problem with a/c (clutch not engaging)

[we4fun]

Hi, having problem with my a/c in 86 T-type. It seems that when i turn on the a/c that the compressor clutch never seems to engage or cycle on and off as it should. I even tried putting on the defrost but still nothing. what could be causing this condition? Could it be that i am low on freon?. I know nothing about the A/C system except that I should hear and see that clutch turn on and off from time to time. Any answers??????

 

[Scott Atk]

try unplugging the low pressure switch on the side of the receiver/drier. Now make a small jumper wire and jump the terminals on the connector momentarily. If the compressor comes on you most likely have a low charge.

 

[we4fun]

Thanks Scott. On that connector you told me to jump, which pins do I jump as I don't want to jump the wrong ones and cause a short and Fry something! Thanks , JOE

 

[turbojimmy]

Originally posted by we4fun
Thanks Scott. On that connector you told me to jump, which pins do I jump as I don't want to jump the wrong ones and cause a short and Fry something! Thanks , JOE

There's only 2 - it's just a switch.

You're probably low on freon. That's the most common cause of the compressor not running.

Jim

 

[ez at nova]

Not to beat a dead horse, but I bet it's low on coolant as well. That's what happened to me and it had teh same symptoms. Rather than hunt down the leak and refil with the old hard to find freon, I had an r-34 conversion done on mine. Works great, cooler than it ever blew before and it was only around $100.

 

[FlyinGN]

low on coolant?? huh Do you mean Freon??

 

[ez at nova]

Nope, I meant coolant. R-34 can be refered to as coolant since that is physically what it does - by pressurizing/depressurizing it disperses heat. http://www.1800wtctire.com/new/services/pdf/heat_cool.pdf
Obviously, I didn't mean the yellow anti-freeze stuff.

 

[77tech9]

Comp will not turn on if your overpressurized also. I had this problem with a blockage in one of the lines on my other car.

My GN still needs to be taken in and flushed with new coolant, on HOT days it just can't keep up.

 

[we4fun]

Thank A bunch!

thank guys. I did try and jump that connector off of the receiver/drier and got the compressor to come on. I will look to the freon/coolant next.

 

[SIXBANGR]

I just did this test just now. Mine now comes on and blows cold. Must have been dirty?

 

[hogasco]

I had a similar problem once on my 86'. It was actually the switch that had gone bad. You had to wiggle the switch and it would work. I had the coolant level tested and it was fine. Replaced the switch and has worked fine ever since (at least 3 years ago).

 

[we4fun]

In reply to Scott

Scott (HOGASCO), when you replaced the switch was it an easy job or did you have to worry about any of the coolant escaping from the receiver/drier or can I just go ahead and unscrew the switch and install a new one. That is if my switch is indeed bad? Like I indicated the compressor does come on when I jump the connector off that switch. THANKS, JOE

 

[Scott Atk]

More than likely the switch is fine, you just have a low charge. If you find that the refrigerant charge is correct and you indeed have a bad switch, there is a schrader valve behind the switch. Just unscrew the old one and screw the new one on. Good Luck !

 

[hogasco]

Joe,

Scott Atk is right, the switch is probably not the problem but that was my problem at the time. If you do have to take the switch out just unscrew it quickly and you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[we4fun]

Responce to Scott ATK & Hogasco

Thanks Guys, I'll let you know how i make out.

 

[Evans Ward]

Great thread. I have the same problem so I've copied all of this to troubleshoot my compressor too. Hope it's something simple!

 

[Rickracer]

Coolant = Antifreeze, Water, Water Wetter, etc.

Refridgerant is the term for Freon, R134A, R12, etc.