I guess in my rudimentary mind I was thinking a micro switch on the gas pedal to cut the a/c compressor off at WOT. Oh well, ordered a true Saturn HVAC book and Volume 1 and 2 of the body electrical.

 

Update on the a/c. It was the compressor clutch, replaced the entire compressor with a reman because that was cheaper than buying a clutch alone. While I had the system open, I R/R the filter dryer as well. Total cost was $230.00 and the air works great.

Thanks for all the helpful inputs.
Rob

 

Glad you're back on the "cool side" of the drive. Enjoy the A/C, my man ...

 

Update:

I have put 5000 miles on my $1500.00 SL1. The air still blows cold, and I added factory cruise. It uses about a quart of oil between oil changes, but I'm getting an average fuel mileage of 38mpg. I have about $2000.00 dollars in the car after purchase, fixing the a/c, and adding cruise. Happy thus far.

 

I have essentially the same vehicle, 2002 SL, 5sp, AC with over 265k miles on it. I had no qualms about jumping in it this July at 257k miles and taking a 6897 mile road trip to visit all the national parks. All I did before leaving was to check the pressure in the tires. I do keep all the maintenance up to date so it is always ready to go. Oil changes when the light tells me to, coolant every 5 years or so, can't remember when I did the plugs last, but they are double platinum type so no issues there.

You have a lot of miles left in this vehicle.

 

I agree. I had a 1994 SL1 that I bought brand new, and it has an estimated 230,000 miles on it. The odometer quit working at 176,000. I change my oil every 3000 miles regardless of the light. I put an alternator, water pump, and a driver's side seat belt mechanism on the 94. I gave it to my dad, and he is still driving it. If I can get 100,000 miles out of a $2000.00 car, sign me up. I love the SL1s!