A/C help

[eurotiva]

Any power to the comp. clutch?

[neanderpaul]

I'll have to wait until tomorrow on that. I just ran 2 blocks to a car wash to look at the fuse, see if I could see the relays (sort of can), and then I washed it. Then it was firing on 1 cylinder! lol. I had the cap, button, and wires in the car and my multitool in my pocket so I changed them. The rest of the tune up stuff is tomorrow. Then I will tackle the test light on the ac compressor clutch. thanks again. :thumbright:

[eurotiva]

no problem if you have any other questions just ask.

[neanderpaul]

Count on it.

[fastivaca]

Could also be that you're low on refrigerant. One of the sensors monitors pressure in the system and if there isn't enough pressure it won't allow the compressor to engage.

[neanderpaul]

OK, I didn't know that. I didn't want to waste money on a can if the compressor was bad. I have no idea how much it costs though. I've never bought any. If it's cheap I'll try it.

[fastivaca]

The last can I bought was less than $20.00CD and I just borrowed the hoses etc from the parts store and installed it right in the parking lot. I was very relieved when the compressor kicked in for the first time!

[neanderpaul]

hmmmmmm

[neanderpaul]

might have to try that. Is the old style R14 and the new R134 or something like that? Can you mix? Can you get the old kind?

[fastivaca]

I think the product I used was calle Duracool.

[gottafesty]

Paul you can jumper the pressure switch Ian is talking about with a wire to force the compressor to run. Be sure the engine is running with the a/c switch on and the climate control fan in an on position. If jumping the switch turns the compressor on, then you just need more refrigerant. If the compressor doesn't kick on, then you might need a compressor, clutch, or new sensor. Hope this helps.

[eurotiva]

1994 and newer take R134a older takes r-12. It takes a certification to even buy r12 anymore and it is pricey. You need to buy a retrofit kit. I may get burned for saying this but I use propane in my a/c because it will mix with both and has better cooling propeties than both. But it is flamable..

[neanderpaul]

Paul you can jumper the pressure switch Ian is talking about with a wire to force the compressor to run. Be sure the engine is running with the a/c switch on and the climate control fan in an on position. If jumping the switch turns the compressor on, then you just need more refrigerant. If the compressor doesn't kick on, then you might need a compressor, clutch, or new sensor. Hope this helps.

Great info Jeff! Where is the pressure switch?

[gottafesty]

might have to try that. Is the old style R14 and the new R134 or something like that? Can you mix? Can you get the old kind?

Festivas came with r-12. If you wnat to run r-134 then you need to evacuate the a/c system first. r-12 and r-134 are not compatible. The advantage of r-134 is that you can buy it and use it. Where as with r-12 you have to have a license or certificate of some sort to purchase or service r-12 systems. The advantage of r-12 is that the festiva is already using it.

[gottafesty]

Great info Jeff! Where is the pressure switch?

It's on the passenger side near the strut mount. It's right on one of the lines coming from the evaporator and on top so it should be pretty easy to get to. In the picture it's located at coordinate b-3.