A/C Compressor Failure ?

[Anthony]

Hi Guys…
I hope someone can guide me in the right direction.
2005 Dodge Grand caravan SXT 3.8. Dual zone A/C
1.began with a/c running with no cooling.
2.clutch was engaging and cycling.System had pressure
3.i let it go over the winter and one day wife turned on the a/c to try to defog the windows and
heard from what she described as the belt squeal. I think the compressor might have locked up.
5.from that day on the a/c system was dead. I suspect the PCM disabled it.
4.Went to a shop to have system checked they evacuated the system and it will hold a vacuum.
No leak.
4.They suggested to start with replacing the Expansion valve.
5.i am able to turn the compressor by hand with little or no resistance.
6.I hooked up gauge set and it still has held the vacuum over a 10 day period. Tried turning the compressor by hand again with gauge set connected and the needles do not move.
7.Replaced the front expansion valve and accumulator. Old valve was stuck open. when i touched the ball at the bottom it popped closed. During this time i did disconnect the battery.
8.Vacuumed the system again then began to refill it.
9.pressure started to build up equally on high and low side.
10. with engine running the clutch does engage and compressor is turning. Gauges show equal pressure on both high and low sides with no movement. I barely got 12oz. into the system it will not take anymore.

Sorry for the long post but i tried to be as detailed as possible.
From what i have been reading i am suspecting a bad reed valve or some other internal failure of the compressor.

Thoughts ?

Thanks in advance
Anthony

Topic

[John B Kobberstad]

https://ericthecarguy.com/kunena/10-Repair-Central-The-How-To-Forum

[college man]

There are two components in the ac system That separate high and low.
The compressor and metering device. Usually when pressures are equal
on both sides. The suction valve is broken

[Anthony]

So basically i need a new compressor ?

[college man]

Thats what it sounds like. Try this. remove the charge.
jump the low pressure switch so the compressor runs. watch the low
side gauge. should pull down to at least 18”hg if not then suction
valve bad.new compressor. If it does pull down unjump the low pressure
switch and observe the low side gauge. should hold at 18”hg or 12”hg minimum.

[Anthony]

Update….. Replace the compressor. It was definitely dead. Put it back together vacuumed and recharged and it is working great again.

[college man]

Glad to hear it worked out.Did you try the valve test
I gave you?

[Author]

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