Cadillac Repair: Air Conditioner/ Oil leak/ rear leveling, oil leaks, cadillac deville

Question
1994 Cadillac Deville, not north star. Air conditioner does not work. When I put a guage on the low side it reads 100lbs. Compressor will not turn on, when you switch from Auto to off compressor makes a grinding noise for about 2 seconds and trys to move. I belive compressor is shot, How much for a new compressor? I being a very handy man can I change it myself? Oil leak I belive at intake, any products on the market that will stop this leak? Rear leve;er is stuck in full up position, any suggestions?
Thanks
Buck

Answer
Hi Buck, Sounds like you are right about the compressor. Prices for a new one can be as high as $300 depending upon where you buy it. I would suggest calling around to your local parts stores to get the best price. You could install a used one from a junkyard depending upon how long you are going to keep your Caddy. Changing the compressor isn't a big deal but getting the freon in and out is. If the EPA catches you venting the freon into the air then you might get a $10,000 fine. I would take it to a shop to have the freon evacuated, then you change the compressor and if you have freon then you can reinstall it or take it back to the shop for a recharge. You might have a compressor relay that is bad so trouble shooting the system with a manual might save some $$$$....Repairing oil leaks by putting in a stop-leak additive is not a good idea. They could gum up things and cause more problems. If the leak is bad enough then get it fixed...First check all the fuses to make sure the level ride ones are ok. If there is a relay in the system it might be bad. That leaves a defective height sensor, wiring and bad release solinoid inside the compressor. You will need a manual to troubeshoot the system because there isn't one thing that goes bad all the time and replaceing parts will get expensive for the sensor and compressor. Bill