Air Conditioner compressor won't engage

[bfloyd]

Took my car out on Saturday to a friends housewarming party and the temps here on Saturday were in the high 70's. Since the car had been sitting outside all day, it was pretty warm so we decided to switch on the AC. Nothing happened. Typically when I switch on the AC you can instantly hear the cooling fans kick on and feel the compressor kick in. We got nothing. Don't know if it's an electrical thing or a compressor / refrigerant thing. The whole AC system is less than two years old. I replaced the compressor, hoses, accumulator, condenser, etc. in the summer of 2016 with an all new R134 system.

Not sure where to start?

[Bitsyncmaster]

Most likely your low an refrigerant. Put some gauges on the AC to find out. You need at least 50 PSI for the compressor to kick on.

[David T]

Most likely your low an refrigerant. Put some gauges on the AC to find out. You need at least 50 PSI for the compressor to kick on.


The quickest and easiest test is to stick a paper clip into the plug that goes to the low pressure switch. If the compressor clutch engages then you can assume you have a leak and need some refrigerant. DO NOT run the A/C more than a moment with the switch bypassed.

[bfloyd]

Thanks guys, that gives me a starting point to check.

[DMC-Ron]

If your door lock warning light is not working, check fuse 10. It also provides power for the AC mode switch.

Ron