AC problems

2008 Aveo sedan

So my AC has not been working for a better part of 6 years... However, I'm now tired of all the heat and want to fix it.

When car is off:
Low side PSI: 50
High side PSI: 50

When car is running and max ac is on:
Warm (ambient) air from vents
Compressor is spinning (static)
Low side PSI: 40 (drops from 50, static at 40)
High side PSI: 50 (static)

So the compressor is sucking albeit weakly. Is it just not compressing? After following the tubes, it seems the high side flows through the condenser before reaching the high side valve so could my condenser (or somewhere in between) be completely clogged? How to test for this if there is no flow?

Thanks for the help!

Im not ac expert, but have you tried adding R-134A refrigerant?


According to this website:
R-134a System Pressure Chart - AC Pro<?php/* bloginfo('name'); */?>
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Assuming you are at 85*F:
Your Low side is around 50psi which somewhat normal, kinda high on the charts.
Your High side is around 50 psi which is very low. According to the chart, this could mean you have a bad compressor.


Turn car off. Turn A/C off. Turn Fan speed to 0. Turn car ON. Wait about 10 seconds after starting the car. When you press the A/C button and set fan speed to 1, is there an engaging sound? That sound is the clutch engaging, and therefore spinning the compressor via the belt. Does the RPMs spike alittle bit? A heavier load on the engine? If so, that means the compressor kicks in is doing something (but not necessarily working properly).
If not, then try checking the wiring for the compressor, which is located towards the floor right under the compressor. This part is called the 'compressor clutch connector'. You may need to jack up the car and remove the plastic panel to clearly see the connector. For me, Im skinny enough to see underneath the car with no problem, also my plastic panel (splash guard?) fell off months ago, so it may be different for you. If the connector is broken, try replacing the part. It costs about 10 American doll-hairs. haha
I literally changed the connector June 19th, 2018.
This is what I purchased, but I must have gotten the last one :/ Probably fine with something that is close enough to this product
AC Clutch Compressor Connector Fits GM Chevrolet LT1 LS1 Pigtail


If connector is fine, check your fuses, and maybe check for leaks(?) otherwise, then you may need to get a new compressor. Check this video out! Chris Fix! Keep in mind, that the vehicle he works on is NOT an Aveo. Just a general understanding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rulXlnG2Unk

As a final note, it doesn't hurt going to a shop to get some help on why the A/C doesn't work! You can get an idea and decide if you want to work on it.


Best of luck!

Try replacing your cabin air filter, I know it doesn't sound like a fix but my car was blowing weakly through the vents I pulled that filter out and a gust of cold air came out my vent and fixed my issue.

:) cheap and easy place to start ...

http://www.bodmer.co.za/Aveo/Wave_07-10/?C=D;O=A manual has chart with temp, humidity, ambeint temp relation for diagnosis ..good luck