I'm hoping someone can quickly helpwith my AC

MACKIN

Smell My Finger...
Aug 14, 2006
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Connecticut
It's going to be a warm weekend and I'd like to fix it TODAY if possible if someone can point me to what is wrong with it. MY AC compressor doesn't engage when I turn on the AC.

I have NO clue about how the system works. HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!!

Is it something (hopefully) I can replace without having to recharge the system or is it or could it be the system has drained? I doubt that.

Hopefully I don't need professional help,well I do ,but not for my AC! :D

I wish I brought my Tech II to work with me,crap. :(
 

blk smoke lb7

<-----Lots of green $
Nov 8, 2010
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belvidere,ill
Check the fuse 1st of coarse.The compressor wont kick in if the presure is low,you should find the tag under the hood as to how many oz's the system holds but they make those little gauges that go rite on the can and tell you when the system is full.Just make sure you hook on to the low presure side the fitting on the cans that have the built in hose and gauge will only let you hook on to the low side,hooking the can up to the high side at 200 to 250 psi that can is a bomb in your hand good luck
 

maine04max

New member
Dec 11, 2008
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the clutch on the front of the compressor is like a magnet iirc . check for voltage there
 

stacks04

Member
Nov 16, 2007
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Terryville,Ct
Mack, you can do a couple things, first check for power and ground at the 2 terminal connector at the compressor clutch. Second if you have power at the compressor, you can unplug the low pressure switch and jump the terminals for a couple seconds the compressor should kit on. If not the compressor is bad. If it does start its either low on refridgerant, or the low pressure switch is bad.
 

MACKIN

Smell My Finger...
Aug 14, 2006
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Connecticut
All-righty-then.

Fuses-check-all good
Power to compressor-check-good
Unplug Jump low pressure switch-check-compressor engages. Good news there

So I guess I'll have to replace switch and replenish and or check maybe I have a leak and its empty which I doubt as I just had the AC service done couple 2-3 years ago when I lost a hose and it has very few miles on it but who knows.

Guess I'm gonna have to bring it somewhere as step one before removing switch check pressure,can that be done without or with a non working AC? Or will the switch have to be replaced and then check for leaks and replenish?

I haven't monkeyed around with AC systems so I'm clueless. Well at least the Compressor is good unless it has leaking seals. Looks like I wont have it working this weekend unless I gamble buy a switch and just charge the system back up. Oh well
 

stacks04

Member
Nov 16, 2007
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Terryville,Ct
If the compressor works then more then likely its low. Especially if its been 2-3 years since the last fluid check. Dont do the switch until you have a machine on it to recover the refrigerant thats in it. If there is still some its still under pressure and will make a mess if you just unthread it. Could you get down here today? I could set it up on the machine quick this afternoon.
 

darkness

Well-known member
Jul 15, 2009
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vegas
real quick leak check...just look for oil/dirt buildup around any fittings and service ports.
 

MACKIN

Smell My Finger...
Aug 14, 2006
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If the compressor works then more then likely its low. Especially if its been 2-3 years since the last fluid check. Dont do the switch until you have a machine on it to recover the refrigerant thats in it. If there is still some its still under pressure and will make a mess if you just unthread it. Could you get down here today? I could set it up on the machine quick this afternoon.

We'll have to set something up soon. I'll give ya a call
 

NC-smokinlmm

<<<Future tuna killer
May 29, 2011
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At Da Beach
The refrigerant is dyed neon green so you should beable to see any leaks. Most likely it will be a faulty schrader valve that is causing the issue, start by checking those.
 

schulte

New member
Jul 31, 2010
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CT
I MIGHT have a few spare switches around; I definitely have a couple of spare compressors. If you want to borrow either to troubleshoot you're more than welcome. I'm not far away; send me a PM and I'll check in the AM to see which switches I might have.
 

blk smoke lb7

<-----Lots of green $
Nov 8, 2010
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belvidere,ill
The switch shouldnt be bad,if the charge is low the presure switch wont let the compressor kick on.You can get the do it yourself kit with the gauge that is idiot proof if you watch the gauge that is and you will have cool air again.i have to recharge the wifes grand prix every summer it has a super slow leak somewhere.Those kits can be bought at any advanced auto or auto zone.
 

ROGUE GTS

Member
Apr 30, 2008
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Did it just randomly stop working? Mine did that recently out of nowhere and it was a simple fix:

Remove the HVAC/ECAS fuse underhood for 30 seconds, reinstall, start the truck, and do not touch any controls for the first 40 secs, allowing the controller to recalibrate and learn.

See if you can now turn the A/C on.

:thumb:
 

MACKIN

Smell My Finger...
Aug 14, 2006
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Connecticut
No it just didn't work when I turned on the AC. It worked last year with no problems. It was I don't know for sure 2-3-4 years ago I had a line replaced. I had the fuse(s) out checking them. So it's either low on refrigerant ,which tells me a leak, or the low pressure switch went. Easiest way is when I get a chance hook up with Stacks and get it fixed.

I have recharged a system before not my truck but another one of my vehicles. As far as I know if you've lost refrigerant you have a leak. So I'll need to put dye in ,I cannot see a visible leak anywhere, hook up guages and figure out what needs to be done. By the time I'm gathering everything it'd be easier to go see Stacks.

Unless I get bored but I have MANY projects going on right now (painting my Jeep) I don't need yet another but we shall see. :D