New member. Car is 1995 SL1 148000 miles. Very hot day today (mid 90s). Car sat in lot most of day. Started it up and turned on ac, not cold. Checked under hood and noted ac clutch was switching on and off fairly rapidly. No evident leaks, condenser/radiator clean, fan operating properly. Shut off ac, then started driving home. Once I got on the highway I turned on ac again and it worked normally. Checked outlet temp when I got home, 48 degrees, normal. An anomaly? Or a problem waiting to reappear? Last month on the first warm day ( not as hot as today) the ac was not cold, borrowed a friends "AC PRO" hose and gage and added a little refrigerant per their instructions. System then worked great until now, but it has not been in the mid 90s until now. Drove car again later the same day and all was normal. Any comments or recommendations? Car is a great runner, love the good mileage and economy. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

 

Agree with Andy,

You need to see the low AND high side pressures to know whether the compressor (and the rest of the system) is functioning properly.

Be aware that the high and low side Schrader valves for the AC system, often, when left static for 20 years, MAY not close and seal properly when you remove the gauges.
This is not just a Saturn thing.
They are easily recored once you figure out which internals are in there (by getting the tool kit and removing the offender). Then you can buy a replacement. High side is most vulnerable as it never gets exercised except when gauges are attached.