Why is the Buick LaCrosse compressor not working?
3 Answers
There are several reasons why the Buick LaCrosse compressor may not be working: 1. Circuit failure: First check if the circuit fuse is blown. If the fuse is intact, use a multimeter to measure the circuit to confirm this fault. Free repairs are available at 4S stores during the warranty period. 2. Air conditioning pump failure: Open the engine hood and connect the refrigerant gauge to check the pressure. If the pressure is within normal range, measure the compressor plug to check if the voltage reaches 12V. If the voltage reaches 12V, it can be inferred that the air conditioning pump is damaged and needs replacement. 3. Air conditioning pressure switch failure. The air conditioning pressure switch controls the electric fan, which helps dissipate heat from the radiator and condenser. If the pressure switch is damaged and the electric fan doesn't rotate, the air conditioning system cannot dissipate heat, causing the compressor to stop working. Replace the air conditioning pressure switch to resolve this issue.
My old LaCrosse had the same issue last summer, the compressor just wouldn’t kick in. I figured I’d start with the simplest fix—there’s a dedicated A/C fuse in the fuse box on the left side of the steering wheel. I pulled it out with tweezers to check; if the middle part was melted, just spend a few bucks on a new one. If that didn’t work, I’d check the relay in the engine bay fuse box and swap it with an identical one to test. Oh, and when unplugging connectors, look carefully for burnt marks or bent pins—my car had oxidized relay sockets causing poor contact. The worst-case scenario is a seized compressor. Start the engine and turn on the AC; if you hear a loud click from the engine bay but the belt doesn’t spin, chances are the compressor needs repair. This isn’t an expense to skip, or else driving in summer feels like a sauna on wheels.
Sisters driving the LaCrosse, don't panic! First, check for any misoperations! Especially for those with automatic AC, remember to press the AC button and the snowflake icon on the central screen. If the temperature on the screen is set to HI (full heat) or LO (full cold), the compressor might not start. Try adjusting the temperature to around 22°C and observe. Then, check if the black compressor belt in the engine bay is loose—if you can press the middle part down by more than half a centimeter, it needs tightening. Another simple but effective method: turn on internal circulation and stomp on the accelerator twice. If the compressor suddenly clunks and starts working, it's likely the refrigerant pressure switch is faulty. Female owners, never attempt to adjust the pressure valve yourself—take it to the shop to check if the refrigerant level is sufficient, as low levels can trigger low-pressure protection.
