Air Conditioning help
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 343
Likes: 30
From: Maryville, TN
Air Conditioning help
Well its been almost 94-99 degrees out for a few weeks now so I figure I should take a stab at getting my a/c working before it gets hot out.
Problem is the inner workings of an a/c system is totally lost on me. So lets start with the basics, one piece at a time.
First, the compressor is not kicking in at all. I checked the 30 amp fuse in the panel under the dash and it's ok. I checked the black wire on top of the compressor for power with a multimeter and it reads 0v. So heaping stupid on top of stupid I ran a jumper from the battery over to that wire and the compressor engaged and spun. Only ran it that way for 15 seconds for fear of trashing something expensive.
Any suggestions for a place to start or am I out of my element and should just take it to a shop?
Thanks,
Bob
Problem is the inner workings of an a/c system is totally lost on me. So lets start with the basics, one piece at a time.
First, the compressor is not kicking in at all. I checked the 30 amp fuse in the panel under the dash and it's ok. I checked the black wire on top of the compressor for power with a multimeter and it reads 0v. So heaping stupid on top of stupid I ran a jumper from the battery over to that wire and the compressor engaged and spun. Only ran it that way for 15 seconds for fear of trashing something expensive.
Any suggestions for a place to start or am I out of my element and should just take it to a shop?
Thanks,
Bob
Last edited by iverger; Jun 11, 2011 at 02:48 PM. Reason: Change info
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,644
Likes: 55
From: Moro Bay, AR
Possibly just low on freon. An 89 model was still R12, so if it hasn't been converted, you'll have to take it to a shop to be charged. Or you could convert it to 134a. A lot of folks just screw the adapters on from the "death kits" from wally World and charge it, but there are some chemical reactions internal of the system when R12 and 134a mix that are not desireable. If you want to do a true conversion, you must change the oil in the compressor and replace the dryer, then pull a vacuum and charge with 134a, this will give you an A/C system that will last and be easily serviced.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,701
Likes: 0
From: KY
When was the last time it worked? When you want to "jump" an ac on these trucks jump the low pressure switch. It is on the accumulator. That will test the entire electrical system also. It should kick on if it is low on gas. If it hasn't been converted to 134 you might as well do it now. Have it vacuumed down. Needs to be done with an electric vacuum pump not a machine because you don't know for sure what gas it has in it or if anybody has thrown the aftermarket stuff in it which will do a machine in. Allot of the aftermarket stuff is not good. Most of the stuff in dangerous to fool with because it has explosive gas in it. Propane is a very good gas to use in a system but is very dangerous. You are way better off to use 134. Don't check for leaks with shop air. Takes a long vacuum to boil the moisture out of the system. Fixing ac systems isn't hard you just need a good electric vacuum pump and a manifold/gauge set. I have tried the air operated vacuum pumps but I haven't ever been satisfied with the amount of vacuum and thats with an 80 gallon compressor that kicks off at 180 PSI.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
fordtrucklover94
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
18
Oct 16, 2017 06:56 AM
5.0 Heaven
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
2
Jun 24, 2013 06:49 AM
SleeprLegend
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
13
Apr 22, 2011 08:43 PM
