So about a week ago I went to turn on my AC because it was actually kinda warm and it just started blowing out hot air...awesome. So later, in my driveway, I started my truck (1996 F150 4.9 I-6) and turned on the AC. The first thing that I noticed was that the engine didn't strain like usual when the AC compressor was turned on. When I opened the hood, I could hear the AC system going but there was no cold air coming out of the vents. I hope its just out of freon but it sounds to me like the compressor took a crap. Any ideas?
I wasn't jumping ahead. All I was asking was what I needed if I were to have to recharge the system. And, no the clutch does not spin when I turn the AC on. So according to you, the clutch will not engage if the system is low on freon. So from reading your message and observing that the clutch on the pump wasn't engaging, I can think of 2 conclusions. First, the clutch or the pump may be broken. Second, it might just need freon because, according to you, the clutch on the pump wont engage if there isn't enough freon. That would be what I would try first since getting a new pump would be more expensive. As far as "following instructions," sorry for not reporting back to my every observation before posting.
Low refrigerant is only one of the possible reasons the clutch is not engaging. A pressure check with a gauge will answer the question of whether or not the system has leaked down.
If it is low, the system requires the leak to be repaired and evacuated properly before recharging.
Might be a blown fuse, a bad pressure switch, bad relay (is used), worn clutch, etc...
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AC broken...hopefully not the compressor.
