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AC quit working

Old 07-28-2012, 06:56 PM
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Car: 1991 Firebird Formula
Engine: 305 TPI
AC quit working

1991 305 TPI, all stock.

Here is the breakdown AC did work, but stopped sometime between last fall and this past spring. I assumed it may be low on refrigerant, so today I took it to have it charged (same place did it last time) and they said it wasn't low. They topped it off anyway, but didn't even bother charging me as it was such a small amount.

The compressor is getting power, but the clutch is not engaging. I can move it by hand. The secondary fan that normally comes on when I turn the AC on is also not coming on.

I checked the fuse, it looked fine, but I changed it anyway. No change.

Where should I start looking?

Thanks!
Old 07-28-2012, 07:16 PM
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Re: AC quit working

If the system is charged and the fuses are good, it could be a bad pressure switch in the engine bay or bad wiring in that circuit.
Old 07-28-2012, 08:15 PM
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Car: 89 Black IROC-Z convertible
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: Auto
Re: AC quit working

Try to jumper the low pressure switch connector to see if the compressor cycles. If it doesn't, it may be the cycling switch in the compressor itself. You may also have a bad fan relay. There is a test for that but I'm away from my manuals so maybe someone on here can walk you through it.
Old 07-28-2012, 08:54 PM
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Re: AC quit working

Is the pressure switch the one on the accumulator?
Old 07-28-2012, 08:54 PM
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Re: AC quit working

It could also be the clutch is bad/not engaging. Turn your AC on and check for power at the leads on the compressor.
Old 07-28-2012, 09:11 PM
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Re: AC quit working

Originally Posted by Brock Lee
Is the pressure switch the one on the accumulator?
Yes and as Ozz says, you may just have a bad clutch on the compressor.


Ozz1967It could also be the clutch is bad/not engaging. Turn your AC on and check for power at the leads on the compressorOzz1967It could also be the clutch is bad/not engaging. Turn your AC on and check for power at the leads on the compressor
Old 07-28-2012, 09:38 PM
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Re: AC quit working

I did check that first thing, and I was getting power.

Would that also explain why the secondary fan is not going on?
Old 07-28-2012, 10:39 PM
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Re: AC quit working

I jumped the terminals for the pressure switch and it came on.

Thanks guys!
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