A/C Works but doesn't
 

I never gave this a second thought until today when it was foggy this morning and I went to defog the windows.

I was told by the previous owner that the A/C does not work so I never touched it and never cared to look into it. But today got me thinking that it probably works fine except one thing...

I pushed the defrost button to defog my windshield and I heard the A/C compressor kick in and turn off, turn on, turn off, on, off... etc... So I sat there and wondered if by chance that it could blow somewhat cool if I push the A/C button, but when I pushed it nothing happened. It didn't even click or light up... I push it and nothing... dead button?

I know the compressor works because it cycled on and off during the defrost. This means it MUST have pressure or else it would not come on at all, right? So there is a chance it has refrigerant, right?

SO what the hell is wrong with my A/C button???

The charge is probably low. When the system is off, there is just enough pressure to make the switch. When the compressor kicks on, the suction pressure drops and the switch opens. (Just a guess.)

ok, so on my way home I did some testing. If I hold the button, the A/C cycles on and off like it would if I had the Defrost on...

jwade944, you might be right on that pressure thing. It cycles on and off way too fast to actually be working right.

I figure, if I replace the button and dump some freon in, it might work fine.

Any other suggestions???

THANKS!

put some gages on it and see if there's any pressure.

the lo pressure switch shuts it down to protect the system.

dont think its youre button

pull the 2 wires off px switch jump together start ac
if all runs and compresses you need freon

Your climate control unit's compressor switch is not latching.
The push button switch is lighted. When it's ON, it should illuminate.
Are you saying the switch seemed like it was not latching in the ON position?
If yes, the switch is bad. It can be replaced but you have to pull the climate control unit to replace the switch.

http://www.petrifiera.net/bel/AC switch.JPG
available at: http://www.944online.com/cgi-bin/ASI_Store.cgi?Product+skukey_1000242+944s2+climate control-944s2

Once the switch is fixed, then you can recharge the unit and test for leaks.