2009 Pontiac G3 AC Probs (DIY diagnosed and repaired! With pics)
Since my wife bought the car from Hertz, the AC has never worked properly. It's just not very cold. She took it to Pepboys to have a leak test conducted and they told her (amongst a host of other things that needed replacing) there was zero pressure in the system and it required a new condenser and compressor.
Having purchased both new parts, I disassembled the front of the car and as I unhooked the pipe exiting the condenser (on the dryer side) there was a huge release of pressure and PAG oil which almost gave me a heart attack. Now I'm thinking there's no leak in the condenser as there's no sign of dye anywhere, and at just over three weeks since the test there's evidently still a lot of refrigerant in the system.
I've decided not to replace the parts, but go back to diagnostics and re-checking the basics. I've checked all the fuses and with the AC turned to 4 and the coolest setting, I can hear the compressor clutch click and kick in.
Can anybody suggest something I might be missing? I've read about jumping the pressure sensor, but surely if the compressor is kicking in this must be OK?