AboutTodd Puccio Expertise General auto repair,electical issues,driveability issues,anti-lock brakes,SIR systems,HVAC,engine performance,Gm spacific. I have worked at my current dealseship since the 1990 model year anything much older than that I have limited exposure to. I do not have very much transmission experience so those question you may want to ask of another expert. When you send me a question let me know the exact make/model/engine and year for the car or suv you have it makes it easier to answer the questions that way.
Experience Experience in the area:I have been employed by the same Gm dealer for 18 years and and a ASE master technician. I work at a Pontiac and GMC truck store. Served a a lead technician when dealership was on a team system.
I just recently moved to a Buick,Hummer,Saab Store when my franschise was purchased by this dealership.
Organazations: ASE master techncian
Education/Credentials:High school diploma,2 year vocational school degree
2 year college degree. Associates degree in applied scineces (auto technology)Awards and Honors: GMC master techncian
Question I've got a 1995 firebird formula, that I just replaced the compressor line and took it to a shop to have it evacuated, pressure tested and charged. The shop told me they were never able to get the compressor to engage, and it was engaging before. I've tested the power plug and it pushes over 13 volts to the compressor when the car is running, but the compressor still doesn't turn. The pressure sensor indicates that there is 50psi in the a/c system when the tempurature is about 66 degrees F. After several minutes of running the car, the computer cuts power to the compressor and doesn't turn it back on until the car is shut off and restarted. Also, both cooling fans kick on and won't shut off until the car is. I'm wondering if the compressor isn't kicking on due to too much refrigerant in the system, if that's really the case, or if the compressor has been damaged? Any suggestions would be appreciated since I don't have the money to have a shop do all the repair work.
Answer Hi Brian:
If there were too much refrigerent in the system the static pressure would be higher then what you stated. I would hook up a halogen light bulb across compressor connector start the car up and turn on the a/c the halogen bulb should light up BRIGHT if not you have high resistance in the compressor power or ground circuit. just because you have 13V at the copmpressor doesn't mean the ground circuit is good of that the wires can handle the amperage the cluth need to engauge. If the light bulb does light up bright the issue is with the clutch on the compressor either the coil is bad for the clutch or the gap between the clutch and the hub is to wide. Good luck :)
