AC clutch getting power???

[White951]

Seems like with all the hot weather there are more AC questions. Anyway........

How do I determine if the ac clutch on my compressor is getting power. It will not engage. My system has been out of service for some time, so there are probably other issues as well like bad seals in the system. You can see my other post 951AC question for details.

[Scott R]

Easy check, since you said that your system is most likely empty you will need to install a jumper wire between the two spades that hook on to the pressure saftey switch. This switch is located just after the dryer with the sight window, driver side front behind the headlight. Don't run it for too long sice there may not be any oil in the compressor. If that does not get power to it, then work your way back, fuse, then relay and of course the switch.

[White951]

On my car an 86 951 there is a switch with a hard plastic cap ontop of sight galss. Does the cap come off. It seems like I will break it if I try to force it. Also, isn't there a way I can bypass the switch and get power from the battery? If so how do I do this?

[mike944]

Scott already explained how to bypass the switch. I'll try also.

Unplug the 2 wires from the pressure switch. hook them together with a scrap piece of wire. Presto you've bypassed the pressure switch.

If you want to bypass the entire climate control electrical system, attach a wire to the wire sticking out of the compressor. touch this to the + battery terminal. This should engage the clutch.

Mike

p.s. i'm not sure exactly how the clutch is wired so if the compressor has 2 wires stickng out, one goes to the + battery terminal, the other goes to the -. If there is only one wire, it goes to the + battery terminal, and the clutch is grounded through the compressor frame.