ok i'm trying to get the a/c working now and i'm chasing down the gremlins in the electrical portion. i can't get the clutch to kick in so i have started tracing the wiring from the compressor on back. i seem to have good continuity from the comp. to the relay and the relay has been replaced. i'm not sure if it needed replacing but i did it anyway. after this i'm at a loss as to where to go next. i don't seem to be getting any power to the comp., and i can't find a fuse for the a/c anywhere in that car. it may be tied into another system but i have no clue as to which one.

i have already read and reread the thread about this in the archives and the pressure test will get done tommorow hopefully, but for tonight does anyone have any ideas on why i'm not getting any power?

 

probably because you don't have enough freon in the system.

Won't work without freon... clutch on the compressor won't turn on.

 

Here's how you check to see if you don't have enough refrigerant for the system to work. Remove the plastic covers in front of the radiator to access the A/C drier. There's a pressure switch in the hard line attached to the drier. The switch must see sufficient pressure or the compressor clutch won't engage. Pull the plug off the switch and and jumper the plug's terminals. Turn the ingition, interior fan and A/C button on and see if the clutch engages. If it does, you have low gas. Turn if off straight away as the compressor will be damaged running it for long without enough gas. If it doesn't engage the problem is elsewhere.

 

the jumper trick worked perfectly. apparently i just need to recharge the system. so now my next question. what type of freon do i have, R12 or R134a?

 

You more than likely have R12 unless it has been converted. There is a freeze 12 that can be added to the R12, the refrigerant # escapes me right now. you will have to take it some where or find a tech who has a refrigerant license.


Johny