S series AC troubleshooting

New to me used 1997 S1 series. outside air temp a little above freezing (~10C) and engine warm AC inoperative cabin fan on high light in dash on when AC switch pressed in light in dash on when recirc switch pressed in, air valves operate correctly AC compressor clutch does not engage AC compressor drive shaft can be turned easily by hand the rad fan is off checked 10A fuse OK

system line pressure switch is in closed position IS THIS SWITCH NORMALLY OPEN OR CLOSED?

when system line pressure connector is removed, the AC clutch compressor does not engage. when system line pressure connector is jumpered, the AC clutch compressor does not engage. when power is applied to AC clutch connector, the clutch applies and compressor turns normally with no bad noises.

I suspect damage to condenser? rad mounted in front of engine coolant red has caused loss of refrigerant pressure, but am puzzled by failure of compressor fan to engage when low pressure connector is jumpered.

Help please.

Reply to
Private
Loading thread data ...

I suspect that this switch will/should be open when pressure is low and closed when pressure is good, but are some systems reversed?

Reply to
Private

This car seems to be switched closed when pressure is good.

A little time and some more testing and the system now seems to be functioning correctly. One of the online manuals said that the system would not function unless the temp was high enough so I let it run at a fast idle long enough to cause the rad fan to engage and cycle normally. I swapped the relays to check that both were functioning correctly and then the compressor clutch engaged when I jumpered the low pressure connector. Reconnected everything and it seems to be functioning properly. I suspect that if I had been doing this test in the hot weather that I would not had any problem.

Reply to
Private

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.