Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum

Hi all. I was My low side pressure is 40psi and same with the high side. The compressor is kicking on but doesn't seem to be compressing. Is the compresor bad?
FWIW- I was recharging the system and I only put 12 Oz in because I was trying to track down a leak (found it) using dye. They say the system could be clogged, but I have a new dryer and cleaned out the ac components minus the evaporator under the dash. The compressor kicked on and it didn't change the high side at all, so I didn't bother putting more r134 in. Thank you.

It does sound like the compressor isn't compressing. It could also be that you just don't have enough refrigerant in the system.

That said, kindly post your vehicle's make, model, and year as well. Those will help in diagnosing this further. What I'm essentially trying to get at is whether your vehicle has a fixed-displacement compressor or a variable-displacement compressor.

Great that you found the leak.

When you say *cleaned out* the components, do you mean you solvent-flushed them? Does that include the compressor and condenser? The reason I ask is because the compressor can only be flushed with the appropriate PAG oil (no solvent), and the condenser can't be flushed at all if it's the parallel-flow type.

Did you remove from the components all of the solvent? Also, did you dry them out using nitrogen or clean and dry shop air?

Lastly, are you sure you have your Manifold Gauge Set connected correctly and that you're getting true pressure readings?