A/C Compressor power wire - help needed!!

[calais_SC6]

Hi Guys,
I just noticed my a/c compressor isn't working in my VS Calais, l did check if the power wire from the compressor was attached to the original loom wire and it was all good.

I did some testing disconnected the power wire from the loom connector and connected another wire from the compressor to ignition fuse and the COMPRESSOR started to work.

The compressor is on all the time now which l don't want and its not cooling as l just got it regassed last week with the new wire connected to the ignition fuse....?

I am thinking the power wire in the original loom has broken down somewhere, would someone know what color and where the compressor power wire is in the loom is leading to?

Could the compressor wire in the loom lead to the climate control a/c button or does it go to the ecu?

thanks alot

[hako]

I'd say the compressor is not working because the gas is either too low, too high or non-existant. The A/C has a hi and lo pressure switch to prevent the compressor turning on unless gas pressure is OK. If you hotwire it when the gas is too lo or hi you run the risk of ruining the compressor as it will have reduced internal lubrication.

[calais_SC6]

okay even tho l connected the compressor and its not blowing cool air it means maybe its low on gas? how can it be, it just got regassed last week? unless there is a leak? I did notice the mechanic forgot to put the cap on the a/c pipe could it just leak out from there?

I will go back tomorrow and get him to look at the gas pressures?

could it have some kind of interference bewteen the fan turning on as soon as l turn the ignition on "on"?

[Cheap6]

The cap is "just" a dust cap; it should be there but won't allow a leak - find a replacement though, even if you have to get one at a wreckers.

You can test the operation of the high and low pressure switches by briefly (you can kill the compressor by running it longer, as hako posted) shorting the switch wiring terminals with a length of wire or paperclip - the compressor should cut in if the switch is open. Then you have determine if it is a faulty switch or incorrect pressure that is opening the switch. It may well be incorrect refrigerant charge. A leak can often be evidenced by an oil stain, which then catches dirt.

The compressor wire goes to the ECU (PCM) and the climate control "tells" the PCM when to turn the compressor on.

[calais_SC6]

The cap is "just" a dust cap; it should be there but won't allow a leak - find a replacement though, even if you have to get one at a wreckers.

You can test the operation of the high and low pressure switches by briefly (you can kill the compressor by running it longer, as hako posted) shorting the switch wiring terminals with a length of wire or paperclip - the compressor should cut in if the switch is open. Then you have determine if it is a faulty switch or incorrect pressure that is opening the switch. It may well be incorrect refrigerant charge. A leak can often be evidenced by an oil stain, which then catches dirt.

The compressor wire goes to the ECU (PCM) and the climate control "tells" the PCM when to turn the compressor on.

thanks for your help buddy, will get it checked out tomorrow as it may be beyond me to do the above procedure...

cheers

[hako]

okay even tho l connected the compressor and its not blowing cool air it means maybe its low on gas? how can it be, it just got regassed last week? unless there is a leak? I did notice the mechanic forgot to put the cap on the a/c pipe could it just leak out from there?

I will go back tomorrow and get him to look at the gas pressures?

could it have some kind of interference bewteen the fan turning on as soon as l turn the ignition on "on"?

The cap on the a/c pipe only keeps dirt out so that bit doesn't matter. When you got it regassed last week they should have carried out a leak test, (which they possibly did) This "usually" will find any leaks......in your case it looks like it didn't. You can press the valve in (where the cap got left off) and if it hisses there is still some gas left....but maybe not enough.
The gas can leak out very fast or very slow and leave no trace. If it's the evaporator bit (in the dash) then it's pretty expensive to replace...like $800 - $1000 unless you pull the dash yourself.
Anyway, all you can do is take it back and keep your fingers crossed. Hope it goes well.

[calais_SC6]

hope its not an expensive job, do you think the compressor is fine?

[hako]

The comp should be OK unless the gas has leaked from the comp but it will leave a big oil leak witness mark. Most probably it's the evaporator gone which is common.
Worry about it in the morning. Good Luck.

[calais_SC6]

hi guys,
will go and get it checked now, will let you know what happens....
cheers

[calais_SC6]

just came back from the mechanics and he noticed there was a leak on the bottom of the condensor, so will have to get that replaced with a new dryer which cost $235.

What do guys reckon get a new one or second hand?

[hako]

A brand new condenser is about $200 so I wouldn't bother with secondhand. The dryer should be under $50 new.
Sounds like you got off cheap - trip to the aircon man is usually like a trip to a casino.

[calais_SC6]

thanks mate, he even said if l went ahead with it he'll put the air con gas in for free...

[markovr]

Read hereand here common for vr/s air con