I recently tried to recharge my ac (I've done this once before) and it didn't work this time. When I did it before the ac compressor kicked right on but this time on the gauge it was red indicating a mechanical problem. Anyone have suggestions?

 

Does the compressor engage when you are attempting to recharge the system? It must be engaged when charging.

 

No it's not, I turned to ac on high to try and get it to turn on but no luck, any other way I can get it to engage?

 

Your system is probably too low to close the contact in the low pressure switch.


Try jumping the low pressure switch connector (see pic) with a small paper clip when charging the system. It should engage the compressor clutch.

 

 

I tried to use the paper clip to get the compressior going but that didn't work, what else can I try ?

 

Could be the AC Clutch fuse or the AC Comp Clutch relay.
.

 

^^^^


Or the Comp Clutch is defective.


You could try jumping the High Pressure Cutoff Switch while the Low Pressure Switch is jumped. See pic.


You could try uncoupling the Comp Clutch connector, and using a voltmeter, look for battery voltage at the connector with the engine running and AC selected. No voltage may indicate a bad relay (if the fuse is okay) and both switch connectors are jumped. If you do get battery voltage the clutch may be defective.