I noticed that as soon as I had my problems with the VATS this weekend, my A/C started blowing hot air. Even after getting the car started, the security light stayed on. So I figured that once I bypass it using shoebox's method, the A/C would come back on. Well, did that today and the security light is off, but the A/C is still blowing hot air! Could this just be a coincidence? Can I check the coolant level myself, or do I need to bring it to the shop? One other thing, I have noticed that after driving around with the A/C on after I shut the car off I see it loosing fluid right in front of the passenger front tire. I figured this was merely condensation, but could it be something else? It smelled like water, but I didn't want to taste it. Any ideas would be helpful. TIA.

MODS: If this is in the wrong place, please move.

 

The leak is most likely condensation. Make sure your AC is actually coming on, i.e. the compressor engages. If it doesn't it may be a fuse. But if the compressor comes on, but no cool air, you have other problems, and I suggest taking it to a shop for an analysis.

When it comes to the AC, only an expert should mess with it. JMHO

 

I agree that the A/C is one thing that I don't want to mess with and screw up royally. There was a fuse that was in the panel underneath the steering wheel, but I didn't see anywhere for it to go. Is there anything under there that requires a fuse? I'll check all the other ones while I'm at it. How can I tell if the compressor is coming on?

 

The compressor is run by the Serp belt and has a clutch that engages when you turn it on. You can hear it come on with the hood open if someone turns it on. On many cars, the rpm drops just a tad when you engage the compressor since it pulls more power when the clutch engages. JMHO

 

Ok. I can't be 100% sure because I'm doing this by myself, but I don't think the compressor is coming on. I only found one "fuse" for the A/C and it was in the fuse relay box under the hood. it didn't want to come out easily, so i left it figuring it was a relay anyway. How do I check that? I can't hear the compressor come on from inside the car nor do the rpm's drop at all. it also doesn't feel like the compressor is on just by the way the fans are blowing. is there another fuse or something under the dash? there isn't any A/C fuses in the fuse block on the side of the dash right? i did have to disconnect the battery for some time when i was trying to get rid of VATS, but that shouldn't have done anything right?

 

CAll dealer "parts" ask them how many and where the fuses are for the AC.

For all I know the VAT fuse could be the same for the AC. Let us know what you find. Good Luck.

 

no one has a pic or reference for the A/C fuses?

EDIT: found the A/C and Cruise Fuse in the relay box, but it's good. checked to make sure that there's voltage going there and there is. anyone know how to check the compressor relay?

 

anyone have any other ideas before i have to bring it to the shop?

 

Try resetting the PCM by disconnecting battery for a few minutes then reconnecting.

 

Switch with another relay of the same p/n in the relay/fuse box. I think the fog light has the same relay, just try that one.

 

thank god for good friends. buddy hooked me up with his A/C guages and i bought some R-134a from Walmart. hooked up the first can and the compressor came right on. hopefully any leaks will seal up. thanks for all the advice, hope it can help someone in the future.

 

UPDATE: It wasn't the compressor I heard coming on, it was the fans. After trying to put a bottle in, I found a large leak in the return line to the condensor. It was cut open from being too close to the alternator. How hard is it to replace myself? thanks.