Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 96 A/C Compressor

[MHalloran]

What's happenin' members?

Was interested to see if anyone else has experienced this. Problem being, after 10 years without an issue, the other day when I turned the air conditioning on the system blew warm air. In the past I always recalled the "click" sound of the compressor pulling in when energized. Now just the outer pulley only turns when "on". Seems compressor not working. Simple electrical fix? Didn't see any solo fuse in box. Just a relay. This bad maybe? Don't want to take it somewhere and have some schmoe tell me the compressor is shot just to make a sale. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks. Mike

 

[Skydiver]

You are probably low on refrigerant. If the clutch has power going to it then it is the clutch.
The system has a low and a high pressure cut out switch. If the system is low on refrigerant the low pressure switch has opened the circuit. Buy a cheap gauge kit, oil charge and a can of r134a.

I have noticed my high pressure cut out switch has a lot of dust accumulating on it for the last 3 years. That tells me I have a very small leak. I just added a can of oil charge. Didn't want the system to run out of oil. My a/c system never stopped removing heat from the cab.
If you need help pm me.

 

[mo375]

Chances are good,your evaporator is leaking. Turn on the fan inside the cab, and see if you can smell compressor oil through the vents. If so, it's probably leaking. I work at the dealer as a tech, and this is very common in most of the 134A equiped Chrysler products from the 90's.

 

[WilkinsJ]

my 96 did the same thing. it turned out to be the switch located on top of the black condensor located at the firewall on the passenger side. I replaced the switch and the system works normally.

 

[Missouri Mule]

My high pressure switch went out and I had same symptoms, I believe if the low pressure switch goes out you will have the same symptoms.

 

[MHalloran]

My high pressure switch went out and I had same symptoms, I believe if the low pressure switch goes out you will have the same symptoms.

MM, where are these switches located? Thanks. Mike

 

[MHalloran]

my 96 did the same thing. it turned out to be the switch located on top of the black condensor located at the firewall on the passenger side. I replaced the switch and the system works normally.

JW, is it possible to jump this switch out to verify its bad? Thanks.

 

[JWestley]

Have you ever recharged the system? If not than you are most likely low on refridgerant. R134a has very small molecules and over time will naturally leak.

 

[Missouri Mule]

MHalloran the one that WilkinsJ is talking about is the low pressure switch.

the high pressure switch is located on the dischage line of the compressor.



If you had slow leak your air(a/c) would of gradually got warmer.

If you had a big and sudden leak then the a/c would have the symptoms you have.