How do I figure out what type of refrigerant I need for the ac?

Hi Mark
Thats an easy one...
It gets told to engage by a single wire attached to the clutch.
This usually has a bullet type connector close by.
12v = ON
Disconnect it. Solenoid disengages.
(you could put a switch in the line)

This wire is controlled by the AC (control electronics) temperature sensor & the pressure build up in the refrigerant lines.
Eg The unit turns on to cool vehicle but the refrigerant is low or the high pressure line is too high so it shuts off. Then the cycle starts all over again.
You need some Service on your AC system.

Cheers

Well, YES, NO, and SORT-OF???

Your refrigerant evacuating and and recharging skills might be helpful, however, you cannot capture the R-134A refrigerant using the same equipment that you use on refrigerators unless you have empty refrigerant tanks to use. The refrigerants are not compatible with each other.

Then, yes, it is possible that your A/C clutch is slipping. You can verify this by listening to the sound of the compressor. You can usually hear the clutch making a grinding sound. There will usually also be a bunch of rusty-looking dust around the area of the clutch due to the metal tearing off of the clutch surfaces.

Then you need to decide if you want to replace the clutch assembly or the entire compressor. If the clutch assembly is all you need, then it can be replaced without any type of refrigerant recovery needed. It is also a whole lot cheaper to replace than the compressor (see picture and link below).
However, the clutch can be pretty tough to replace without the special tools needed - especially if you have never done one before.

Clutch listing for AC clutch at AutoZone

You need to have the leak repaired first

Be responsible & don't polute the atmosphere
with refrigerant

You need that done, by trained personal at a repair shop

YOU NEED TAKE VECHICLE TO DEALERSHIP OR GARAGE THAT DOES AC REPAIR.THEY NEED TO DISCHARGE AC SYSTEM BEFORE YOU CAN REMOVE AC CONDENSOR.YOU NEED SPECIAL AC SPRING LOCK TOOL TO RELEASE THE COUPLER ON THE REFRIGERANT LINE TO CONDENSOR. THE COOLING FAN AND CONDENSOR REMOVE AS ASSEMBLY.

2000 Pontiac Grand AM 3.4 liter V-6 VIN "E"



Hope helps (remember rated this).

Here is a picture of one --
http://www.a-aironline.com/detail.aspx?ID=221

You can see wehre the wire goes in..

Good luck !!

Please dont forget to rate ;o)

That's a good one what is the point in an ac if it can't keep you cool. Have you checked to see if the refrigerant needs charging or if there is a leak in the system. If the ac works kinda sorta or only if it's not hot out, check the low side refrigerant pressure and if it has never had a recharge and it's a 1995 you figure that's 14 years. There is a good chance it's low on refrig. Good luck and believe me, I feel it here in Calif this year already. It's BAKING Hot.

Recommend istall dye into system,charge with just enough r134-A (cheapest at walmart.then let ac run for 30 min. after that inspect with black light for a green substance at all ac components.if none found look at ac drain for green residue.Best way to isolate ac leaks.

Your AC is low on refrigerant; The AC compressor needs a minimum amount of regrigerant to run. If and when it does run (while low on refrigerant) the air coming out of the vents will not be cold. The refrigerant you require is R-134A and is available over the counter but if you are the least bit unsure as to how to add refrigerant, taking it to a garage that does AC recharging would be your best play. If you want to try to add refrigerant on your own you will need the following, 1LB can of R-134A, an AC hose adapter to deliver the refrigerant, and preferably an AC pressure guage to ensure you are not overfilling the AC line which will damage the system.

driver side fire wall has a r134 port with a black cap thats where the refrigerent goes but im trying to figure out how much goes in it