94 Explorer A/C Clutch not operating

Hi

I have noticed that my A?C clutch doesnt operate when required

I have put a meter across the plug and get no reading - I have check the fuses

Is there a relay I should check or is this serious ??

Regards

Mike

Reply to
Deanesfield
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The most common cause is a low refrigerant charge. I would recommend having the system serviced by a shop with the correct equipment.

Reply to
Jim Warman

Yup. Mine won't engage until the pressure is at least minimum of 35.

| > I have noticed that my A?C clutch doesnt operate when required | >

| > I have put a meter across the plug and get no reading - I have check | > the fuses | >

| > Is there a relay I should check or is this serious ?? | >

| > Regards | >

| > Mike | >

| |

Reply to
John Riggs

Mike,

Jim will probably hate me for suggesting this, but you can test his hypothesis with my most favorite automotive tool - the paper clip. Pull the electrical connector on top of the accummulator/dryer and briefly short the two contacts in the socket (engine running, A/C on). If the clutch engages, you have a low charge or a bad pressure switch (much less likely). By all means, don't leave these contacts shorted for more than a few seconds. And now that you have confirmed the low charge, take the vehicle to an honest professional. Not much a shade tree mechanic can do without the proper tools. Even if it's just a bad o-ring, you need a leak detector to find it, then a good quality vacuum pump and a manifold with gauges to properly evacuate and recharge the system.

Reply to
Happy Traveler

Thanks Guys

I will get this checked out in the week - I'm not sure I know where the accumulator/dryer is, so I will get an expert to look at it.

Will the recharge involve a conversion to the new refrigarant??

Mike

Reply to
Deanesfield

My '94 had R134a, so I doubt it unless they changed midway thru the model year.

Reply to
Mike Iglesias

The dryer is that tank looking thingy back by the firewall on the passenger side.....and is also where you would add freon, just in case you decide to try that for yourself. Just make sure to get a kit wit a gauge so you can see where you are as far as pressure.

| >Jim will probably hate me for suggesting this, but you can test his | >hypothesis with my most favorite automotive tool - the paper clip. Pull the | >electrical connector on top of the accummulator/dryer and briefly short the | >two contacts in the socket (engine running, A/C on). If the clutch engages, | >you have a low charge or a bad pressure switch (much less likely). By all | >means, don't leave these contacts shorted for more than a few seconds. | >And now that you have confirmed the low charge, take the vehicle to an | >honest professional. Not much a shade tree mechanic can do without the | >proper tools. Even if it's just a bad o-ring, you need a leak detector to | >find it, then a good quality vacuum pump and a manifold with gauges to | >properly evacuate and recharge the system. | >

| >

| >

|
Reply to
John Riggs

Thanks Guys

Got a specialist to check it out and recharge - just in time for our

30degC Spring weather. Cost $155cad

Michael

Reply to
Deanesfield

I was reading the topic "94 Explorer A/C Clutch not operating" posted in late May; I have a similar problem on a '94 and concluded that the system was likely low on refrigerant based on voltage readings at the pressure switch. The problem I have is compounded. When operating in defrost mode last fall the AC clutch or compressor seized causing the belt to burn up on the pulley, I immediately disconnected the connector to disengage the clutch before the belt was completely ruined.

My question is: Could the system being low on refrigerant cause the compressor to lock up or do I also have a bad clutch or compressor in addition to low refrigerant. I'd like to have some idea of the problem before going in for repair since this is likely to be an expensive repair. Thanks in advance for any help.

Reply to
ckirk

If your compressor locked, it's toast. Best go have it fixed, and convert the system to R134A

Reply to
John Riggs

I thought the 94s already had R134a. Mine did.

Reply to
Mike Iglesias

My bad. I have a 92, and mine didn't. I suppose it begs the question what year they changed to R134A.

Reply to
John Riggs

1994 was the year (IIRC) that the vast majority of mfgrs went to R134a; after the end of December 1995, R12 was illegal to manufacture in the US (and most other places).
Reply to
Bill Funk

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