Hey guys n gals.

I was having a problem with my ac not kicking in, so i took out a shim in the clutch plate, got er all to spec, and thought I was good to go.

It works alot better then it did before, but sometimes it seems like the clutch will just not kick on, but when it does the ac is nice and cold, and works like it should.

Now I am not quite sure if I should be recharging my system or what, so I would like some advice and opinions!

(I did buy a ac recharge kit, but I really prefer to not keep it if I dont need it, I like tools but i prefer to spend the cash on ones ill actually use more then once!)

 

The recharge kits can do some good, but they can also do some harm. I used one last year and it "seemed" to help, but I wasn't satisfied. Took it to a buddies garage and while the low side was where it needed to be, the high side was way too high. Let some out and it worked like it was suppose to. I hooked up a shut off valve on one of the heater lines, and that has helped the A/C a little. Tinted windows help too.

 

Well my problem is that the clutch isnt kicking in when I turn the ac on, all the time.

From what Ive read its either a sensor somewhere, or the r134 may be low.

When it kicks on it cools just fine though, I do have tinted windows, and the shut off valve will be coming one of tehse days, when i solve the original problem!

 

Have you tried tapping the clutch when it won't kick on?Also the magnetic coil may be getting weak

 

I had this problem with mine, somtimes it worked great thnext then it would quit. Next time it doesnt come on try wiggeling this plug and see if it comes on.

the tape and zip ties were roadside fix. If it comes on then check and clean the conections, I havent had any problems with it since.

 

Thanks for the replies, I have tried tapping on it when it doesnt kick in, and that doesnt help, I have unplugged and plugged back in the plug and that doesnt make a difference either.

I should also add, I did go and clean every connection i could find, with electrical contact cleaner, and replugged them all in, so the plug connections are clean, and dry, and making good contact.

 

Check your pressure switches. DO NOT add refrigerant unless you put some gauges on it. Sounds like a high or low pressure switch acting up to me.....

 

Thanks joe, now heres where I dont exactly know what do to, how exactly do I check em?

 

First you need to check pressures with gauges
With gauges hooked up and a/c running the blue gauge (low side) should be reading 30 to 40 lbs and red gauge (high side) about 275 lbs (these redings are approximate depending on ambient temps), if the blue falls below about 22lbs the system will cut off and the pressure will climb to stabilized pressure and red and blue gauges will read the same pressure
Now bring RPMs up to about 1500,see what pressure reading the blue gauge has

 

If checking the pressure is absolutely needed I think I can do that with this kit that I bought
duracool universal mobile air conditioning recharge & seal kit | Automotive Accessories | Truck Accessories | Towing | Princess Auto

I was hoping not to crack it open, and take it back if I didnt need the recharge though, is checking the pressure in the system my absolute next step?

I did notice that it wasnt working very well in town, but I got on the highway and after a few minutes it started up, and worked perfect for the 20 minute drive I had home.

 

That only reads low side pressure this is what you need
A/C Manifold Gauge Set

Knowing the pressures on A/C for diagnosis is like having DTCs for the engine

 

Take it one step at a time. Use a jumper wire and by pass all of the factory wiring, go directly to the compressor. If the clutch pulls in, the clutch is good.( make sure you have the controls in the proper position for AC.) the compressor must be running to check the pressure. If the pressures checks out then check the wiring, If the pressure is low or high add or bleed of as needed.

edit: You need a set of AC gauges high and low pressure

 

Well since I cant find a kit like that for a reasonable price, i guess my work is done for now haha. Thanks for all the help up till this point!

On Edit: I believe the clutch is good, since it does work, and when I took it apart to take a shim out, it looked in good shape still, I know looks can be deceiving but...

Ive also visibly looked at the wiring and plugs, they all look good, i know looks can be deceiving but...