a/c compressor not kicking on
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a/c compressor not kicking on
I just did the r12 to r134a conversion and full recharge thinking the compressor would turn on once a certain amount was added but it does not. I read elsewhere that you can use a paper clip to jump the A/C clutch switch and force it to turn on. I tried that by sticking each end of the paper clip into the switch (wire side) and the only thing that happened was my engine idle went up a little. I never heard the compressor kick on. Maybe a bad switch? I also read somewhere that the easiest way to bypass the clutch switch is to jump the a/c relay. Where is this located? What could be wrong?
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From: W. Wisc
Whoa there - jumpering the field coil switch?!?!? No. Big no. The switch you need to jumper is the low pressure switch, typically located on the accumulator/drier. You probably blew a fuse jumpering the coil plug...
Try carefully tapping the clutch on the compressor when it should be engaged. Use a stick or handle of a screwdriver. If it engages when you do this, the clutch gap is excessive, in which case you need to pull the clutch and take out a shim to tighten it up. Also the clutch field coil could be bad.
Jumper the right switch, or you will fry something.
_Dave
Try carefully tapping the clutch on the compressor when it should be engaged. Use a stick or handle of a screwdriver. If it engages when you do this, the clutch gap is excessive, in which case you need to pull the clutch and take out a shim to tighten it up. Also the clutch field coil could be bad.
Jumper the right switch, or you will fry something.
_Dave
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Whoa there - jumpering the field coil switch?!?!? No. Big no. The switch you need to jumper is the low pressure switch, typically located on the accumulator/drier. You probably blew a fuse jumpering the coil plug...
Try carefully tapping the clutch on the compressor when it should be engaged. Use a stick or handle of a screwdriver. If it engages when you do this, the clutch gap is excessive, in which case you need to pull the clutch and take out a shim to tighten it up. Also the clutch field coil could be bad.
Jumper the right switch, or you will fry something.
_Dave
Try carefully tapping the clutch on the compressor when it should be engaged. Use a stick or handle of a screwdriver. If it engages when you do this, the clutch gap is excessive, in which case you need to pull the clutch and take out a shim to tighten it up. Also the clutch field coil could be bad.
Jumper the right switch, or you will fry something.
_Dave
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Ok just tried again and was successful with the jumper and the tapping screwdriver on the clutch trick. The compressor kicked right on but will only run with the paper clip engaged. Once I plug the switch back in it stops. Also, while the compressor is running there is no cold air coming out of the vents. I checked the pressure and it should be ok. Any suggestions as to whats wrong besides the faulty clutch switch?
More Turbo
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From: W. Wisc
You jumpered the right place - you just described it wrong in the first post. And yes, jumper the connector, not the switch.
What pressure did you check? You need a set of manifold gagse to check high side and low side pressures. What readings did you get and under what conditions? Check at rest and with engine running and report: both gage readings in all conditions, Engine RPM, outside temp, humidity (roughly)... My guess is you have no freon or very little, but no way to know without gage readings...
You don't want to run the compressor much without freon in the system as the lack of freon also means lack of compressor oil which will burn up your compressor.
-Dave
What pressure did you check? You need a set of manifold gagse to check high side and low side pressures. What readings did you get and under what conditions? Check at rest and with engine running and report: both gage readings in all conditions, Engine RPM, outside temp, humidity (roughly)... My guess is you have no freon or very little, but no way to know without gage readings...
You don't want to run the compressor much without freon in the system as the lack of freon also means lack of compressor oil which will burn up your compressor.
-Dave
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I don't have any manifold gauges, nor do I have the money to spend on any. I just used the gauge that comes with the conversion kit. Today while driving I noticed a connector plug hanging down beneath the center of the dash and I have not noticed it before. I'm thinking that when it was in the shop for inspection maintenance they forgot to plug it back in. There were some problems with overheating and so it wouldnt pass. Maybe this is the problem because now that I think of it the a/c hasnt worked since we got it back. Any thoughts? Tomorrow I will take the dash apart and see where it plugs into. I tried it laying on the floor in the cab but it was difficult to see with the seats and dash in the way.
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Small update...I have not had the time to work on this issue yet...we have a 4 month old baby. Anyway, today while driving the f150 I noticed that in park, the idle goes up and down and the compressor kicks on and off. Any ideas?
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One can. But when using the gauge that came with the kit the psi is way in the red zone.
no a/c compressor plug
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