A different Air Conditioning Problem?
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 455
Likes: 2
A different Air Conditioning Problem?
The other day, I drove my truck and the A/C was working great. This morning I got in my truck and no A/C. The blower and everything is working, but the compressor isn't kicking on. I was thinking maybe the pressure was too low, maybe a leak. Got some dye but it wouldn't take it. Got to the house and hooked up a gauge and it immediately pegged the gauge, way too much pressure. Relieved the pressure and the compressor never kicked on. Started checking power to the compressor. I have no power to either of the 2 plugs on the compressor. Not exactly sure which one is supposed to supply power to the compressor. Started checking fuses. Started with the fuse box under the hood. Everything was good except Maxi fuse #17. Looking at diagrams, this fuse has nothing to do with the air conditioner. Checked the fuses under the dash and all were good. Can anyone provide some insight on this matter? It's too damn hot no to have air.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 455
Likes: 2
Which one is the low pressure switch? and How do you do it? Also, will there be power to the plug when ever the A/C is on, or just certain times?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,773
Likes: 1
From: Texas Coast
I have had my share of temperature switch failers though on other engine components.
Earlier mentioned was that the pressure was really high when checked. That has my attention- what was really high?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,418
Likes: 196
From: AZ
Mine will quit and I tie it back with plastic ties. In other words, pull on the plug. Mine is back and a little to the side. Play with it by pushing it around and see if the clutch engages. Rubber Duck has a mod for the 'loose' switch by putting in a few strands of copper wire to tighten up the plug. All though, this might not be your problem.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 455
Likes: 2
As far as which plug to jump. Would it be the one towards the front of the truck or the back of the truck on the compressor?
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
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please dont take it the wrong way at all but if you dont know much on how an a/c system works, you shouldnt be messing with bypassing safety high/low cutoff switches. not knowing what your doing on a pressurized system like that can result in serious injury to yourself.
but as far as the quesiton goes, get a good wiring diagram, start at the low switch see if you got pressure before and after the switch, if thats good, move to the high switch, and then the compressor and so on. thatll tell you where your power is getting stopped at. it could be something as simple as a cutout switch or a lost connection, but getting a voltage meter on the wire will tell you what it is. if i remember correctly the green wire is the one that should have power
but as far as the quesiton goes, get a good wiring diagram, start at the low switch see if you got pressure before and after the switch, if thats good, move to the high switch, and then the compressor and so on. thatll tell you where your power is getting stopped at. it could be something as simple as a cutout switch or a lost connection, but getting a voltage meter on the wire will tell you what it is. if i remember correctly the green wire is the one that should have power
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 21,280
Likes: 8,004
From: North Central Washington
You probably should have a real set of refrigerant gauges hooked up before you start letting pressure off. If the compressor is not running more then likely the pressure on the high side and low side have equalized and the reading would be high. You can pick up a set of refrigerant gauges for about $100 maybe cheaper if you shop around. But that is only a small part of it. I'm no expert but I know you need gauges if your going to work on your AC.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 5
From: Slatington, PA
The low pressure switch on my dad's 97 failed once. You can check the switch with a multimeter. It should read 0 or very close to it when you do an ohm reading. If it doesn't, the switch went bad. The nice part is you don't have to relieve the pressure to chance the switch out.
IIRC, both switches are in series with the compressor clutch so if one fails, the clutch won't pull in.
IIRC, both switches are in series with the compressor clutch so if one fails, the clutch won't pull in.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,791
Likes: 98
From: Ashland City, TN
You probably should have a real set of refrigerant gauges hooked up before you start letting pressure off. If the compressor is not running more then likely the pressure on the high side and low side have equalized and the reading would be high. You can pick up a set of refrigerant gauges for about $100 maybe cheaper if you shop around. But that is only a small part of it. I'm no expert but I know you need gauges if your going to work on your AC.
yeah, you can get a cheap set for 80-100
They have short leads, but they work.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 455
Likes: 2
Thanks for all of the advice and guidance. I'm going to get a set of gauges today. I know that when I used my Multi meter on the plugs on the compressor, both plugs seemed to be dead. That's why I started checking fuses.
I take no offense to the comment about not knowing much about the a/c systems works. However, I have already learned so much about my truck through this website. I get more satisfaction out of doing my own repairs, not to mention (usually) save myself some money.
I feel like repairing my a/c is something that could do. I learn a little from every post that I read on this sight.
Again, thanks for all of the input.
I take no offense to the comment about not knowing much about the a/c systems works. However, I have already learned so much about my truck through this website. I get more satisfaction out of doing my own repairs, not to mention (usually) save myself some money.
I feel like repairing my a/c is something that could do. I learn a little from every post that I read on this sight.
Again, thanks for all of the input.