Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

ferg on Tue June 14, 2011 7:35 PM

Year: 1997
Make: Chevy
Model: c1500
Engine Size: v6
Refrigerant Type: r134a
Ambient Temp: 99
Pressure Low: 0
Pressure High: 0
Country of Origin: United States

AC hasn't been used since last summer. Tried to use it the other day and no cold air from the vents.

Gauges Showed 0 on both the low and high side with the system running.

I noticed the compressor wasn't cycling at all. Tried to jumper the pressure switch and nothing happened.


How do I know if it's a bad clutch or bad compressor?

JJM on Tue June 14, 2011 10:07 PM

First things first, you need to find out where the leak is with zero pressure in the system. I think your vehicle uses the HT6 so check around the case halves and shaft seals for an oily mess (likely). If it's the shaft seal it can be replaced, if it's the case halves, probably better to replace unless you really know what you're doing.

Probably good that you couldn't jumper the compressor back on, if the compressor is salvagable, it wouldn't be much longer with zero pressure in the system (at minimum a partial charge and some oil should go in for brief testing).

Joe

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