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A/C Compressor Does not Work?

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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 09:23 AM
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Default A/C Compressor Does not Work?

I am attempting to disect my A/C system under the hood. When I move the A/C control lever to MAX, the fan switches automatically to high, but the compressor does not engage...is there a relay or some type of connection that I can look for?
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 09:31 AM
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There's a low pressure switch in your system. You will see two wires attached to a pressure switch near the evaporator on the passenger side of the car in the high pressure line running from the condenser along the fender well. When freon pressure is too low this switch opens and does allow the compressor to run. As a test...unplug the wires from the pressure switch, make jumper out of a short piece of wire, plug it into each side of the plug. Try the compressor, if the compressor then runs, you are low on Freon
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by thegazman
There's a low pressure switch in your system. You will see two wires attached to a pressure switch near the evaporator on the passenger side of the car in the high pressure line running from the condenser along the fender well. When freon pressure is too low this switch opens and does allow the compressor to run. As a test...unplug the wires from the pressure switch, make jumper out of a short piece of wire, plug it into each side of the plug. Try the compressor, if the compressor then runs, you are low on Freon
do you mean DOES NOT ALLOW? It has been hard to get guys on the forum to answer A/C questions, thanks for helping me out.
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by TyCor
do you mean DOES NOT ALLOW? It has been hard to get guys on the forum to answer A/C questions, thanks for helping me out.
I've done the very same thing, it "ALLOWS" the compressor to turn, but dont let it run for too long because it may very well be low on compressor oil too. Its a simple test to check if the compressor is still functioning/able to turn, but wont for lack of freon and or oil. Next ? you have is probably how to check the oil, well I dont know, but there are some very knowledgeable people on here who can better answer that. Look on the underside of the hood for telltale signs of the compressor slinging oil while it WAS functioning properly. Good luck. Peace,,,Moosie
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 10:11 AM
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I am going to try this now. I just sent Thegazman a PM for clarification. What two things am I jumping? the prongs on the switch connected to what?
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 10:14 AM
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You are jumping the wires that the switch is connected to, unplug the wires from the switch and use a cotterpin or a paperclip to take the place of the terminals on the switch. You are essentially bypassing the switch, O.K. ? Peace,,,Moosie
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 10:53 AM
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I think I am making this more difficult than it it. I have the AIM in front of me and am looking at the pic of the switch. From what you explain, I am going to connect a wire from the switch terminals to the compressor? is that right? Since the switch is inline with the valve, I am confused as to how to bypass it -- sorry this is so painful!
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 11:00 AM
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Disregard the switch, you are wanting to BYPASS the switch, your jumper wire/clip or whatever is to be connected into the wire terminals where the switch once was connected, it isnt difficult. Again,,,Good luck, Peace, Moosie
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 11:09 AM
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OK....and then run that wire to where?
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by TyCor
OK....and then run that wire to where?
the wire is taking the place of the switch, you are bypassing/jumping the switch, insert one end of your jumper into the end of the terminal on the wire that was disconnected from the switch and the nother end of your jumper into the other terminal, sorry if I am not to clear but I know that when I speak my 20 yr. old son gets it,,, so does my 19 yr. old daughter,,,,their mom on the other hand looks at me like I am talking vulcan or yiddish or even greek. Peace,,,Moosie
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 11:43 AM
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OK...here goes! thanks again. I'll let you know the outcome. My 14 year old son, constantly wows me with new facets of the English language. Anyhow, aren't these older vettes fun? Cheers.
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 01:41 PM
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Hey guys, I jumped the switch and the compressor clicked on and off like normal. now I need to take it somewhere and get the system charged.

thanks for helping.
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 04:57 PM
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I just got home and answered you PM. Sorry about the delay. And when switch is open it "does not allow' the compressor to run. I see by your post you have figured it out. Unless you are familiar with a/c systems you will need a professional to put a set of gauges on the system and like moosie982 says it may also low on oil. Good luck.

Ken
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