Hello everyone. First off, let me say that this is a great site with lots of useful information. Thanks in advance to everyone on this site. Nice folks here!

I just bought my neighbor's 1995 2.3 ranger with 134K for $500. It's clean and the body is straight. One issue is with the A/C. Mind you, I am NOT mechanically inclined....but I plan to learn on this truck!

Here's my problem.

I tried to charge my A/C in my 95 2.3 4cyl with no luck. I bought one of those kits from autozone. Someone there was nice enough to help me. It wouldn't let me charge the system. I had it on MAX and it was blowing strong and warm, however, the compressor wouldn't kick on. So, I did the following:

Check the fuse (was okay)
Checked the A/C relay in the "big" fuse panel under the hood....replaced it right there. It didn't look burnt, but looks can be deceiving.

The guy suggested (which we did) unplug the connector from the accumulator from the switch and jumper the two terminals of the connector with a paper clip or jumper wire. If the compressor kicks on then the low pressue switch is not closing. It never kicked on.

One suggestion I keep reading is about the clutch switch?? Is this hard to change? Would it make a difference? Expensive?

So, I am stuck. Any ideas or suggestions for someone who is not terribly mechanically saavy, but wants to learn?


Thanks!

Dave

 

you could have a bad coil or to much air gap on the clutch assembly. switch the truck on with the ac on (it does not need to be running) and disconnect the switch on the accumulator (which is also called the cycling switch). one of those pins should have power. if they do jump those pins, remove the connector on the compressor and check for power. if you have power on one side, make sure you have ground on the other. if both checks out i would suspect a bad field coil. also use a feeler gauge. the air gap on the clutch should be no more than .020 inch. good luck

 

Welcome to FTE apollo. Im glad you chose the best site on the net for Ford-Trucks! See you around the boards!!

Matt

 

If the compressor does not kick on while shorting the cycling switch wires together, then you likely have either... A blown A/C fuse... Poor connection at the Compressor connector... Bad Compressor Clutch... or an open in the circuit.

I'd check the fuse first... Second try tapping lightly on the compressor clutch (at the pulley) with the engine off.. then see if it kicks on... if not

Unplug compressor... install test light or multimeter to the connector. Start engine and turn on A/C.. should read >12V (or test light should illuminate).. if it does not then do the same at the Cycling Switch connector. You should be able to figure it out through process of elimination.

If this yields no results, you might want to find a good wiring diagram for that system.

Good luck.