2006 Saturn Vue low on freon but can't put much in

Friendly format provided to inquire about automotive a/c systems.
Archived Forum

Moderators: bohica2xo, Tim, JohnHere

Post Reply
atikovi
Posts: 111
Read the full article
Joined: Wed Jul 06, 2016 3:01 pm
Location: Suburban Washington DC

2006 Saturn Vue low on freon but can't put much in

Post by atikovi »

Just bought it with the a/c inop. Gauges show around 25 psi so I figure it's just a little low. Connect my drum of freon with a heater and after about 10 minutes it only takes 7 oz. Gauges around 60 low 90 high at 80 degrees. Both lines warm. What should be my next step? It has 220,000 miles so I assume replace the compressor?
Dougflas
Posts: 379
Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2016 6:10 pm

Re: 2006 Saturn Vue low on freon but can't put much in

Post by Dougflas »

Recover the charge and recharge with proper amount. That way you can eliminate refrigerant charge as a problem. Most AC problems are low refrigerant problems. You could have a stuck control valve in the compressor. Easier to eliminate charge as a troubleshooting step.
atikovi
Posts: 111
Joined: Wed Jul 06, 2016 3:01 pm
Location: Suburban Washington DC

Re: 2006 Saturn Vue low on freon but can't put much in

Post by atikovi »

Was able to add another 10oz with engine at 2,000 rpm and air got cold. Soon as it went to idle it was warm again. Seems like control valve issue.
User avatar
Tim
Site Admin
Posts: 1104
Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2016 2:19 pm
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Contact:

Re: 2006 Saturn Vue low on freon but can't put much in

Post by Tim »

Need low and high side pressure readings!!!

Really should reclaim and recharge to proper specs as suggested.
------------------------------
Please support ACKITS.com for your Auto A/C Parts and Tool needs.

Help Support the Forum
atikovi
Posts: 111
Joined: Wed Jul 06, 2016 3:01 pm
Location: Suburban Washington DC

Re: 2006 Saturn Vue low on freon but can't put much in

Post by atikovi »

Pressure readings in original post. Will replace the control valve and retest.
User avatar
Cusser
Preferred Member
Posts: 846
Joined: Sun Apr 24, 2016 6:29 am

Re: 2006 Saturn Vue low on freon but can't put much in

Post by Cusser »

Tim is asking about the pressures AFTER you added the additional 10 ounces.
atikovi
Posts: 111
Joined: Wed Jul 06, 2016 3:01 pm
Location: Suburban Washington DC

Re: 2006 Saturn Vue low on freon but can't put much in

Post by atikovi »

Don't remember now, just that they were higher when I reved it, but not much more at idle.
User avatar
bohica2xo
Preferred Member
Posts: 1170
Joined: Wed May 11, 2016 4:12 pm
Location: Las Vegas, NV

Re: 2006 Saturn Vue low on freon but can't put much in

Post by bohica2xo »

A classic dead scroll compressor.

There is no control valve in that compressor. As the scroll unit fails it loses capacity. Spinning the engine to 2500+ rpm will show some cooling. But the scroll is sending debris in to the condenser...

You need to replace both the compressor AND the condenser. The condenser is the primary filter.

On a 200k mile vehicle that may be the third compressor. Lots of trash in the system. Replace the condenser, and the receiver drier when you replace the compressor. Clean the old oil from all of the other components by flushing. Clean the evaporator by removing the expansion block.

Check the low temp sensor on the expansion block while you are there. The sensor sits in a well that contains thermal transfer grease. If the sensor is not making good mechanical contact with the block & grease it will have icing issues when the system is working well. Any heat sink grease is good if it needs more.

If this is a V6 vehicle the front subframe is a problem when changing a compressor. The FSM says to use an engine support from above & to drop the subframe to remove the compressor. A big job.
Post Reply