AC Compressor Not engaging

Hey guys,

So my AC has been blowing warm since October, I didn't bother recharging it because it was winter. I know I have a slow leak somewhere so I bought R134 with uv dye in it so I can spot the leak. I noticed as I was recharging it that it got to the correct pressure extremely quickly, like the compressor was not engaged.

I know that the compressor is fine because it worked last year well, and I had no issues. How can I get the compressor to properly engage?

Thanks

 

The temp here is about 65, the psi of the system is around 30.

 

This is how it look when the engine is running with AC on.

The dryer near the front grill does not show any r134 moving through the system via the glass.

Prior when the AC worked, I would click the button and you could hear the compressor kick on, now it's nothing

 

Press on on the other hose fitting, low pressure side, to purge some of the air in the system.
Not a proper way, but it can release enough of the air in the system, to get you to where you can find the leak.
The sight glass is great tool to see that you are getting a charge .
Only other choice, a shop that specializes in a/c , and repairs.

Thing is , was able to find my leak, and make the repair, by doing as I described.

Disclaimer, no man made global warming was created using this technic, nor animals or children harmed.

 

There has to be air in the system because none of the refrigerant is circulating

 

I think that there may be little to know refrigerant in the system, what's the best way to get it flowing again? I don't know if it could run dry

 

Verify that the A/C compressor clutch is working.
Unplug the connector on top of the compressor and apply 12 volts and see if it clicks.

 

I'm no expert in electrical, what's the best way to apply 12v to the connector?

 

Use the battery

 

Hmmmm.

You need a length of INSULATED wire, around 4-feet long.
Disconnect the connector from the compressor (which is grounded thru its case).
YOU make contact with one end of the wire to the exposed terminal (leading to the compressor).
Have a helper make contact with the other end of the wire to the positive (red) post of the trucks battery.
At the moment when both ends are in contact, 12v is applied to the clutch, and it should 'click'.

If it doesn't click, then the compressor clutch is bad.
If it does click, then the A/C computer is not sending the signal to the compressor clutch to turn it on.

 

Alright thank you, I'll try that out.

 

Got the compressor clutch to engage. I will be looking for leaks this weekend

 

So for 1st gens is 30psi normal? Because, on the 2nd gens at least, 30psi is really low.

 

Just saw this thread...
This video is epic
Troubleshoot the magnetic clutch in a 2nd gen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-gsNRJIfpQ

 

The reason your clutch is not pulling in one of the pressure switches is open.

You are using Manifold gauges so your able to read both high and low pressure

It really helps if you pulled a vacuum since your system is completely empty .

That draws the refrigerant into the system.

Don`t forget the oil for the compressor.

Good luck!