as being faulty. I do not have a video for the saturn just this one ua-cam.com/video/dsacpKR_sA8/v-deo.html
@MrRaiders6769 I have not run into this one,is the check engine light on.
I turned a/c with the defrost on for one hour and now the a/c won't come on. the light on the switch keeps blinking and the clutch won't engage. what do you think happened?
Hi Rich, do you know if the 2001 SC2 has a cabin a/c filter?
The connection is under the compressor on the lower part of the engine. I did get the connection off, and tried to connect each pin to ground through the ohm meter and never found where it was grounded. I also switched the relay with another relay (same number) ran the car for awhile, and the ac worked for about 2 minutes and blew the fuse again.
What if I only see 4.95V, not 14.95V ? The clutch is still bad? Thanks.
regarding the pressure switch, if your checking it for ohms then why are you checking the actual connector for current?
Hi. I've got a Toyota allex 2005 model. I have added Freon. Problem is my a.c. works for s while and then cold air stops blowing. It will only start if I off the a.c. button and switch it on again. When my car is idle the a.c. seems to cool for longer period. But when I'm driving it would stop cooling within 2 minutes. Any idea what the problem could be?
I have. 98 Saturn sc2 and the pressure switch is shot. Do you have any idea where I can get that switch? I can’t find it anywhere. I love your videos and I even bought myself a multimeter.
...didn't check it (yet), the gauge on the can I bought at Wal-mart only fits the low side port.
What are the possibilities? Air in the system? Can i bleed it?
Hey Richpin, love your videos, but I'm having a very odd problem with my ac. when you have the car on and turn on the fan by itself after a while, the IGN 3 fuse blows under the hood and stops power to a bucnch of things. Any ideas why this might be happening? thanks
Hey Rich- thanks for the great videos. When testing the power to the compressor does it make any difference while hole to put the jumper pin in ... And then testing with vm.
Thanks-jeff
hi rich great video as all, what's the name of the ignition fuse that's located in the interior junction box? you said others words, I couldn't understand them , can you writer them , thank you rich,cheers from ontario calif,
Nice videos.My a/c works great when it's in the low 80's but 90 or higher it starts acting up,probe jumps to 55-60degress, and here are the symptoms when it's a hot day.I did notice on start-up,the compressor starts and stops 10 times with-in the 1st 2 minutes,then 4 more with-in the next 2 minutes,then compressor stops cycling.
If I drive at 55mph or lower I get cooler air,but over 55 the air starts cycle from cool to slightly warmer.No leaks and it's been recharged.Any ideas?
I have a Buick regal 2001 and AC doesn't work. is every car has the same system?
Rich - Thanks for all your Saturn videos. They have been very helpful over the years as I'm struggling to keep my '99 SL2 up and running. So, after watching your video, my clutch is not spinning. The connector (Step 1 in the video) shows 13.7v DC. All the other checks check out fine. I'm getting voltage to the compressor, but clutch doesn't spin. My low side pressure is at 100 psi which is pretty high. I'm the original owner and and never had A/C issue until this summer. I haven't added any charge to the system, and wonder why the pressure is so high. Thoughts?
usafa1992 Are you checking the pressure with the vehicle running and at 2000 rpm.
Just checked low side port again, fallen down to 15 lbs, comp clutch not engaging... safe to say there's a leak?
Added 1 can 134a and oil and bypassed pressure switch. The compressor did start but it was making a loud grinding noise and I turned it off. Guess I'm gonna buy the compressor kit. They told me it comes with the compressor, accumulator, an the orifice. Is there anything else that I have to know before I install these parts? Thanks!
realy simple troubleshoting methods//// Thanks .....
hello .... Thanks for a good titorial ... I have a question! I try all the steps you take in this video but only in the pressure sensor test in the line of high .... (my car is a saturn l100) and the plug has three contacts which none gave the continuities. also connect the plug with a paper clip and the compressor didnot start! pressure is 100 psi with the system off. which you think is the problem? thanks!!!!