Christopher Layton

I've got a 2006 cobalt that my son accidentally opened up the AC line when doing a radiator flush so now I've got to recharge the AC system. I hooked up the vacuum and sucked out the system and then put a can of R-134a to the low side (which is just a couple of inches from the dip stick)and the car will not take it in. I've tried several times with no luck. The refrigerant can is full and I verified that it has plenty in it. I verified that the gauge set is working properly so I'm at a complete loss as to what to do.

Sl0wbaltSS

Have you tried turning it off and back on [lol]

Did you turn on the car, turn the A/C on, Recirc, full blast?

ItalianJoe1

iTrader: (10)

The A/C won't come on if there's no pressure in the system. Shouldn't stop you from getting some charge in there though.


OP, are you sure the fitting is making good contact? There's no magic to it so if it's connecting properly it should work. Are you using real a/c gauges or just a little can from an auto parts store?

blueLNFftw

iTrader: (16)

My car is doing this too.

I think that is a valve or something in the compressor or near it that could be bad. Like expansion valve or something?

I have been able to find almost nothing out about the Coablt A/C system.

ItalianJoe1

iTrader: (10)

Connect actual gauges to it, what are the pressures?

If you add freon to the low side, does it go in?

The system isn't different from any normal A/C system. The expansion valve is on the way into the evaporator, not sure on these cars if it's attached or in the line but you can look at it and see.

blueLNFftw

iTrader: (16)

Do you see where?





Because, apparently, this is the valve, but I do not see where it would go...

ItalianJoe1

iTrader: (10)

If it's a valve like that it's on the evaporator. See where the 2 lines attach to the dashboard?

Also, #24, is the orifice tube/screen, it could be plugged.

blueLNFftw

iTrader: (16)

Mine turns on and then off and re-cycles.
Low side is 37psi. High side gauge is broken.

Maybe I should replace both those and have it charged?

Christopher Layton

Yes, I made sure that the fitting is making good contact by turning it to the open position and then sucked on the supply hose with my mouth to test to see if once the valve knob was fully turned in the "open" position, that there was a suction change and that worked.

I borrowed a set of gauges from Autozone and they look like a good set