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97 Grand Am AC compressor replacement?


Kobaj
07-17-2011, 12:02 PM
I have a 97 grand am 2.4L manual with about 170k miles on it.

Two years ago I completely replaced the AC compressor myself (with one from a u-pull-it). Vacuumed the system down before adding 134a and everything. For the next year and a half it ran ice cold and great!

However, its now back to blowing warm air. Checking the pressures, my static is about 115psi (low and high) and 1000rpm running is 40psi low, and 150psi high. Obviously far from the desired 20psi low 300psi high, and it doesn't look like there is a leak.

Doing a little bit of research I discovered that you're supposed to replace the filter, dryer, and thermal expansion valve whenever the AC system is cracked open. I didn't do this two years ago (I didn't know!) when I replaced the compressor.

So the question becomes. Could the incorrect pressure be because my compressor is going bad? OR I simply have a clogged filter or bad dryer or something that needs replacement?

Basically I would hate to replace the dryer and have it be the compressor. Or visa versa. But I don't really have the luxury of replacing both/all the components (I just want to get the thing sold really).

So what do you guys think?

procaddytech
07-17-2011, 12:24 PM
Looks like the TXV may be stuck and flooding the evaporator or the charge is low.

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