'98 Tacoma A/C not working

[TeddyD]

I have a 1998 Tacoma 4x4 regular cab with the 4cyl engine. My A/C doesn't work. I have noticed that when I press the A/C button on the dash, the clutch attached to the compressor doesn't engage. I checked the voltage to the clutch and it is dead, with the A/C switch in both positions. Thinking that the problem might have been a bad A/C switch, I made the mistake of buying a new one (to the tune of $50), installed it and found that the problem still persists. I checked the fuse in the fuse compartment under the hood and it's ok. I also applied 12VDC directly to the clutch ant it actuates just fine. I'm thinking that there's something simple that I'm not aware of. Any ideas? Thank you.

[The Phoenix]

Sounds like a relay may be bad, or a wire is obviously bad at some point from the switch to the clutch.

[Txstick]

If it is too low on Freon there is a pressure switch which will not let the compressor engage.

[TeddyD]

Thanks. That sounds like reasonable. I was not aware that there was a pressure switch. I'm assuming that the switch is on the low pressure side. Do you think that enough pressure will be generated by attaching a can of refrigerant to the low pressure side?

[ddnail]

It might kick on when you hook up the can, but more than likely you'll have to put more than one can in to make the switch bypass.

Someone jump in here if im wrong, but I think the full capacity of that compressor is like 3 cans. Half of one can replaced by compressor oil. In the front of the radiator on the drivers side behind the grill, there is the dryer with a clear glass eye on the top, continue to add freon untill the bubbles in the sight glass go away. That is an old school way of monitering the level of charge in the system. Be carefull here, dont over charge the system or you could damage it or yourself!

Did you have problems with it before it quit working? Or was it just all at once? Sounds like you got a leak to me if there were enough refrigerant (and oil) gone to enable the pressure switch to activate.

[TeddyD]

Well, you were absolutely right! I connected the refrigerant hose to the LP service fitting. The pressure there was low (about 18#). As soon as I began to add refriferant, the compressor kicked in and the problem was solved. Thanks for all of your help!!!

[Txstick]

Good deal! You might want to monitor it and if you loose it again you will have to find the leak.




chuck

[kingston73]

I know this is an old post, but have you had problems since your fix? I just posted a thread about this same thing, and then I found your question.