AC Problem

Hello, i’m having a problem with my Air Condition. Well, obviously, it doesn’t work. I own a 2002 Toyota Celica GT 4 cylinder.



I was getting on the interstate after getting gas and all of a sudden my a/c light start blinking, and no more cold air. When i arrived at my destination i began diagnosing the problem:



the first thing i noticed is that when i try and turn on the a/c, the engine sounds like it’s going to kill and i have to rev the engine to get it sounding normal again. whenever i try and turn on the heater now, the a/c automatically comes on and the engine sounds like it’s going to kill and i have the rev the engine and turn off the a/c.



So, i checked the frion level and everything was fine on the HP/LP side. My manual told me to try jump starting the air compressor directly from the battery. So i diverted the power from the battery to the air compressor and the engine killed. Not really sure what else i can do. I really dont want to have to get a newair compressor installed since i dont know how, but any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance,



Charles M Milioto

Disconnect the compressor and worry about it next summer like everyone else…But it sounds like the compressor is toast…

Caddyman is right on this one, unless of course you live in a tropical area. Pulling the A/C compressor’s fuse is probably the easiest way to do it.

(Same advice I gave my brother in law just last week.)

Just offhand, sounds like the compressor is seizing but you state the HP/LP is fine.
So what are the pressure readings?

If the A/C compressor can’t run, HOW can you take HP/LP readings?

Actually, the problem is probably in the A/C module, or some manuals refer to it as the A/C amplifier. If a problem occurs in this module, or it senses a problem, it will make the A/C button light flash. This module controls the function of the compressor, and also relays a signal to the ECU to bump up the idle to handle the added load and turn on the cooling fans. Do the cooling fans run constantly when the A/C is on? If so, the ECU may be getting the signal. If not, this module is definitely suspect.

I agree with Caddyman that it sounds like the AC compressor is binding and loading down the crankshaft. I’d be inclined to want to fix it, since it’s also used in teh defrost system.

Take it to an independent shop that advertises repair of automotive AC systems. Radiator shops often also do AC. Repairing it will require opening, purging, refilling, and leak testing the system, so there’s no sense trying to do it at home.

Agree; the same thing happened to my wife’s Ford Granada. We simply cut the drive belt of the compressor and sold the car later “as is”. My wife does not use A/C very often.