12v power supply options? For AC clutch test

I don’t have a 12v power supply. What can I use as a power supply to test it?

 

You don't have a battery in your truck? A 9v may be enough to engage the AC clutch.

 

if he couldn't figure out there is a giant 12v battery within feet of his ac compressor this dude is gonna lose a finger or two trying to diag his ac compressor...

 

I'm no safety police

 

Sorry guys not everyone is a mechanic but at least I’m trying rather than just asking someone else to do it for me.

I didn’t know if the battery could be used. I’ll try it. Thanks..

 

i'm teasing. just be careful.

 

You think a 9v would work?

 

There exists a chance, it's just an electro magnet pulling on the clutch

 

Well all this for nothing. The AC compressor is working fine. Maybe just low on refrigerant

 

$15 at walmart and you're probably good for a year

 

Possibly. I just got the truck. It was a one owner traded in, in early June. The damn thing blows literal warm air. It’s not like it’s just weak it’s absolutely ambient air.

so that makes me think the previous owner probably knew, then I wonder why he didn’t top it of atleast. Makes me wonder if it’s a big leak.

 

when the pressure is low the clutch will not engage to save the compressor from grenading itself. go to walmart and get you a couple cans of r134a and the dispenser nozzle and just fill it up.

do not get the ones with stop leak in them. just get the cheap super-tech shit and fill it to normal pressure and see how long it holds. it's definitely possible you can jut throw a can in it every 6-12 months vs. trying to pay someone to diagnose where the leak is and then get it fixed.

 

ah okay thanks for that info. So I might be low but I’m not flat empty because if I was the compressor wouldn’t run? I’m understanding that right?

I bought a can of r1348, a pack of dye separately and a temp probe for the vent

my buddy at work has gauges so we will try to fill it tomorrow. How do I tell how much to add? He will probably know but is there a certain pressure I’m trying to reach?

 

you dont need to get fancy with it and get the super expensive gauges.

if you go to walmart.com and just search r134a you should see some that come with the adapter. it will have instructions on the can that are super simple.

honestly you can just add a little at a time until it starts blowing cold and usually you're in the ballpark by then. the gauge is just to make sure you don't fat finger it and add too much.