AC Repair: User Error or is Something Broken?

I've been replacing the condenser and the dryer on my fiancee's '06 Saturn Vue. The car was in a front end accident a few years ago and the condenser was broken, removed, and never replaced. the  system has been open to the atmosphere for the last few years.

I've following this guide by ChrisFix for the recharging portion:

I've got the new parts on and everything is buttoned up and holding vacuum. However, when I try to introduce the new refrigerant, none seems to be flowing into the system, and the compressor isn't turning on (the car is running, the AC button is pressed and the fan is on). I'm a total noob when it comes to AC repair, but all the valves should be opened and closed correctly. Is there something simple I've missed, or is the compressor likely broken?

I could be totally wrong about this, but I thought that in order to get the system to pull enough of a charge through the system, you had to bypass the pressure switch in order to get the compressor to run to pull in the refrigerant.

At a bare minimum, I'd try to jump the pressure switch just to see if the clutch engaged to make sure that it's actually working.

Power supplies, relays, switches...  

Start by jumping the clutch actuation wire to power and see if the clutch engages.  Or, probe the wire to the clutch and see if you have power there with switches and engine on.  That sends you in one of two directions.

I have had a cheap (Hammer Store) gauge set refuse to charge a system before. 

Swapped to a simple charge hose and the system took a charge fine. 

Even if the compressor is broken, with a vacuum in the system you should absolutely be able to get enough refrigerant to show on the guages, and if the compressor works, to start the compressor. I am assuming the gauges do not change at all when you open the valves?  No sign of refrigerant in the view glass on the gauges?

Really seems like some is not open, or blocked.  I did run into a situation (don't remember specifics) where there was a schrader valve (I.e. tire air stem valve) where I didn't expect it block flow.

It should be pretty easy to trace.  Unhook the stuff and crack valves to see where refrigerant comes out.  E.g. can valve? Connect line to gauges (all others off), set those open, crack can valve again, connect low side line valves open, crack can line again.

It's likely something silly.

Of note the refrigerant coming out of the can will be high pressure and VERY cold, so be careful.

You have a hose problem.  Pressure switch should not matter.  The can has pressure the system has a vacuum.  Something is blocking it.

Don't bypass the pressure switch.   You should be able to get 40psi or so in the system without the compressor on, which is generally plenty to to get the compressor to start short cycling and pull the rest in.

I'm going to bet that you've got an old-school can tap and a new bottle of refrigerant.  New bottles of refrigerant are "self-sealing" which means you can pull the can tap back out of them and they won't leak.  They need a different style can tap, however.  I know because I didn't realize that the cans changed a couple years ago and it took me awhile to figure out why I couldn't get anything out of a new can with the same tap I'd used for years...

Are you sure that you're not using an old school fill line with one of the newer cans that require the resealable line? I had the same issue with it not seeming to work last year, turns out the new cans don't work with my old tap. 

In reply to grover :

That's a good call as well.

I suppose I should follow up with this thread in case some poor soul finds it later. I could pressurize the low side but the problem ended up being a broken compressor.

Aha! That will do it.......

When facing AC issues, it's crucial to differentiate between user errors and actual system problems. User errors might include incorrect thermostat settings or dirty filters, which you can rectify yourself. However, if issues persist despite correct usage, it's likely a system malfunction. Strange noises, insufficient cooling, or leaks suggest something is broken. In such cases, consult an HVAC professional to diagnose and repair the underlying problem, ensuring your AC operates efficiently.

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