2000 Chevy Malibu...Working on my AC replacing the compressor...What is the fluid capacity of the compressor/AC system on this vehicle...If I've added more than enough, how do I drain excess fluid to avoid compressor damage?

In a 1994 Chevy K1500, the compressor should receive power when the AC button is turned on, assuming that the system is adequately pressurized and there are no other issues preventing it from engaging. Here are some steps to diagnose the issue:

1. Check Refrigerant Levels: Low refrigerant levels can prevent the AC compressor from engaging. If your system is low on refrigerant, it may need to be recharged. This is typically a job for a qualified technician.
2. Check for Refrigerant Leaks: If your system is low on refrigerant, it's essential to check for leaks. A leak can cause the refrigerant to escape and prevent the compressor from engaging. Look for signs of oil or refrigerant leaks around the AC components.
3. Fuse and Relay Inspection: Ensure that the AC system's fuse and relay are functioning correctly. You can consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a fuse box diagram to locate the relevant fuses and relays. Replace any blown fuses or faulty relays.
4. Check the Pressure Switch: Many vehicles have a high-pressure and low-pressure switch in the AC system. These switches monitor the pressure in the system and can prevent the compressor from engaging if the pressure is too high or too low. Check these switches for proper operation and continuity.
5. Inspect Wiring and Connectors: Examine the wiring and connectors leading to the AC compressor. Look for damaged wires, loose connections, or corrosion. Ensure that there is no damage to the wiring harness.
6. AC Clutch and Compressor: If all the electrical components are working correctly, you may need to inspect the AC clutch and compressor itself. The AC clutch should engage and disengage when the AC is turned on and off. If the clutch isn't engaging, it may be faulty, or there could be an issue with the compressor itself.
7. Refrigerant Pressure Sensors: Some vehicles are equipped with refrigerant pressure sensors that can prevent the compressor from engaging if the pressure is out of the specified range. Check if your vehicle has such sensors and test them if necessary.
8. Professional Diagnosis: If you've checked all of the above and cannot identify the issue, or if you're uncomfortable working on AC systems, it's recommended to consult a qualified automotive technician or AC specialist for a thorough diagnosis and repair.

Remember to prioritize safety when working on your vehicle's AC system, as it involves high-pressure refrigerant and electrical components. If you're not experienced in automotive AC repairs, it's best to seek professional assistance to avoid injury or damage to your vehicle.

there are 2 pressure control switches that control the ac clutch operation. One is to stop the compressor if the head pressure go too high and the other is to stop the compressor if there is not enough gas in the system.. Have a ac mechanic check it out as you may have a leak somewhere.

The AC compressor front seal

You might have a defective fuel tank pressure sensor!

Hi Jacki, If you are losing brake fluid it must be leaking from somewhere and the places are limited. Fluid can leak from any one of the four wheel brake cylinders, the master cylinder, the ABS pump and valve unit, the master cylinder or cracked or broken metal or flexible brake pipes. Wherever the leakage is, it must be visible and detectable, as the fluid will make the area wet, If you look at each one of the four wheels, I'm sure one will have been marked by the leakage. The ABS / Traction control are separate from the Emergency brake warning light. The latter (E Brake) warns of loss of brake fluid. Whenever you top up it will extinguish, but illuminating again when the fluid has leaked out! The ABS and Traction control warnings will come on when an electronic signal fail to be transmitted and thereby triggering a fault code. These codes will be extinguished when the vehicle is connected to a scanner and the faults are deleted from the vehicle computers memory. You will most likely find that the wheel cylinder which is leaking has contaminated the pick up sensor which sends the signal to the ABS / Traction system. It will likely need removing, cleaning and then refitting. I am very sure that if you take a flashlight and lay down, even without crawling under the vehicle, you can identify where the leakage is, and point it out to those experts who it would seem have been misleading you. I doubt the leakage will be on the master cylinder, as having two unrelated faults would seem to be stretching coincidence a little far. (But I may be wrong and two problems may have come separately together! I believe the two are related to one wheel cylinder which has contaminated a sensors, The leakage is the most serious problem, as it can leave you without brakes! have that seen to very urgently! In fact NOW!!!! Regards John

Any leak or damage due to ac compressor failure may cause serious damages. For preventive maintenance, keep track of the part's working conditions to prevent compromising the functionality of other engine components. Good thing premium quality factory equivalents to your stock ac compressor are conveniently available for specific vehicle applications. As the part constantly handles the harsh fluids and tough working conditions, structural weaknesses of conventional ac compressor replacements have been addressed in constantly improving the functionality of the part. When looking for the right compressor replacement, putting you money on quality and durable products is advised.

Problem is that the "new" R134 is somewhat "thinner" than the older, more reliable R12. Therefore, every seal in the entire system needs to be absolutely perfect, otherwise, it leaks out. I've even seen hoses that will bleed freon though they appear normal in every respect. Don't be tempted to add "do it yourself" freon that has sealant in it. I've never seen any of that work and further, I know it will gum up the expensive equipment repair shops use.
The problem is not isolated to GM vehicles. Therefore, switching to another make won't cure the problem. Only difference is that some, regardless of make seem to bleed off less than others. Why?
I've got no idea. Likely the dealer has gone over your system several times already and found nothing.
Reason being that it bleeds off so slowly that most leak detection equipment won't pick it up.
The most common leak area is from the front seal on the compressor. Replacing the seal or compressor is expensive and there's no guarantee that it will actually fix the problem. So, 'till someone comes up with a better refrigerant, or a way to make the system less prone to leaks, we're all pretty much stuck with it.

recharge system or compressor is not working,

Could be several things. The fuse relay to the AC compressor could be bad. The system may need to be recharged due to lack of refrigerant the compressor will not work unless it has enough.

You can, but it requires a special tool you can purchase at the part store. You can view a full free online repair manual at autozone.com. Must register for free first before viewing manual