AC stopped working

Last fall my AC stopped working. The blower works, the AC light is on when AC is switched on, it just does not blow cold air and the compressor does not appear to be engaging. It does not squeal when turned on so I don't thing it's a frozen compressor, I'm thinking it's the clutch but I don't know how to confirm. Any tips on where to start for diagnosis would be greatly appreciated.

 

I would start by checking the fuses and relays in your truck's fuse box in the engine bay and the smaller one by driver's door. It could be something simple like a blown fuse or relay.

I suffered for many years with a non-working AC on a Ford Ranger. I watched tons of diagnostic YouTube videos to no avail.

I finally took my Ranger to a Auto mechanic shop to perform an AC system check. He hooked up some hoses and sucked all the Freon out of the system, then he said my truck was holding vacuum. He said it just needed a Freon recharge. Charged me $89 and I was driving around with cold AC!! Money well spent.

My advice is to take it to an auto mechanic shop that does AC diagnosis for a flat fee. That way you know what the issue is early on.

Do NOT take it to an auto AC shop. I went to several of those AC shops and they all told me my Ranger needed a completely new AC system!! Crooks!

Good luck!

 

this!
It will most likely be cheaper to pay a good tech to properly diagnose the first time.

 

My first Toyota ' Pickup-Truck ' back in '92 ( that's 1992 not 1892 ) didn't even have A/C.
But then again I bought it in Nor Cal where you don't need it.

Eventually moved to the Mid-West and drove it for another 8 years or so with no A/C.
Damn that was tough but I survived.

 

Pop the hood with the engine running and have someone turn the A/C on and pay attention to the clutch. If no engagement AND if you have no other funky issues (e.g. power windows stopped working), then in all likelihood it's the clutch.

 

The clutch won’t engage if he’s low on refrigerant, but checking the easy stuff first is a good idea.

 

I did what you suggested, it seems as though it's the clutch. How difficult is clutch replacement?