Expert: Rob Painter - 4/14/2010

Question
Hello. I own a 1989 Cadillac fleet-wood V8 4.5 liter. I recently just had the radiator replaced and the air blew really really cold. Now I believe my radiator fluid got to low and it shut off the compressor. I need to know how to reset the compressor so it can start working again.? How would I do this? And also my fuel data center is not reading correctly. Its so hard to try and gauge how many miles or gallons you have left until empty. Can I reset this option also? I would really appreciate your help! College student with limited money. So I would like to do this myself. Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hello,

Your first problem is that you should not be driving an old Cadillac if you have limited funds. I am very serious about this. Secondly, the radiator and A/C condensor are in the same area under the hood, but I have never heard where the radiator had anything with the a/c coolness. Radiator level will affect heat though because the system has to be pressurized to blow heat.
If you overheat this engine you have a lot more to worry about than the A/C. You are looking at an easy $4k for a new engine.

there is no reset for the problems you address. I would like to help you but Cadillac engines are notorious for overheating and there is no one set answer. In fact, last week I listed a bunch of possible causes to another person's over heating problem. Turned out top be rust that solidified in the cooling system.

The A/C system uses freon 12 in a 1989 unless it was retrofitted to 134A. The radiator has coolant also known as anti-freeze depending on the part of the country you are in. Same thing.

If your compressor shut off because it is low on freon and the only way to fix it is to have dye injected into the system to find the leak. Once the leak is found and repaired, the A/C need recharged at $300 per pound time 3.

As I have said, I love Cadillacs, and have owned 25 of them. They can be really good or a money pit. In your case, you can't do anything to repair it yourself and you need to rely on a service center and you are talking big dollars.

For all you know when the guy changed the radiator, he could have nicked the condensor causing the freon leak.

I would recommend getting yourself a Chevy. They may not be as luxurious, but pretty trouble free. The 1977-1990 Chev bodys were good looking and the cars lasted forever.

Good luck!