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V5 compressor

Metal Man on Fri June 01, 2012 8:43 PM User is offline

Year: 1997
Make: Pontiac
Model: Grand Prix
Engine Size: 3.8
Refrigerant Type: R-134a
Country of Origin: United States

Hey guys, got a question.

Today i replaced a V5 compressor on a 97 Grand Prix. Every thing with the system seamed fine except the compressor would not pump.Clutch was engaging as it should. Static pressure in the system with a full charge ( 1.88lb) was 90 psi. At idle i was getting about 80 on the low side and 100 on the high. At 2000 rpm i got about 70/110. I removed the compressor and it felt fine when turned by hand.No binding and i could hear it making a pumping sound.No metal shavings to be found.

Replacing the compressor fixed the problem . Car has great AC now,but I'm curious what was keeping the v5 variable compressor from working. Could it have been a bad control valve?

GM Tech on Fri June 01, 2012 8:54 PM User is offline

Yes- you could have replaced the control valve without removing the compressor from the motor.....

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The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......

Metal Man on Fri June 01, 2012 9:08 PM User is offline

I had my suspicions thats what it was but was unsure. First time I've encountered that problem.

I still have the compressor. Might tear it apart tomorrow and see what it takes to change it for future reference.

Is that a "have to" order part or something i can pick up at a parts house or my local GM dealer?

Edited: Fri June 01, 2012 at 9:08 PM by Metal Man

GM Tech on Fri June 01, 2012 9:24 PM User is offline

Try your local a/c forum sponsor- Tim

One snap ring removed and you can pry it out with a flatblade screwdriver.

-------------------------
The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......

Metal Man on Fri June 01, 2012 9:34 PM User is offline

Thanks for the info GM Tech

mk378 on Fri June 01, 2012 11:47 PM User is offline

There's little to "tear apart", the valve just pushes into the side of the compressor near the back. Pressure must be zero before removing the snap ring if doing it in place on the car.

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