deb55

the a/c in my 08 HHR works, sometimes. when pulling in outside air the compressor cycles at about 30 sec intervals sometimes blows cool sometimes hot. when recirculating cabin air compressor cycles in 2-3 sec intervals.
while driving the engine sputters when the compressor kicks off and on, more so when in the cabin air mode.
thinking a recharge was needed i began until after the first shot went in as the gauge needle shot up into red .. not sure what to do i unhooked it and am rolling down windows for air for the time being.
do i need professional help? well not me but Fred (that's the car)
thanks

donbrew

Sounds like the compressor is broken, yes professional help is required.

deb55

ok thanks so much, i was afraid you would say that.

Oldblue

He didn't mean to scare you! Just tell you something we never like to hear, there is no easy fix for this.

deb55

Haha... takes more than that to scare me!
I was hoping it was something simple like the relay but i've found not much is easy or simple with Fred!
thanks so much for the info .. i'm sure i'll be back with whatever he throws at me next.

Oldblue

Come back and tell us what fixes this problem

deb55

Will do... i have one likely silly question, would a problem with the A/C not read out a code when hooked up @ a shop?
A week ago the engine light came on, took it in & the only code was PO442-small evap leak, which i 'think' i solved with a new cap.

Oldblue

The P0442 most likely was the fuel cap, however be aware of any smell of fuel prior to opening that gas cap it could be other problems.
Have a read here to get an idea of what it could be. If the code returns

https://www.obd-codes.com/p0442

deb55

There was no odor just the light, just replaced the fuel lines a month ago due to a leak, fingers crossed on that one.
BUT ....
went on a hunch and hope to save $$, picked up the a/c clutch relay and TADA .. that was it. No more short cycling, blows super cold .. One happy girl today :)

donbrew

That was fast!