will a compressor on a car come on if its low on freon?

Question

it isnt coming on now and i was thinking of adding a can to see the car is a 2001 grand prix 3.1v6 with 80000 miles on it

Answer 1

Actually,,,they turn OFF when low on freon.

Most systems nowdays use a pressure switch to control the compressor.

>When Switched ON,,,
the Pressure switch will cycle the Compressor Clutch Off&On to control system pressure.

If an A/C Evaporator pressure goes Too Low,,,it will Freeze.

So the Pressure Switch turns it OFF momentarily.

This allows Low Side/Suction Side pressure to RISE.

When Pressure rises to acceptable level,,,
the Pressure Switch goes back to Normal---which is ON.

Hi Suction /Low Evap Core Pressure ,,,Too High "Low Side Pressure",,, is all the same thing.
Also the Same Effect as being LOW on Freon.

If a Car gets TOO LOW on Freon,,,the Compressor will Never come on.

When it's a Little Low,,
The Comp will come on ,when system is turned On.
As it Runs,,,it Drops the Low Side Pressure.
The PRESSURE SWITCH then turns it OFF.

The LOWER the Pressure,,,
or the Lower the actual Freon Level,,,
The More Frequently the Pressure Switch will cycle System Off&On.

...............
To a Driver's perception..,,,,Low Freon makes A/C cycle Off & On.

So it Seems like it's making the System "Come ON".

Actually,,,it's TURNING system OFF.

That may Seem like same thing,, the same effect.

But it's a Critical Difference to understand about "How A/C control WORKS",,,and when trouble shooting ,etc,

Answer 2

Yes, then the low-pressure cut-off switch will stop it, this is known as short cycling. Normally a can or 2 of refrigerant will fix it, if that is the case. You can also simply jump 12V to the compressor hot lead to be sure the clutch is engaging. If you have a sight glass in the system this will give you a chance to look for foam &/or bubbles, indicating low; clear is either full charged or empty. Also look around all system parts for oil which would point to a leak. Loss of a can or so a year is not uncommon.

Answer 3

Sometimes, it depends on just how low it is. Most vehicles have a low pressure and high pressure cut off switch to protect the compressor and for safety. Save yourself some time and money in the long run, take your vehicle to someone who knows how fix it, don't try it yourself.

Answer 4

Yes

Answer 5

Yes, the compressor will still come on, you just won't get any cold air.

Answer 6

Low? Maybe.
Empty? No.

Answer 7

if its just low on freon than the compressor will cycle on and off...........

Answer 8

Some times yes sometimes no> Year make model and miles please!