a/c question

[aviator]

is there a way to jump the a/c relay to see if it is bad? i used to get the compressor to kick on every once in a while, but now not at all.

 

[Bizzy]

aviator:
is there a way to jump the a/c relay to see if it is bad? i used to get the compressor to kick on every once in a while, but now not at all.

Sounds to me like you're low or out of freon. When your system gets that low, the compressor won't come on anymore to protect itself from burning up.

<small>[ July 12, 2003, 02:47 PM: Message edited by: Bizzy ]</small>

 

[aviator]

could be.....but i can't put any freon in if the compressor won't kick on. any way to jump it? i have had to put several cans in over the past 12 months, so probably is a leak. how does it get fixed? can they replace all the plumbing, or find the piece that is leaking and fix that?

 

[Bizzy]

aviator:
could be.....but i can't put any freon in if the compressor won't kick on. any way to jump it? i have had to put several cans in over the past 12 months, so probably is a leak. how does it get fixed? can they replace all the plumbing, or find the piece that is leaking and fix that?

The plumbing or the 0 rings are a major source of problems. The plumbing is subject to a lot of rubbing in certain areas, take a look at it and you'll see what I mean. O-rings often times just need to be replaced.

If you take it to a shop, they can inject a dye into the system and then view it with a black light. If the leak is big enough it will show up then. I believe these kits are also available over the counter for the newer style refrigerant. If you don't use the newer style, now might be a good time to convert your system over. It won't be as cold as the old style, but any cold air is great on a hot day.

Once the system gets enough freon in it, the compressor (if it's not gone south) will start to cycle again.

 

[drdave]

For some reason, we seem to be avoiding you question.

With the AC on and the car running, remove the plug from the top of the accumulator and jump the plug with a paper clip or a piece of wire. If your coil is good, the clutch will pull in.

 

[projectSHO89]

And to correct a misconception, the pressure from the refrigerant can be enough to "make" the cycling switch once the system gets enough pressure in it. Just let the pressure in the can do the work.

Steve

 

[rangerj]

Aviator,

Jumping the low pressure switch wires is a quick way to determine if the system is low on refrigerant, and will tell you if the problem is a failed clutch coil.

If the clutch coil is activated, and the compressor clutch is engaged when you jump the low pressure wires, then is is either the low pressure switch or the system is low.

Check all of your A/C connections for black oily dirt. This is the sign of a leak. Look at the front of the condenser, in front of the radiator, for black oily spots. Lastly look at the front of the compressor, behind the clutch coil, for the same sign of a leak.

You may be able to get a fresh charge of refrigerant to last the rest of the summer if the leak is not to bad. If you add refrigerant to try this, add refrigerant that has a few ounces of oil with the charge.

If you have R-134a in your system this experiment is cheap. If you have R-12 in your system you may have dificulty getting it, and when you do find it, it will be expensive. rangerj

 

[absolutley]

hey all, since were on ac problems. maybe some one aan help me. my ac was working fine it was very cold and then just stopped working, nothing kicks on or anything.

thanks

 

[SHOCLIE95]

Hey guys how do u recharge your ac. Does any one have pic. that shows the location were to charge from. how do u know if u got the new r-134 in your car I got a 95 car.

 

[rangerj]

1.) Absolutely,

Read the above posts. The most common, but not the only, cause of an A/C system that just stops working is low pressure. The low pressure switch needs at least 18 to 20 psi to activate the switch which then activates clutch coil.

The low pressure switch is on top of the accumulator/dryer, which is below the battery, in the corner where the passenger side inner fender meets with the radiator support.

The switch wires can be jumped, for test purposes, to activate the clutch coil. If this happens, you either have a faulty low pressure switch, or are low on refrigerant (most likely cause).

2. Shoclie95,

Beginning in 1994 all passenger automobiles have R-134a as their refrigerant. You have a 1995 car, ergo you have R-134a (unless it has been tampered with).

Back by the firewall, on the passenger side, is the low pressure halve. It is the larger of the two valves for the A/C. R-134a hoses are 1. Blue for low pressure, Red for high pressure, and Yellow is used for other connections.

You can get a charge kit at most auto parts stores, and places like Wal-Mart, K-mart, Auto Zone, etc. rangerj

 

[absolutley]

thanks for the info.

 

[green91SHOPlus]

I know nothing about a/c systems except for how they work and what I've read here, but I've successfully charged my a/c (such a luxury!), and it works fine, but only when I jump that pressure switch. My question is, would I beable to buy just a pressure switch and replace it? Or would I have to replace the dryer or whatever it's attatched to?

 

[naval-avi8or]

is there a way to jump the a/c relay to see if it is bad? i used to get the compressor to kick on every once in a while, but now not at all.

Didn't read all the post but most likely your clutch airgap needs reshimed.

 

[projectSHO89]

My question is, would I beable to buy just a pressure switch and replace it?

Yes. They're around $12-15 at Advance Auto Parts last time I bought one. No need to discharge system, there's a schraeder valve under it.

Steve

 

[Mr Anonymous]

I know nothing about a/c systems except for how they work and what I've read here, but I've successfully charged my a/c (such a luxury!), and it works fine, but only when I jump that pressure switch. My question is, would I beable to buy just a pressure switch and replace it? Or would I have to replace the dryer or whatever it's attatched to?

Could you have found a post older than three years old to resurrect?!?!?