L200 A/C quit; $800?

Uh...Radiator fan should be on if the ac is on and the compressor clutch is "engaged". If you're a/c illiterate then you shouldn't mess with it. Could cost you more than 800 by the time you take it back in. Saturn isn't the only place that can give you repair quotes and a diagnosis.

sounds more like a stuck TVX to me, but it's possible that the swash plate in the compressor is stuck, which isn't uncommon in saturns.

I only have one thing to try, sometimes you can unstick it by reving it up to 3000 rpm in neutral and cycling the A/C compressor on and off about 10 times. (one second on - one second off, repeat). You may need a helper if you have to resort to unplugging and plugging in the clutch wire to cycle it, but usually the a/c button works well.

engine cooling fan won't kick on until high side pressure gets up around

Take it to a independant garage or firestone (yes, firestone, cause they have national warranties and do good work at fair prices)

no, I don't work for firestone.

Joe F. Brown Master Auto Tech L1 Certified

Which compressor(s) would that be?

Maybe "A/C illiterate" was a little strong; I'm not familiar with Saturn A/C. I replaced the compressor & convrted my 90 Ranger over to 134a and it worked till I sold it(5years). I liked the one second cycling @ 3K rpm idea. I went out with high hopes but it didn't help. I used the relay to cycle it on/off(rather burn up a relay than my hand). Tried about 50 on/off cycles twice, but still have hot air. Still open for suggestions. Plan to get 2nd opinoion this week. I go to Firestone a lot; never thought of them for A/C. Thanks for the replies.

Dumb time: What's the "TVX"?

final result: Used compressor $100; local reputable A/C shop installed w/drier $350. Didn't have time to do it myself. Works great for $450. Saturn wanted $850 to replace compressor only - they didn't recommend repl drier - that would be extra $200! Also didn't tell me compressors had been on backorder all summer. Hope the used compressor holds up.

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final outcome $450: got a used compressor from junkyard -$100; had A/C shop install it with a new drier - $350. Works great. Also found out Saturn dealer doesn't replace drier for $850 - that would put their bill over $1000! They don't think its necessary to replace drier. Got compressor from Williams Auto Parts in Portland IN. Excellent place to get late model parts if they have it. Cleanest junkyard I've seen; good folks there.

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Everybody I know replaces the dryer when servicing the sealed system. If there is moisture in the system, you can get away with a good pump-down vacuum that will purge it. If there was a bad compressor especially, the system is 'swept' with a flush solvent to remove any nasties and a new receiver/dryer is installed. This has filter screens and a dessicant.

I made the mistake of going to get a used auto part and calling this facillity a junkyard. I was politely informed that they were an 'auto parts recycler'. Place was so clean and well orgainzed, it was amazing. Totally unlike the junkyards I've been to where you slog through oily mud to get your parts - and often get good parts too. similarity ends there.

Not even a 24 hour 400 micron vacuum will pull moisture out of the oil or out of the desiccant. A vacuum pump can only boil out remains of certain solvents and the moisture in the atmosphere that still remains in the lines. Any moisture that has bonded with PAG stays bonded until the desiccant removes it. (If the desiccant isn't used up...)

The receiver-dryer/accumulator desiccant bags are also more prone to failure with age. (not really a good filter then.) If the system is open, it gets replaced reguardless. If the system is just being replenished GM recommends it is replaced reguardless if it is 5 years old or more.

Accumulators are cheap...receiver-dryers cost a little more. Not replac> > final outcome $450: got a used compressor from junkyard

Very cheap but I stay away from junkyard compressors and especially "refurbished" compressors. My first choice is either a Sanden or Seltec aftermarket compressor if and when possible. If none are available then even a brand new Chinese copy may have a better life expectancy IMHO. Do you know if they used Double End Capped PAG?