My AC has not worked in a few years, and i've never cared all that much. But now i'm married, and the wife does care.

When I turn on the AC, nothing happens. The compressor clutch never engages at all, the engine speed does not change - nothing.

Is there any chance that this is an easy fix? Could it just be a loose wire somewhere between the interior control panel and the compressor? Or am I most likely looking at a new compressor or clutch?

Thanks in advance.

My Haynes manual fails to help me here. Is that the sensor/connector that are near the top of the shiny metalic canister in the rear, passenger side of the engine compartment?

And I won't fry anything by running a wire from one side of the conencter to the other?

Finally, if that does cause the compressor to turn on, is it worth getting it recharged? My thought is that since the air hasn't been run in years, the seals could be gone, etc.

I don't know for sure if it has been converted to the new stuff or not. What $$ am I looking at for a recharge either way?

Well, that did it. I took the sensor out of the picture, and the compressor sped to life for the first time in many years. I didn't dare to run it for too long. I didn't get any cold air out of the vents, but one of the small metal tubes near the big metal canister was getting cold, and I think that must be a good sign. I have the sensor plugged back in now.

Is there a way for me to check the level of refridgerant in the system, or is that best left to a shop?

I can't afford to do much right now anyway, so I have time to look into the possibilities.

Thanks.

You need to get some gauges hooked up to the high and low side ports. You may be very low on R-12. Then tell us what the pressures are.

Can it be done with a pencil-type tire gauge? That'* all I got. :?

If so, is there a procedure to follow? The Haynes manual is worthless when it comes to AC repair.

No, you have to buy a set of gauges at around $35. The high side will measure between 200-300 psi.

1. Park car in the shade
2. Attach gauges to high and low side
3. Put a thermometer in the center dashboard vent
4. Start car
5. Place large fan in front of condensor
6. A/C on Max Recirc, cold, high fan
7. Engine at 2000 rpm
8. Wait until pressures stablize and record both high and low side pressures

With R-12, high side should be 2.2 times outside temperature (in F). Vent temps should be around 36-43 degrees F.

Now you can see why I always try to get people to go to a reputable A/C shop!

Hmm... I think I'll just take it in to someone who knows what they're doing...

...especially since i can't justify purchasing a set of specialty gauges right now.

Thanks anyhow...