does the compressor run on my 98 explorer xlt?

jwford · #1 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 12:07 AM

hey guys, i've always had an ongoing blendor problem that i fixed from hanging around the forum. also i've had an ongoing (another thread from long ago

) issue with my air blowing out of my defroster only. i gave up on that after not finding it. it's ok for now...

now, i want to know how to tell if my compressor is running. the air does not blow cold so it's either the compressor or it needs freon in my 98 explorer xlt.
i've never put any in the 6 years i've had it.

with my explorer idleing a little rough, it's hard to tell if it kicks in, or not.

anybody know a sure fire way of finding out before i take it to the mechanic and he laughs as i'm emptying my wallet in front of him?

eallanboggs · #2 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 01:11 AM

Look at the clutch face. Does it spin at the same speed as the serpentine belt or freewheel all the time. Can you hear and see the clutch energizing? This ain't rocket science.

jwford · #3 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eallanboggs

Look at the clutch face. Does it spin at the same speed as the serpentine belt or freewheel all the time. Can you hear and see the clutch energizing? This ain't rocket science.

thanks Professor Einstein---to me it is!

sooo, if it freewheels it don't work?

also, if it's low on freon, would that cause the "clutch" to stop spinning? another words would it be worth paying some cash to put freon in it?

geeez, this is rocket science...........

ErnieX · #4 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 12:38 PM

If the front plate of the compressor pulley is not spinning when the A/C is switched on then the compressor is not running. A low freon level will trigger the low pressure cut off switch and keep the comp. from turning on. This protects the comp. Since the system is a closed system, if your low on freon you have a leak. You need to take it to a professional and have it leak tested, repaired and recharged.

You could add freon to the system and see if the comp. comes on - this will probably require you to disconnect the low pressure switch so the compressor will run enough to accept the freon. If not repaired, any freon added will just leak out again.

Hope this helps some.

EE

jwford · #5 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErnieX

If the front plate of the compressor pulley is not spinning when the A/C is switched on then the compressor is not running. A low freon level will trigger the low pressure cut off switch and keep the comp. from turning on. This protects the comp. Since the system is a closed system, if your low on freon you have a leak. You need to take it to a professional and have it leak tested, repaired and recharged.

You could add freon to the system and see if the comp. comes on - this will probably require you to disconnect the low pressure switch so the compressor will run enough to accept the freon. If not repaired, any freon added will just leak out again.

Hope this helps some.

EE

thanks Ernie, yup---great explanation. gonna check it out when i get home.....

jwford · #6 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 07:34 PM

well the comp is not spinning at all. hmmm, plan B.

i wonder if it's worth throwing Freon in?

eallanboggs · #7 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 08:14 PM

The compressor protects itself from under and over pressure. Are you under or over? Do you have 12Vdc at the clutch coil? Is the ON/OFF switch good? Is the relay energizing to supply voltage to the compressor? Do you have a freon leak? These are only a few of the questions you have to be able to answer. There are more. I told you this ain't rocket science. First thing is a good DVOM and a schematic. You'll need these to answer these basic questions, but most of the time you can solve your problem with the correct answers to these questions. Oh, and by the way different manufacturers uses different systems so you have to know what system you're working with.

460 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 10:13 PM

If I had to take a guess of all things that could be wrong, I would guess it's low on freon. Be sure to have dye added if you charge it so if the new freon leaks out you can find the leak easier.

jwford · #9 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 460

If I had to take a guess of all things that could be wrong, I would guess it's low on freon. Be sure to have dye added if you charge it so if the new freon leaks out you can find the leak easier.

yup---i'm takin the low bid for sure. i'll have to sweet talk my mechanic(aka the inspecter that should't inspect my truck--LEGALLY?) i'll ask him to tell me yey or ney if i'ts worth a ****.

freesplorer · #10 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eallanboggs

The compressor protects itself from under and over pressure. Are you under or over? Do you have 12Vdc at the clutch coil? Is the ON/OFF switch good? Is the relay energizing to supply voltage to the compressor? Do you have a freon leak? These are only a few of the questions you have to be able to answer. There are more. I told you this ain't rocket science. First thing is a good DVOM and a schematic. You'll need these to answer these basic questions, but most of the time you can solve your problem with the correct answers to these questions. Oh, and by the way different manufacturers uses different systems so you have to know what system you're working with.

Whats with you and Rocket Science.. I though this forum was to ask questions on stuff you don't know.. not get bashed for not knowing!!! SHEESH!!!

jwford · #11 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 10:28 AM

no problem with Mr Rocket Scientists there. he came back with some good issue's to check out. for me, the amoeba looking up through the microscope lense, i was hopeing for a simpler solution. i don't have a shop with all the goodies to check everything out.

i'm better at sweet talking my mechanic, after visiting here anyway. gonna see what it'll cost me to:1-see if the compressor works and 2-if it's worth putting freon in.

i'll pony up a certain amount of bucks.....it's fixing to get sweltering hot down here in Houston Texas. and you know what i mean. that AIN'T rocket science.......

---jw

billkean · #12 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 06:57 PM

Hello, I have a similar problem with my '93 Explorer xlt. The compressor does not engage when set to AC, but it does engage when set to defrost. I have not tested for freon pressure. If low, would this situation occur? Or is there another problem?

Please excuse if this post is not in the proper thread.

jwford · #13 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billkean

Hello, I have a similar problem with my '93 Explorer xlt. The compressor does not engage when set to AC, but it does engage when set to defrost. I have not tested for freon pressure. If low, would this situation occur? Or is there another problem?

Please excuse if this post is not in the proper thread.

yup---freon pressure does come into play. i'm checking mine out in June when i have to have my explorer inspected.......thus sweet talking my freekin yankee mechanic from the Bronx.....

. i always give him **** since i'm a south Texan. not to worry though---he keeps up with the Astros more than i do........damn yankee's and their baseball....