I have a 86 XJ with a 2.8l motor in it. I'm having problems with the A/C compressor not turning on when i turn the A/C switch on.
I tried chasing the wires, tried to find the in-line fuse (Chiltons diagram shows) and couldn't find it. I put power to the A/C and it does click on like it should.
I do not have a stereo in it. (got stollen) I'm not sure if that has something to do with it.
To the point where i want to wire the compressor to a separate swithc so i can turn it on when i turn the A/C vent on.

Any help/ideas is much appreciated.

 

The first thing that comes to mind is that it's too low on freon.. the pressure switch will disable the compressor if low on freon to prevent damage to the compressor.

 

X2. My first impression was low Freon as well. Most likely cause.

 

DIY A/C repair rarely has a positive outcome, either take it to a professional or save your money.

 

Or ride around hot.

 

if you hear the compressor kicking on then it cant be low pressure, sounds like its trying to engage but the clutch is just old and needs replaced. If the system had low pressure it would not allow the compressor to kick on and he would not hear the click

 

Its R12 and I do have one can left in the garage from when I changed the hose about 2 years ago.(Hopefully thats enough)
I've read some stuff on that about the freon being to low the compressor will not click on but even when I apply power from a different source, should it click on or not?
I would almost think if its because of the freon being low it wouldn't click on no matter what. (although I have no idea thats why I'm asking on here)
I was thinking it was more like not getting power to the switch but regular air does blow out the vents when you put in on "max, normal, bi-level" A/C just without the compressor on.

 

supplying power from a different source by passes low pressure switch ,you cannot run it this way. you need to check for power at low pressure switch when switchs on...helpfull reading ...http://www.aa1car.com/library/ac98.htm

 

I checked for power at the low pressure switch and there is power. A/C is too low on freon I'm guessing?

2 other things -- I need to replace my heater core too, Chiltons says to have the A/C discharged before.. does that matter? Is it low enough?

Also I know R12 is hard to find now days, will 1 can be enough to re-charge/top it off?

Again, Thanks for the help!

 

Went ahead and did my heater core today. Fixed the heater problem. Glad I didn't recharge the A/C before hand because of having to pull the condenser out. Replaced a A/C hose seal while I had it apart. (which probably why the freon leaked)

There is power at the low pressure switch on the A/C system.

Will one can of R12 do the job? Or does anyone know where I can get a can of R12?

 

Search freeze 12 on ebay r12 replacement.