1998 Other Saturn Models A/C Compressor does not engage

generally,i check under the hood first , looking for any sort of oily residue around the A/C compressor,the lines and the condensor.if i see a dirty buildup anywhere i suspect the system has leaked down.the pressure switch will not allow the compressor to run if pressure is too high or too low.next if no evidence of leaks are visible i check all fuses to make sure none are blown or missing.a visual check is ok,but testing with a test light with ignition on will quickly reveal a bad fuse.if all fuses are intact,then it may be a relay or the system may need to be checked by a professional.most shops will offer an a/c inspection for a fair price.

[quote:95a343660b="autofrank"]generally,i check under the hood first , looking for any sort of oily residue around the A/C compressor,the lines and the condensor.if i see a dirty buildup anywhere i suspect the system has leaked down.the pressure switch will not allow the compressor to run if pressure is too high or too low.next if no evidence of leaks are visible i check all fuses to make sure none are blown or missing.a visual check is ok,but testing with a test light with ignition on will quickly reveal a bad fuse.if all fuses are intact,then it may be a relay or the system may need to be checked by a professional.most shops will offer an a/c inspection for a fair price.[/quote:95a343660b]

Thanks Frank,
I found no evidence of leaks. If the pressure was low, wouldn't the engine still rev up before the compressor tries to engage? The a/c fuse looked good but I swapped it anyway, no change. I swapped the a/c relay with one that was definitely working, no change. I'm told there is an inline fuse for the a/c hidden somewhere under the hood- can you confirm or deny this rumor? If there is, how can I find it?

if your refrigerant is low,it basically locks out all your A/C functions so nothing will happen.there may be an inline fuse,but i cant access any information today.if its a fuse link that you may be looking for it is tied into the main battery cable found at the starter.i check them by giving them a tug,if its blown the wire will stretch and pull apart,i suggest you pull the battery negative cable to aviod any shorts.

[quote:39f26c5d6c="autofrank"]if your refrigerant is low,it basically locks out all your A/C functions so nothing will happen.there may be an inline fuse,but i cant access any information today.if its a fuse link that you may be looking for it is tied into the main battery cable found at the starter.i check them by giving them a tug,if its blown the wire will stretch and pull apart,i suggest you pull the battery negative cable to aviod any shorts.[/quote:39f26c5d6c]

Yep, you were right, the R134 was low. I figured my car wasn't smart enough to do that. Thanks for your help.