2000 4.0 Auto stock XJ.
A/C hasn't worked since I got her. Have some time now so . . .

Compressor does not engage: I temporarily (15 sec) jumped the clutch power lead to test system. low side rubber pipe is cold, high side metal pipe by compressor is hot. System has some juice in it.

High side sensor looks a bit rusty. Aux electric cooling fan does not come on: Will replace that sensor.

Jump 1 to 4 in fan relay, no fan: will replace the electric fan.

My question is: Can I run the A/C for a time ( 5 mins ?) to test the system or will the high side get dangerously hot/over pressured and cause damage. Just want to see if there is enough juice to get cold blowing out of the vents OR if the system is on need of even more repair.

 

Only way to answer your ? correctly is to attach a/c test gauges to the system. Others have posted that on '00/'01 XJs, the efan does not turn with compressor engagement.