AC quit

[crusher773]

So I was running the AC for the last time on the way home yesterday and it starts blowing warm. I get home didn't lose the belt or anything and it won't take any 134. Its not dragging the motor down like it was when you hit the switch. I am guessing that the compressor went out. If so how nasty of a job is it to put a new one in. At least it happened at the end of summer.

[FestYboy]

installing the compressor is straight up easy, but if you have R12 in the system, have someone reclaim it (and pay you for it). then replace any o rings that you've disturbed and put PAG oil in the system AFTER you flush the lines with solvent.

once the new compressor is installed, have the system pulled into a vaccum for at least 30 min (pump run time) before adding 80% of the required r12 charge of R134 as per the lable in the engine bay.

[htchbck]

Sounds more like the AC clutch wiring to me. With the engine off, can you turn the outer part of the compressor pulley by hand?

[FestYboy]

replacing a clutch is much less fun than swaping out the whole unit, plus there's plenty of ways to screw it up. given that the compressor is not activated when commanded, check the system pressure first, then the high and low pressure switch continuity, then the clutch coil continuity and power to the clutch (check fuse too).

[htchbck]

Sorry, reread what I wrote and the word "or" wasn't supposed to be in there. It should have (and now does) read "Sounds more like the AC clutch wiring to me". Same thing you just posted about the integrity of the circuits.

[crusher773]

Its got 134 in it already I haven't messed with it yet. Temps are dropping probably won't do anything until spring I'm glad it held out but not looking forward to figuring out what I gotta fix.

[Switch]

I have the exact same problem with my 1991 Festiva. The a/c just started blowing warm, didn't slowly get warm, but like it just quit. Right now in June in Phoenix this isn't a good thing.

Here is what I have looked at so far, and this is a factory installed system.

Checked fuses, all are good.
Pressure in the system (was converted to R134 a couple of years ago)
Used a wire to jump the clutch while car was running, was able to get the clutch to cycle on and off.

I noticed the cooling fan is not coming on when I turn on the a/c system like it normally does. I'm wondering if it might possibly be a bad relay (they are the round relays mounted next to the battery holder).

I'm gonna hit up the junkyards in the am tomorrow to see if I can find any relays.

Any other idea's or suggestions for things I can check/look at?

Thanks!

[FestYboy]

how much pressure in the system...? and what's the outside temp when you're taking your pressure readings?

[MasterTec]

Regardless as to whether the compressor comes on or not the radiator fan should still come on if the A/C switch (and blower) is turned on. At least that is how it is on the '89.

If your radiator fan isn't coming on then you have a wiring/switch/relay problem and not a refrigerant issue.

[crusher773]

I ended up putting a new clutch on mine and then got the vaccuum pulled on it and it blows a lot colder now than it did last year.