2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission A/C Diagnosis

[DaveN]

Now that it's hot - here come the A/C questions!



My '01 just stopped working. It was working perfectly fine one day, the next day I get nothing (as far as cooling). Typically when I had it running, I could hear the compressor kicking on and off, moreso I could hear the engine tone changing slightly.



In my eight second diagnosis session (it was during a raging thunderstorm) I'm not getting any temp difference in the lines. I'm going to try to get more into it tonight.



I don't have gages, etc. But I wanted to eliminate the stupid stuff first before I take it in. How do I tell if the compressor is engaged or not when it's running? What pins on the connector are supposed to be hot when it's engaged (to rule out a control problem)?



Thanks for your help!

 

[moparguy]

If you look at the compressor while someone turns the ac on, you'll see the front part of the clutch (or pulley) start to turn when it engages. If it the clutch does engage, it should be cooling, at least a bit. If it does not engage, then in my very non-professional opinion, you likely have a leak and it's low on R134. Could also be a bad clutch, seized compressor, lots of things.



Best bet is have it checked by someone who knows.



Goodluck, RR

 

[Todd T]

My low pressure switch had to be jiggled once and a while to get it to work. its near the firewall on the dryer (4" round aluminum tube) just jiggle the wire while you have it running and turned on. See if the clutch locks up and works then. a little di-electric grease should cure it if that's the problem.



Otherwise you'll have to put guages on it and see where you stand on a charge.

 

[Missouri Mule]

DaveNine, mine did the same thing as yours. It turned out to be the high pressure switch. It would have to be a big leak to go from working to not working.

 

[MCummings]

One day working, next day not. It's a sensor, switch, or connection.



Low or high pressure switch, or clutch not working. Usually the clutchs go out with a fuss, and not quietly like yours did.





Merrick

 

[DaveN]

Well, I found someone with a sniffer. The evaporator is leaking, which apperently means that the whole dash has to come out (according to the factory service manual). So that means that I'll be installing a new evaporator and about fourteen different dash squeaks and rattles... .