A/C clutch doesn't work on 91 Explorer!

[KC10Chief]

I bought a 1991 Explorer a couple of weeks ago. It's in really great shape and I've just been ironing out a few issues that it has. One is that the A/C compressor will not engage. The previous owner told me that the A/C worked, but it obviously doesn't. Not a big deal since I got this thing for CHEAP! I'm usually pretty good with A/C systems, but I'm stumped on that. It has freon in it. I turn the A/C on, fan on full blast, and jump the low pressure switch. All of the fuses and relays are fine. Is there a common spot for a wire to get chaffed or something? I had an issue like this on my 2002 Explorer and it was a wire chaffing. I can't see anything rubbing though and everything looks fine. Any ideas?

 

[mehedgec]

Jump 12V to the clutch would be my first idea. If that doesn't work, then maybe the magnetic ring has gone bad in the clutch.

 

[scucci]

tap the clutch hub with a hammer handle/screwdriver handle or?, if it engages pull a shim out of the clutch to get the gap closer - .016-.025"

 

[Joe Dirt]

scucci beat me to it...

 

[ironbandit]

Have you checked to see if the clutch cycling switch is tripping? Low pressure in the system will cause the switch not to engage, saving the compressor in the process. You will find that switch atop the receiver/drier/accumulator, and it can shorted manually to see if the clutch will engage.

I've got my own woes with a 1992, so I feel your pain.

PS: I reread your post, never mind jumping the low pressure switch, you already have. You may have to replace the clutch, which is neither expensive or difficult.

 

[KC10Chief]

I put 12V directly to the clutch and it works. It's just not getting power for some reason. I can see no chaffed wires or anything. I've swapped relays and checked all of the fuses. Everything seems to be fine. This blows my mind.

 

[KC10Chief]

Okay. Here's how retarded I am. I was working on my A/C again tonight and getting nowhere. I was sitting in the drivers seat, frustrated. I was looking at the A/C control panel and noticed that it says "push of A/C". I just didn't realize that you had to push the fan knob in to turn the A/C on. Pushed the knob in and jumped the low pressure switch. It works now! It just needs more coolant. I'll get some tomorrow. Wow. I'm an idiot.

 

[scucci]

youre not an idiot if you found the problem and corrected it.