Air Conditioning Compressor

[pacman5000]

How do I test the compressor. I confess I don't know if it is working or not there seems to be a plate on the front that doesn't turn when engine and A/C is turned on I do not hear a click of any sort. I recharged it with one of those DIY kits as there was nothing in it but not sure what to do now.
When I put in the new charge stuff the gauge said it was at about 35 lbs or so and I don't think it is leaking coolant anywhere.

 

[Delta_1980]

pull the pressure connector off the accumulator (the pill shaped part with the pipes protruding from the top, passenger side engine compartment) use a paper clip to jumper it (put the paper clip in the plug not the accumulator) and turn on your A/C. if it turns on it works if not you know its bad. if it does work/starts turning... pull the paper clip back out quickly so you don't damage your compressor.

good luck

 

[pacman5000]

Thanks will do that

 

[pacman5000]

Ok so the compressor works. Now what what do I do? The pressure gauge says there is coolant in the system as I just recharged it. Yet the AC still will not work. Fuses have been checked have searched for coolant leak and yet still nothing.
Help?

 

[Marv]

Ok so the compressor works. Now what what do I do? The pressure gauge says there is coolant in the system as I just recharged it. Yet the AC still will not work. Fuses have been checked have searched for coolant leak and yet still nothing.
Help?

You say the pressure was 35, the pressure needs to be above 40 psi to turn the compressor on. The compressor switch turns on above 40 psi and off when below 20 psi.
Take the pressure readings with the compressor running.
35 psi reading without the compressor running gives a hint that the outside air
temperature is around 35 degrees or the system is very low on freon.
I think you have a major leak.

 

[Delta_1980]

you put in 1 12oz can? you need to put more in the sys. to be fully charged.

There are some excellent AC posts in the ac forum. you really should read about what others have tried before.

things like pulling a vacuum, looking around hose connections for oily residue, just general ideas of where you should start when trying to fix something for the first time.

i'm glad your compressor is working that is a good sign.

if your leak is slow enough you could just add some more refrigerant and hope it lasts the summer.

 

[pacman5000]

I have found a spot where this some oil residue right at the top. I put in another can of it and the gauge put it at above 40lbs and it still is not working if I have a leak is there something I can put in to determine where it is coming from? Could the accumulator be faulty?

 

[Delta_1980]

there are dyes you can add to the system and then try to detect with a uv flashlight and glasses that make it even easier to see, but....

if the accumulator has been exposed to atmospheric pressure for any length of time it needs to be replaced.

please read this http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=220146

 

[jd4242]

What type of coolant are you using?has your system been updated?you say its not working,what does that mean?no cold air or no air at all?

 

[pacman5000]

Thanks for the link. I am using RedTek 12A I was wondering about whether or not it would work but the Auto parts guy said it should work but who really knows as my Explorer is a 91 and might be different than other newer vehicles.
It blows air but not cold air.

 

[pacman5000]

Thanks for the link. I am using RedTek 12A I was wondering about whether or not it would work but the Auto parts guy said it should work but who really knows as my Explorer is a 91 and might be different than other newer vehicles.
It blows air but not cold air.