AC clutch not engaging.

86Limited

Greasemonkey

Sep 14, 2009

244

1

0

49

The Gunshine State, Fl

• May 21, 2011

• #1

Seems my AC is not blowing cold air, I have check the obvious things that I can think of but I'm out Ideas now. The fuse is good, and plug that goes into compressor gets 12.48 volts when ac is switched on. One thing I know for an fact is the clutch isn't engaging and I was able to definitely hear it when it click on. I have noticed that the ac wasn't getting as cold as it use to so maybe its out of freon? and maybe thats why the clutch isn't engaging? I never had an auto AC problems so I'm somewhat in the dark on this one. So any help would be great before I have to start forking out the green!

 

G

G-Body_Vet

Comic Book Super Hero

Oct 15, 2010

2,937

81

48

• May 21, 2011

• #2

First see if you can spin the clutch by hand. If that works, you can also disconnect the 2 pin plug from the pressure switch on the dryer and jump it with a wire. If you jump it while the engine is running, A/C turned on, it should cycle the compressor. If it cycles when jumped it's just low on refrigerant or you have a bad switch....usually it's just low. If you decide to charge it or convert to 134a, change the orifice tube while you're at it. They get clogged & gummed up from years of use.

I'm no expert, but that's my shade tree suggestion. I'm sure someone more knowledgeable in A/C may chime in.

Borrowed this pic from http://www.maliburacing.com/forum/viewt ... 34&t=79059

 

86Limited

Greasemonkey

Sep 14, 2009

244

1

0

49

The Gunshine State, Fl

• May 21, 2011

• #3

Thanks for the fast reply! well success, clutch spins freely, next I proceeded with the jumping the pressure switch and yes the clutch engaged and blew cold air. I did notice there is a sticker close to the wheel well that stated "Noticed Retrofitted to R134a". Well hoping maybe worst case needs freon.

 

jacobdavis1979

G-Body Guru

Feb 18, 2011

700

14

18

33

• May 21, 2011

• #4

pull the sucker off lol ac robs power lol

 

86Limited

Greasemonkey

Sep 14, 2009

244

1

0

49

The Gunshine State, Fl

• May 21, 2011

• #5

jacobdavis1979 said:

pull the sucker off lol ac robs power lol

Click to expand...

lol buddy check my location, my winters are in the low 80's :lol:

 

G

G-Body_Vet

Comic Book Super Hero

Oct 15, 2010

2,937

81

48

• May 21, 2011

• #6

86Limited said:

lol buddy check my location, my winters are in the low 80's :lol:

Click to expand...

I've yanked the a/c in a few cars back in the day but this time it's stayin'! The older I get the more I enjoy the creature comforts.

 

megaladon6

Comic Book Super Hero

May 29, 2006

4,005

15

0

Danbury, CT

• May 22, 2011

• #7

it'll be easy to tell if it's been changed to 134. the connectors will have an adaptor on them and be quick connects instead of threaded. that may be why it's low unfortunately. most of the changeovers are done with cheap kits and they always leak.

 

tc1959

Comic Book Super Hero

Dec 23, 2009

3,963

1,976

113

65

Surprise AZ.

• May 22, 2011

• #8

Ice cold AC. Is a must have in Phoenix. Fully restored R-12 system 8)

 

86Limited

Greasemonkey

Sep 14, 2009

244

1

0

49

The Gunshine State, Fl

• Jun 1, 2011

• #9

Finally got around in picking up a can of 134a with the gauge, with the ac running the gauge indicator went right into the RED warning section. I even tried to give a squirt of freon and it would not even go in, when I jump the 2 pin switch at the dryer the compressor Immediately engages and cold air blows constant. I can turn the AC on and off multiple times and ac blows cold every time. When I plugged the 2 pin plug back into the dryer the compressor started clicking a couple of times then would kick on, but once kicked off it would not start again. It seems the plug that goes into the dryer might be the problem but I don't know the fail rate if so. Any last advice before i have an professional look at would be appreciated.

 

86Limited

Greasemonkey

Sep 14, 2009

244

1

0

49

The Gunshine State, Fl

• Jun 2, 2011

• #10

Problem fixed! turned out to be the A/C Refrigerant Pressure Switch. $18 bux at advance auto parts and I was back in business. 8)