Compressor Doesn't Engage

[FloridaSV1]

I just bought a 2000 Ranger. When I bought it I thought the A/C blew atleast cool, but now I see that the clutch doesn't engage when I turn it on. I checked all the fuses for the A/C system with no luck. What could the issue be? I'm gonna run 12v to the compressor tomorrow and see if it engages. Believe it or not, even this time of year it's nice to have A/C in Florida.


Edit: Could I be right in thinking the refrigerant is just low?

 

[99SportX]

When I got my AC discharged at a shop, I believe the guy told me that there is a pressure switch or something and if the AC refrigerant is low, the clutch will not be allowed to engage. It definitely would be something to check, or get checked.

 

[shamaal]

Don't know nothing about Rangers. In the Explorers the compressor is turned on by a pressure switch that sits on the accumulator. Yes, you could have a low charge, the reason why it's low would be the next step to troubleshoot.

Generally speaking, as the charge diminishes the compressor will cycle on and off repeatedly, eventually no Freon is left at all and the compressor will no longer come on.

Jumpering the switch should cause the clutch to engage. Caution! Do not run the compressor without Freon. The lubricant is dissolved in the Freon and the compressor will go bad.

 

[FloridaSV1]

Thanks for the help, I found a loose connector on the pressure sensor, snugged it up and now it works fine.