HELP! AC Compressor Clutch Won't Engage

[OregonFestiva]

The compressor clutch on my my 93 Festiva (Automatic) won't engage. I have read through the posts and have already tried swapping out the 3 relays that are near the battery. No luck there, I also ran a wire from the battery to the compressor and that will engage the clutch so the compressor should be good. Finally, the AC system is completely empty as I was about to switch to Freeze 12 and didn't want to mix it with R-12. Would the clutch not engage because the system is empty? If so will I be able to charge it with out the clutch engaged or should I run a wire from the battery to force it to engage while it is being charged? Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.

Matthew

[Tim]

No, it won't engage if the system is low or empty.

It's a safety feature to keep the compressor from seizing if there's a leak/low pressure.

You will be able to charge it with the system empty. Turn the A/C on high and start charging. As pressure builds up in the system the compressor will kick on.

[FestYboy]

you need to evacuate the system first and make sure it holds a steady vacuum for at least 30 min. then you can engauge the system and fill it. having the system empty shouldn't keep it from running unless there is a low pressure switch for the system. if that's the case, put some pressure in the system before attempting to run it and then fill.

YOU MUST HAVE THE SYSTEM IN A VACUUM BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO FILL IT

[Tim]

The pressure switch is located on the high pressure line near the passenger side strut tower.

[OregonFestiva]

Wow! That was a super fast reply. Thanks both of you for answering my question. I will proceed with the charging. I ran a vacuum on it recently and it held very well. Thank you for the good advice. Take care.

[hattie]

Air conditioner

On my 89 model,the compressor quit working, I could jump it over and it would kick in, I worked on the thing for months trying to find out what the trouble was, finally I started tracing wires and I found a 10 amp fuse in the wiring, up in the dash,between the heater controls and the insturment panel. I dont know if they are all like that or what,but it looked like factory wiring. you might have already checked this, but I thought I would pass it along to you, thanks , John

[newgmole]

where is fuse ???

On my 89 model,the compressor quit working, I could jump it over and it would kick in, I worked on the thing for months trying to find out what the trouble was, finally I started tracing wires and I found a 10 amp fuse in the wiring, up in the dash,between the heater controls and the insturment panel. I dont know if they are all like that or what,but it looked like factory wiring. you might have already checked this, but I thought I would pass it along to you, thanks , John

I have the same problem ( no clutch engaged )// where did you jump it out???
I jumped the LP switch and it still does not run. Where in the he// is that 10 amp fuse?? I checked all the fuses in the fuse panel, all good... my dog ate the wiring diagrams for my Haynes book....
for real !! My a/c worked fine till is got hot out.
now I read about this 10 amp fuse in the dash wiring.

[fastivaca]

The heater/AC fan also has to be turned on before the compressor will kick in.