A/c Compressor Will Jump On But Can't Get It Charged

[chapters707]

Hi everyone, I have not had a working A/C since I bought my car almost 2 yrs ago and I don't want to experience another california Summer without it. So I have researched a lot on here about A?C troubleshooting and found out how to jump my A/C clutch cycling switch on the passenger side firewall. When I do this the compressor kicks on so I know that is good. I have added a couple cans of refrigerant with one of those walmart gauges and the pressure was at about 55 without the compressor going.

So I jumped the compressor as I read that was the way to force the system to recharge and it kicked right on. As soon as it kicked on the gauge read 0 psi. I figured I'd try adding some refrigerant to see if that would help and the needle didnt move at all. Air still blew warm and after about 30sec I decided to turn it off cause I read you can burn out your compressor if you keep it jumped without sufficient charge, and therefore without sufficient lubricant, in the system. Anyway after I turned the car off the reading is all the way up to about 100psi. I've heard its normal for the reading to be really high if the compressor isn't on but there must be enough refrigerant in the system now and yet the compressor still won't kick in when I have it plugged in. Could this be my A/C clutch cycling switch? Is there anything else I should check before replacing that? Any input is appreciated thank you.

 

[chapters707]

bump

 

[jozsefsz]

I could make some guesses, perhaps a clogged expansion valve or other junk in the system if it had lost a bunch of refrigerant. You could have a bad switch or a voltage problem to the switch, I'd check it for resistance and voltage. Watching both the low-side and high-side pressure with some expert eyes will help troubleshoot (you report one pressure).

The 94-95-specific tech forum is less busy than the parent forum, I'd post there where you're far more likely to find some A/C experts. This isn't really 94-95-specific problem. Be prepared for some less-easy answers about the proper way to troubleshoot / fix / charge your A/C system (which may lead you to have it checked out by a professional).

 

[chapters707]

Thanks for the reply, I will try posting in the parent forum, will also check the switch for resistance and voltage today.

 

[revhead347]

I'd go ahead and clean it all out, change the drier and the orifice tube. Vac it down and try to charge it again. The compressor might be kicking on, but it might still be damanged inside.

Kurt