what's wrong with the ac compressor?

Question

I have a '01 chevy suburban with rear a/c. It was working great the air was cold and then just stop working my compressor gets stuck when the clutch pops out the compressor don't turn at all. What could it be some mechanic says is the compressor other say is the freon, other says its the clutch. What could it be? Just the compressor is $580 plus tax & inst. need help please. Thanks in advance

Answer 1

The freon will not cause this problem. If the clutch fails it will stop and cause the fan belt to burn and break. The compressor has locked up. You will have to replace it. It comes with the clutch assembly installed. You will have to get a mechanic shop to do the work. It requires specialized equipment and a federal license. It is advisable to replace the filter drier and the orifice tube at the same time to avoid problems. In some cases, the manufacturer will not warrant the new compressor without these changes.

Answer 2

If the clutch is engaging and the compressor is turning it is the compressor. If the clutch engages and the compressor does not turn it is the clutch. Some shops will not replace just the clutch because of the difficulty of re-fitting it on the compressor. It is unlikely the freon, although that will have to be removed to install the compressor.

Answer 3

You need to have someone put a set of guages on to see whats happening.I would say the compressor is cutting off due to a low or high pressure switch,or perhaps thermosatat.Put a tempory wire from + pole of battery to compressor wire and see if comp turns then with engine running,Could be low on freon will also cause this prob.

Answer 4

The liquid refrigerant is building in the compressor and it will not compress liquid, only vapor. Check the metering device.