On my 88 GTA, my AC compressor will not engage the clutch. The switch on top is pretty corroded looking. I thought about just clipping the wires and putting on a couple new connectors, but on the current connector, there is a little diode looking thing that goes across the two prongs. What is this thing? The rest of the engine is immaculate. It's just this one connector that has some corrosion. Looks like the wires to the clutch are pretty corroded. Can I just connect a couple connectors to the prongs? It's really a non issue at the moment since it's 20 degrees outside here in OKC, but springtime is around the corner and I'm driving to Colorado at the end of May. The cooling system has plenty of coolant in it. What else could I check if it's not this? Thanks for any info! Matt

 

The diode looking thing is exactly that, it is a clamping diode, keeps ecm from being fryed by the amperage release from the clutch. Keep in mind compressors don't come on if it is too cold but should run when defroster is on. If you need any help pm me and we could meet up and I could help you figure it out.

Kyle

 

Has nothing to do with the cooling system or coolant. This is the A/C system you are talking about. Sounds like you might be low or out of freon

 

Would the dealer by any chance sell one of those connectors with the diode in it, and a couple wires on it so I could cut the old connector off and attach the new one? Again, the system has the right amount of coolant. Also, if it ever does get low, I'll go ahead and convert to R-134. I've done it on four other cars and all worked great. Anybody ever done it to an F body? How does it cool compared to R-12? Matt

 

The r-134 works just as good. But are you sure you have enough freon?? If it is low it will not cycle period. Unless the connection is totally corroded and falling apart I'm guessing more toward out of freon then the plug itself. What ever you do, if your going to change over to the 134 go to a shop, please don't empty the old freon into the air I can't stand to hear about people distroying the enviroment more then they do as it is. Take it to your local shop and let the professionals handle this one..please!

 

Dont go to a shop
Just open it up and let the freon out. It doesnt hurt the environment and there is no hole in the ozone. Ozone is a gas so it cant have a hole in it. Freon along with cfc's is heavier than air, so it cannot possibly float up 4 miles to even reach the ozone let alone put a hole in something that is a gas to begin with.
And, when an ac is low on freon, the compressor clicks on and off more often, till it is completely empty. It is either out of the gas or the connection is bad on the compressor. I speak from much experience. Taking an ac to a shop is costly and unnecesary. A new compressor is about $85. (rebuilt) in case the leak is in the compressor. The clutch could also be bad in your compressor. When you fix the leak pick up a recharge kit at the autoparts store. 134a. Works great.

 

Man if you beleive it doen't hurt the enviroment you need a good dick smack! Smarten up would ya!

 

Dude, im no tree hugger, and on any other instance i wouldnt care. But that is just lack of knowledge dictating ignorance. Here is some information. CFC, Chloroflourocarbon, Chloro meaning chlorine, is a gas. Here is a new word for you, Fractionation. When Chemical compounds, such as gasses break down to a basic state. Chlorine will then be released from the ever-so harmless CFC, eventually make its way up to the ozone, and chemicaly (sp) change the ozone, causing the affected area to break down. Also if reported there is a $10,000 fine, it is a federal violation. BTW, i am certified in Types I, II, III, and Universally which includes all residential and commercial up to 200Ton cooling for any and all referigerants.
On another note. R-12 besides being illegal to to release or even handle if your not certified, is expensive. Just to give to an idea. R-22, the stuff in your house only costs 45 bux for a 30 lb cylinder. Last time i checked a 30 lb cylinder of R-12 goes for about $700-800. Your other alternatives are R-134a, which means you need to clean the system and change the oil, and prolly get a new accumulator, to avoiid future sludging and such. Or find a drop in replacement. Personally i have a 25 lb jug or R-414b in the garage. It works as a drop in for 12, 134a and 502, doesnt require an oil change and work the same as 12.
And just go to a J/y and clip a connector off of another f-bod. Actuall you may be able to to it off any GM car with a similar setup. Hope this helped