Cavalier - No A/C...?

Question

We have a 2002 cavalier sedan... The A/C is not working... We are having a baby at the end of august and want this fixed asap, before the baby is here. The problem is, we don't want to spend a bunch of money trying to fix it.

What are the best ways to figure out what is wrong? I.e. needs freon, new compresser..? I don't want to take it up to a shop until I have a good idea what I need, I do not want to be taken.

Any help, suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

First off, turn the a/c on and look to see if the compressor engages. If so, does it stay running or does it kick right out and then back in? If it stays running, then feel the lines where they go into the dash, and see if both are cold.
These are things we must know to go further with helping you.

And relax Chikin, freon is the layman term so those that don't know can understand. A non-mechanic with no a/c only knows freon, not refrigerant.

Answer 2

get in the car, start it, and turn the A/C on and pop the hood

Identify the compressor and see if the clutch is engaging and causing the compressor to turn. If the it is engaging and turning then most likely the compressor is fine.

If the compressor turns, but the clutch kicks on and off frequently (about every 10-15 secs) then you are short cycling and that means the refrigerant charge is low. If this what is happening then you can expect to have one or more leaks.

If the compressor turns and is not short cycling then you must touch the low and high lines to see if the high side is hot and if the low side is cold. If the low side is cool but not cold then you will need a new orifface tube.


O, and the guy that says that refrigerant (not freon) leaks out of the lines over time is a complete idiot. If the refrigerant leaks out over time or fast then you have a leak and a leak can be repaired.

Answer 3

Your A/c not working it could be many things. First you should check if the belt is on, then check the fuses, check the wiring to the clutch, if by now ever thing is OK then ck if the clutch is working properly, if its working then ck if it has freon if it does have freon then its the compressor, Now if it does not have freon you probably have a leak. To check for leaks buy the freon that has a dye in it; install it and wait to see what happens. Good luck

Answer 4

Best bet take it to the dealer.Saves time and money.We work on them every day.There are some quick test we need to do then tell you whats wrong.Then will fix it and give you a good warrenty on the repair.We Know your cavalier better than anyone.

Answer 5

as long as it gets a little cool, you know that the a/c system operates, then it probobly just needs a shot of freon. freon naturally escapes through the hoses over time.

Answer 6

How mechanicaly inclined are you? I could walk you thru a few basic steps to diagnosis the problem, but there are some basics that you need to know. A/C systems can be dangerous if you do something wrong and I don't want you to hurt yourself. let me know. i will try to help

Answer 7

It could be anything fron a blown fuzz to a junk compressor ??
You would be money ahead to go to a reputable shop and have it checked out properly ,,,, Then the cost of diagnostics should be included in the bill if not free ,,,,,
A reputable shop is not out to rip you off ,,,, they are there to help you ,,,,,,
HAPPY HUNTING ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Answer 8

first thing i would do is hook up a guage and see how low it is and how much pressure you got.the compressor wont kick on if its too low,its probably just low on r-134,that would be my guess.if you have to get some,get the kind that has the oil and sealer in it,you might have a leak somewhere.

Answer 9

your freeone needs to be charged you half to take it in to have it done