Pontiac Repair: 2002 Montana AC Problem, rust belt, lube shop

Question
First, thanks for this answer forum!

I have a 2002 Montana 3.4L on which the AC blows fine and shows an "on" light but doesn't get cold. I thought it needed a recharge but my guy at the lube shop said it's the AC clutch not kicking on. I checked the fuses but nothing is busted there. I took it to a shop he recommended but the guy told me I needed a new compressor before he looked at it. I'm having a hard time believing a compressor is bad after only 75000 miles but I'm not an expert. Can you tell me how to proceed without breaking my bank?

Answer
Hey Bill:

I wouldn't be so quick to condem the compressor. Thay rarely go bad. with the engine on and the a/c on check for power and ground at the electrical connector at the compressor. Un plug it with the engine off and get it away from the belt and moving parts and check it with the engine running. if you have power and gound it's the compressor. If not you have to see why not. if the system is full now I'd suspect a bad pressure sensor or a bad relay or even a computer issue. You'll need a scan tool to see if the computer is indeed commanding on the compressor.. This really is not a job for the do it your selfer due to needing a scan tool. but to your original question I doubt it needs a compressor.. The other thing is where is the leak in the system that it needed to be chaged up? if you live in the rust belt like I do more than likely the leak is in the condensor or if it has rear heat and A/C on of the lines under the van rotted out. Good luck :}