A/C not working!!

[bmxstreet15]

I know this may be a little early but I wanted to get a jump on it. My a/c compressor doesnt kick on. It has freon in it and it doesnt leak as far as I know. Any ideas would be helpful.

[WEWILLE]

Doe you have a guage set? Check your fuses. You can also take the pressure switch and jump the terminals the compressore should kick on and if it does you have a charge issue most likely.

[SCUFFY828]

see if you have power to the compressor when a/c is turned on , if not , trace back thru , pressure switch , loose conections , are you sure the freon level is correct , it can have freon and not have the right amount and still not come on

[bmxstreet15]

wewillie, what do you mean by jumping the terminals? And on which pressure switch?

scuffy828, It has about 38-40psi on the low side when I hook up the gauge to it. How do I check to see if there is power getting to it?

[tonypagnano]

You could do a voltage drop to the A/C compressor. I'd start by checking the fuses for your A/C system first. If you hook up your gauges static pressures should be the same, and should read about what the ambient temperature is. With the truck on your low side should read between like 25psi and 50 psi and the high side should read i think like 150psi - 300 psi. i may be a little off but hopefully this helps.

[bmxstreet15]

unfortunately, I am somewhat dumb when it comes to electrical. I know enough to be dangerous thats about it. I will check my fuses, how do I check the relays?

[bmxstreet15]

Well, I went out and turned my ignition on and turned on the a/c. The compressor clutch is engaging. So I started the truck and it was cycling but wasnt bloing cold air. So I put the cheap autozone low side gauge on it and it was low. It took a whole can and the pressure was ranging from about 20 to 41 or 42. The ambient air temp here right now is about 68 degrees. It took 13 ounces of freon. I have another 13 ounce can, should I put it in as well? The air coming out of the vents is cool but not cold. The pressure range seems to be a little on the low side if my memory serves me right. Maybe one of you guys with more experience could advise me here.

[symbols]

You need to know what the high side is doing as well. If it gets to high it will damage your compressor. Did you add oil with the refrigerant?

[bmxstreet15]

Originally Posted by symbols

You need to know what the high side is doing as well. If it gets to high it will damage your compressor. Did you add oil with the refrigerant?

Yes I added 2 ounces of oil. I will try to con my buddy out of his manifold set tomrrow. What should my high and low sides read. Ambient temp will be about 70 degrees farenhiet.

[symbols]

Originally Posted by bmxstreet15

Yes I added 2 ounces of oil. I will try to con my buddy out of his manifold set tomrrow. What should my high and low sides read. Ambient temp will be about 70 degrees farenhiet.

You know I don't think I've ever checked the a/c on a diesel before. On the gassers it needs to be @2000 RPM and the low should be around 30 and the high 300. You really just have to play with the pressures while watching your cab temps to get the best cooling. Each vehicle is different.