Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Non-Contique A/C Problem

First of all, this post deals with A/C problems on a 1996 Sunfire GT, not a Contique, but I'm sure the more knowledgable can apply what they learned to this vehicle.

History: We purchased the vehicle used 6 months ago, being told that the evaperator core was leaking Freon, therefore the A/C was not functioning. There was an official inspection certificate taped to the plumbing showing that flourescent dye had been added to detect the leak. OK, no problem.

So 2 weeks ago we took the car in to our mechanic friend who inspected the A/C system, couldn't find a leak, and refilled the system with Freon. It seemed to hold pressure fine, but he noticed that the electrical connection the the compressor had been disconnected (probably because a leak was detected at some point previously). So he reconnected it, and we had ice cold air. Great!

So last night, the GF pulls her car into the garage, and I notice a horrible grinding sound, and take a look under the hood. The compressor isn't turning at all, but the A/C is off! I ask her to turn the A/C on, and the compressor starts turning normally, and the grinding goes away. The grinding is the belt passing over the A/C compressor pulley, and it was also starting to burn the belt (burning rubber smell) so I told her to leave the A/C on, listen for any strange noises, and to take it back to our mechanic friend this morning.

So here's my question: why is the compressor seizing when the clutch is supposedly disengaged, and turning normally when the clutch is engaged? Isn't this the opposite of what normally happens when a compressor seizes? My mechanic friend is going to try the "whack it with a happer" trick to see if it loosens up, but it seems strange that it's seizing when it's supposed to be free-spinning.

I know a great mechanic that can help you - he works in Aldershot - fantastic and truly honest. He could answer your question...because I can't. There is a whole magnet drive assembly in these compressors, odd though for the compressor to seize up when not on - yet turn freely when the AC is on. Almost sounds electrical more so than mechanical.... maybe the electrics were reconnected wrong...causing the compressor to try to spin in the opposite direction thus the grinding, because that compressor should freewheel if not in service. If it where mechanical, I would think the compressor would seize regardless if its in service (on) or not (off)

If you want the name of the mechanic just send me a note.

That's Cool - When you find you a good honest mechanic keep them! And hold them closer than you would your wife or GF...

The only reason why I say it could be electrics, sometimes on motors, if the poles are reversed this will cause the motor to spin opposite.... But I could be blowing smoke, I have no idea

Good Luck!

This won't solve your problem, but....

Instead of leaving the a/c on and risking some damage or destroyed belt... You might want to disconnect the electrical connector and see if your a/c is still siezing. If not, then you've got an electrical problem (small possiblity of mech prob). If so, then you've got a mechanical problem.