1998 Buick AC Repair

jsd123
Mon, 08 Aug 2022 17:47:48 +0000
Maintenance/Repairs

I have a 1998 Buick Century, 130k miles. Owned the car a little over 6 years now, hoping to hold onto it until it dies.

For the past 2 or 3 years, I have had a steady ac refrigerant leak. At first, I would need to recharge the AC 1 or 2 times during hot months (Philadelphia heat). Now, it needs AC recharge about 1-2x a month depending on usage.

Last time when I went to recharge, it would not accept refrigerant. I noticed the AC compressor clutch was not engaging/spinning, and my pressure on the attachment was reading ~0-15psi.

I tried jumpstarting the compressor in the relay box, and that got the compressor running, but it would still not accept refrigerant. (this was after swapping for a new relay switch and checking all fuses to rule out a simple fix).

Next I plan to borrow a proper gauge manifold and vacuum pump from autozone and try recharging that way.

Any suggestions on further troubleshooting or what to look for? I realize my compressor might just need replacing and is likely the culprit for the leaking over the years, but I would like to keep nursing it along if possible.

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