Hey, all,

I finally got around yesterday to replacing the motor in my '98 SE that died a painful death due to the freakin' intake leak fiasco. Not too bad except for 9000 connections and I think I must've missed one, because my air conditioning that worked perfectly when I removed the old motor now won't kick the compressor in. I didn't open the system whatsoever, so I figured I could just reinstall the compressor, plug in the two connections by the compressor, and it'd be good to go. Nope.

Everything else works perfectly. Any pointers on where to start troubleshooting this?

Thanks!

I'd start with an electrical diagram of the car, and try to identify the connector that activates the compressor clutch (by the colors of the wires). I think it should be right on top of the passenger-side of the compressor.

Then, using a voltmeter, I'd check if the connector gets DC voltage when the A/C is turned on. If it doesn't, the problem is with the wiring. If it does, the problem is either with the connector itself, or the compressor clutch. I guess that typically it'd be the connector in this situation. Check the connector to see if anything'* broken or bent.

Another possiblity is that the compressor is not engaged because of some sensor indicating that there'* enough pressure in the system already, and therefore it isn't needed. Then of course it won't get voltage at all at the clutch. Again, I'd check all of the connectors going to the compressor (I think there are 3 - I recently went through the process of replacing the engine in my '92, though a '98 may be different).

Hope that helps

- Uri

Check the pressures in the system to see if you have freon. If you don't have gages then try briefly jumping the terminals at the accumulator to see if the compressor will turn on.

My thoughts too. See if somebody bonked the electrical connector to the pressure switch that'* screwed into the side of the accumulator.

Come to think of it, isn't there another pressure switch plugged into the back of the compressor as well?

Did the DIY recharge gig to get pressure up where it should be, now it works like a champ. I guess we must've lost a bit in all the jostling around with the motor R&R, but there'* no leaks now. All'* well that ends well....thanks to all!

Come to think of it, if he'* got a '98 SE, I hope he _doesn't_ have Freon...