A/C problem

95ram

95ram

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Oct 6, 2006
Messages
517
I ended up getting a hole in my AC condenser. I replaced the condenser and the line that comes up from the bottom of it. The problem is the compressor isn't kicking on unless its jumped at the relay. The computer says the compressor is running and everything is fine. Not sure where to go with this.
 
I assume you have checked fuses and have 2.0 lbs of r134a in her?? Could be a pressure switch on the high or low side line gone bad.
 
The shop charged it. I checked it just now and it was at 43psi on the low pressure side at 89* temp. I tried jumping the low pressure switch and nothing happens, but when I jump it at the relay, the compressor kicks on and blows ice cold. There is no fuse for the AC, just the relay. I checked the voltage at the low side and it was 12+.
 
I need to correct myself, there is an A/C fuse and it's good.
 
I'm lost then, if the computer is saying the clutch is engaged then the pcm is getting signal from the a/c, heater switch telling it to turn on and engage the compressor. I'm betting the relay itself is your problem??
 
I swapped relays and still no go. I personally think there's isn't enough freon in the system. If its to low the low side won't kick the system on.
 
That would do it, go get a cheapy napa, or orriely charge system with the gauge and verify your problem. If not, start checking continuity on wires to and from everything. I don't know were your located but rite now here it is like 96 degrees, 110 heat index and HUMID
 
I would take it back to the AC shop as they had to have it working to add the Freon.
 
From my understanding the compressor does not have to be on/running to charge the system. They put it under vacuum and pull the freon into and through the system.
 
95ram said:
From my understanding the compressor does not have to be on/running to charge the system. They put it under vacuum and pull the freon into and through the system.
Click to expand...

You can do it that way, but rarely can you pull in the full amount needed, especially if they dont charge it with liquid(which you shouldnt in these small systems).

My truck is doing the same thing right now, doesnt matter if i jump the low or high pressure switch, the compressor still wont come on. I have it hot wired for the time being, but its a pain to have to remember to let it cycle on/off to let it defrost the evap.
 
If the shop charged it up, and it still doesnt work, then there is another problem... If it is low on freon then you have another leak somewhere... I would take it back to the shop and have them tell you, instead of guessing and start throwing useless parts at it. Could be the high side sensor on the line itself. Very common. Hope this helps!
 
Thanks guys, I'm going to drop it off with a buddy and let him take it to his shop. I just like trying to fix stuff my self, but I hate electrical.
 
The A/C machine pulls a vacuum on the system to dry it. The negative pressure does help pull the refrigerant into the system but there is a pump on the A/C machine that will push the freon into the system. Those stupid little cans of freon use the compressor to pull the freon from the can on the low side....you must have the compressor running to use those and usually you jump the low side switch to do that. DO NOT buy those cans from the parts stores with system sealer....that stuff is like AIDS for the A/C system and most shops.....mine included will tell you to take a hike if you tell me that crap is in there as it will f-up an a/c machine in no time. Something the parts stores won't tell you.....
 
^^^ What Phil said. I even told my local NAPA he needed to remove that crap from his shelves. Or at least keep a list of names that buy it and let me have a copy. But, then there is Wally World a few miles away.
 
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