Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

cl8050 on Sun May 29, 2011 6:21 PM

Year: 2004
Make: Saturn
Model: Vue
Engine Size: 3.5
Refrigerant Type: 134
Ambient Temp: 90
Pressure Low: 50
Pressure High: 125
Country of Origin: United States

My Saturn Vue is blowing warm. When the A/C is turned on, the compressor comes on and stays on. The low side pulls down to 50 which I think is too high and the high side stays at 125 which is too low. I am guessing that my Expansion valve is stuck closed but in reading online more, it could be the refrigerant control valve if this compressor has one? Any ideas of what I should be looking at first.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice.
Chris

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2004 Saturn Vue V6

cl8050 on Mon May 30, 2011 2:09 PM

Well for an update, I have replaced the expansion valve with no change. I attempted to charge it and it doesn't seem to be pulling much refrigerant. It takes 2.25 cans. I am reading about 70 on the low side with can connected and high side still says 125psi. Seems like the compressor could be weak. Its a scroll type compressor and I am willing to change it if it looks like I am heading in the right direction???

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2004 Saturn Vue V6

iceman2555 on Mon May 30, 2011 5:57 PM

The scroll compressor does not utilize a 'control valve'. Keep in mind that the compressor of a system was never designed to be an assist with 'drawing or pulling' refrigerant into the vehicle...the system should be charged utilizing the correct equipment. It appears that the compressor has failed. It could be that the system is not totally charged, however, considering the age and possible system operation with an insufficient amount of lubricant flow due to lack of proper refrigerant charge, there is a good possibility that the scroll/carbon seals of this unit are not sealing properly.
If the compressor has truly failed, this is a serious problem for this vehicle....this is one of those 'almost everything' repairs. At a minimum the condenser should be replaced, the evap removed and flush completely, check the new TXV and insure that it is indeed clean. Flush and clean all hose assemblies...if equipped with mufflers or filters they should be replaced.
When adding lube to the compressor...no more than 2 oz in the suction side, 3/4 to 1 oz in the new receiver drier. The remainder could be added to the evaporator core. Do not add lubricant to the new condenser.
A strong suggestion would be to DO IT AL !!!!!!! DO IT RIGHT !!!!!!!DO IT ONCE repair. Complete a total rebuild of the system and have the system professionally recharged to insure correct refrigerant and lubricant flow.
Good luck with your repair.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

cl8050 on Mon May 30, 2011 7:56 PM

Thanks Ice. Here is what I have done today. I replaced the compressor. Very difficult to access and difficult to get out. I vacuumed the system down and then charged it up with the proper charge. I went by the vue's capacity chart and then measured by the cans. The TXV was very clean and the oil in the old compressor looked clean. No one had a new drier and I realize it should have been replaced.
After I fully charged the system, at 2000 RPM in the garage with the condenser fan blowing, I had 55 and 225. When the condenser fan went off, I had 60 and 260.
At idle if this matters, I had 85 and 160.
Do these numbers look good for this system? It was about 93 and humid today.
Thanks

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2004 Saturn Vue V6

cl8050 on Mon May 30, 2011 8:12 PM

Took a test drive and it cools much better at 2000 RPM and blows cool not cold at idle. I can find my thermometer to be precise, but it seems like it blew cold at idle when new. DO I need to dig back in?

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2004 Saturn Vue V6