ac compressor not kicking on

[natmanjoh]

Ok, I did read the ac 101 sticky. my compressor doesn't kick on. I'm assuming its either blocked or a break in the line. I don't have a ton of mechanical experience especially with ac stuff so I will have a shop do the work if needed.

My question is: is there anything I can do to check for the problem to see if I can fix it myself, or would it just be smarter to have a shop deal with it? I know the shop will be expensive so I'd prefer if there is anything I can do cheap without getting in over my head due to my experience level, but understand ac is touchy and easily messed up.

Vehicle specs: 89 b2 dash, 94 explorer engine, ac unit, computer, wires, basically everything under hood.

 

[Earl43P]

You can make the compressor run if you jumper the cycling switch's connector pins. Tells you the cycling (pressure) switch is doing its job, assuming you have a leak. No pressure= no compressor clutch engagement. It is the only electrical plug, on or near the receiver dryer, low pressure line.

 

[Tedybear]

The AC compressor works off a clutch. During normal operation the clutch cycles on/off to hold correct high/low pressures in the system.

First question. When you turn the AC on? Are you seeing the compressor physically spinning? I'm not talking about the pulley where the belt runs....But the center the pulley. You should be able to see it free spin when it's not turned 'on'. And when it's 'on'? You should hear a 'click', and see the outer edge of the clutch pack pull inwards at the pulley---and then the entire pulley spins as one piece.

S-