How to replace the AC compressor on 1992 Saturn?

Answer 1

If it is a Saturn it will probably have R 134a in the AC system. Don't listen to these scam artists about taking your car to an AC specialist and let them shake you down for a couple of thousand bucks...Most likely all you need to do is stop by one of the better car parts stores and pick up a refill can.Advance Auto parts has a good one for about $30. It has an 18 oz.can of refrigerent(r134a) with a gauge on top and the supply hose already attached. Just read the directions on the can thoroughly before getting started.I have owned my 1995 SL-! and today was the first time in 15 years I had to do anything to the AC.When the LO side line pressure gets a little below 45 psi...It will not engage the compressr clutch and the radiator fan will not run.

I parked my car with the brake set and had it in PARK. I let it run for about 5 min. and then hooked up the can's supply hose to the low pressure line.The hose fittings will only fit that one oriface. The time I spent letting the car warm up I shook the refrigerant can as the instrustions reccomended. I put the hose on the LO pressure line and immediately got a reading of about 35 lbs. I pushed the fill button and watched as the refigerant and oil began to flow.In only a little bit of time...maybe a minute the AC clutch engaged and the radiator fan began running. I watched and filled the system according to the area outlined on the gauge...IT WAS ABOVE 45 LBS!!! I did not worry about that because I knew the system would not run at a little below 45 psi. I disconnected the hose and drove off down the road as my AC began to chill the inside of my car down. These touch up cans today not only have rhe refrigerant in them,but contain compressor oil and a rust inhibator as well as compounds that make your AC run very cool almost ice cold. The refrigerant gas does not go bad under pressure. These shysters in the AC shops will say anything to get you in so they can jam a screwdriver in a heat exchanger or bleed a few lbs. of gas off and tell you your system is very low whilst selling you your own refrigerant back. I take them with a grain of salt. I watched an expo on 60 minutes once where 3 AC techs came back to back and told the owners their system was low. They put so much freon in it that it blew up....hehehe Good Luck.

Answer 2

There are 2 freon ports on a 94 Saturn; both are on the refrigerant lines that are connected to the compressor. One is slightly larger than the other so that you will connect the correct gauge to that port.

It's best to use a 2 port gauge system, one gauge shows the LOW pressure side, and the other shows the HIGHpressure side.

You should only attempt to install refrigerant to the low pressure side, and then, only when the compressor is running.

It may be necessary for you to "jumper" the low pressure sensor while adding refrigerant, but only do that if you are willing to take full responsibility for what may happen/ ie, running the compressor when there isn't enough refrigerant and lubrication.

The compressor will not operate if the refrigerant pressure is too low, and if the compressor isn't operating it may take quite a long time before the pressure will come up to the point that the system will pull refrigerant from the can.

Watch the gauges, pressures will be dependent on the current temperature, and if the "high side" pressure does not build high enough it could be an indication of a worn compressor.

Just adding refrigerant to an AC system is easy, but properly determining the status of the system can take a little knowledge; you don't want to over charge the system, since that can result in icing up, and you don't want to under charge since that can result in constant cycling of the compressor.

A worn compressor will not provide adequate pressure to provide you with efficient cooling, so it should be checked by someone who is familiar with the refrigeration cycle.

If you have connected the 2 port gauges to the AC, recharging the system is simple and fast; simply attach a full can to the gauge assembly, pierce the seal, then open the valve to allow refrigerant into the AC system.

Answer 3

1. Using an approved refrigerant vacuum system, remove any remaining refrigerant from the AC lines.

2. Place the front end of the vehicle on blocks and remove the passenger side wheel. Remove the mud shield/access panel from the inner fender, then remove the serpentine belt.

3. Physically disconnect the AC lines from the AC compressor, then disconnect the electrical plug and remove the bolts from the AC compressor and physically lift it out.

4. Remove the expansion valve and receiver/dryer, and plan to replace them with a new components.

5. Flush out the refrigerant lines using an approved AC system flush solution. This is necessary since most compressors start to throw pieces of worn compressor into the lines as they wear out.

6. Install a new expansion valve, new receiver/dryer, then install a new or rebuilt AC compressor in reverse order of the above instructions.

5. Use new 'O' rings when connecting the AC lines to the compressor.

6. Using the refrigerant vacuum system again, remove all air and water vapor from the entire AC system and make certain that there are no leaks. Even a small leak will result in a loss of refrigerant.

7. Install refrigerant and approved oil charge as recommended by the manufacturer.