2003 PT AC help!!!

[buzzzxx]

I have a 2003 PT Cruiser non turbo and am having AC issues. Here are the symptoms: Car runs fine at idle but when you turn the ac on the car drops idle whenever the compressor kicks on. The compressor will run for a few seconds and then stop and the idle returns to normal. A few seconds later compressor kicks on again and idle becomes rough again and engine shudders. If I put a can of refridg with a gage on the service port the pressure reads well within the red. The rad/ac fan never kicks on at all but the car does not overheat. The ac line feels cold but the air coming out of the vents is harm. Any experiences or suggestions for what is wrong would be very appreciated.

[CREWZIN]

Welcome to the forum.

I believe your whole problem is because the fan isn't coming on. If you need more information, read this:

http://www.motor.com/magazine/pdfs/032008_02.pdf

[Knotsobright1]

If I put a can of refridg with a gage on the service port the pressure reads well within the red.


It should not read in the red.

And anytime you are at idle with the A/C on the fans should be running.

[buzzzxx]

Thank you so much for the assistance with your answers. In looking at things further I have to ask about the service port where you would add refridg. There is a port on top but that appears to be the high pressure line. In looking down by the fan there is another port. Which is the correct port to add?

[CREWZIN]

[buzzzxx]

Hmm so that says its added to the low side port. This would lead me to believe that it is the lower port that is down by the compressor. Thanks for the assistance.

[CREWZIN]

Your welcome.