okay this is going to be long so .... i have a 98 XJ and my mom would be coming down in a few days so i want to fix the AC before she start complaining how HOT Florida is, i only replaced the compressor on my girl's beetle before because i ve been told that the compressor was bad, how ever this time i have nobody to guide me in that direction, when i put the A/C on, the compressor dont kick and no air is blown, i m thinking that right there would be the compressor, also i checked all the fuse because i didnt have a fuse diagram

now if the compressor didnt kick in and all the fuse are good, is there anything that could be wrong with the AC system other than the compressor ??

also last time my buddy vacuumed the system and put new feron, is it a MUST do when ever i replace the compressor ? and is there a way to do it at home or i have to take it to a shop to empty and refill it? i know i can fill it but not sure about the emptying park

thanks guys in advance, you guys are awesome

 

If the compressor clutch isn't turning on its probably electrical. Anytime you open the a/c system you are going to have to vacuum out the system. Also i believe that when you open the system you are supposed to replace the dryer due to contaminants. I don't know if there is a way to vacuum it at home.

 

i just went and checked and the pulley of the compressor is turning, metal fan is turning but not the plastic fan on the right side, not sure if that helps any ??

 

The metal fan is what's known as a mechanical fan and it always turns as long as the motor is running. The plastic fan is an electric fan and is supposed to turn on if the engine temp. reaches 220°. Neither of these have to do with the a\c. On the front of the compressor there is a clutch that looks like a pulley. This clutch is inactive when the a\c is switched off. Turn on your a/c and see if the whole clutch is turning, you should also here it kick in.

 

Funny you mention, I have the exact same issue. My dad is coming to visit, and my AC doesn't work on my 1998. It could be the compressor clutch just not coming on. Doesn't have to be an electrical issue. I sort of figure that my system is so old, that it probably needs a new condenser, compressor and dryer/accumulator.

you will probably have to do all of it as well.

 

yup only the pulley of the compressor it self is running but not the front of it (the once with what looks like 4 bolts on it), and nothing kicking in when i turn the A/C on at all, no sounds coming from the compressor with what so ever lol

 

System may be low on refrigerant.....might try a jumper wire across the contacts on the low pressure cycle switch located on the accumulator/dryer (close to firewall, passenger side). If compressor/clutch kicks-in, u may have a leak somewhere and probably time to seek the help of a pro.

 

You can throw a bunch of parts at it and still have a nonfunctioning A/C system, or have a shop fix it for less money.

 

We thru 4 parts at ours ......compressor, manifold, dryer and orifice tube. Did a evap/cond flush, added oil and let a pro pull vacuum/recharge......34F at the center vents on MAX/RECIRC. Most any a/c shop, after finding leak/problem, will say replace the dryer and orifice tube (filters) at the very least and those are 2 of the 6 main parts.

 

I replaced all of my hoses and accumulator for just a little over a hundred bucks. I can now chill a beer with my A/C. The pressure hose from the compressor to the condensor was leaking at the crimps and orings. Got my parts at www.rockauto.com .

 

A lot of shops do free AC checks. That would be one option to figure out what's wrong with it.

 

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