a/c problems

I just bought a 96 astro and found out the a/c does not work... I noticed that the a/c compressor never does not engage when the a/c is turned on. So, I checked to see if there was any power going to the compressor clutch and there was no power at the connector... so then I checked the under hood fuses and they were all good... and I tested the relays and they were good... what next? Should I start tearing into the dash and look at the a/c-heater control stuff? Is there any under hood items that still need to be looked at? I could use any advice you could give, I don't know much about electrical(just the basics) or a/c problems----but I don't really want to take it to the shop either!!!

The number one failure mode in a/c systems is lack of cooling due to loss of refrigerant charge- you can test for this by putting a gage set on the low and high side connector- to see what the pressure is- or you can jumper the connector at the silver accumulator cycling switch- if the compressor comes on-and there is NO cooling- you can almost be certain you have lost almost all your refrigerant- don't run the compressor very long in this mode. Then you must find the leak and fix it- pull a good vacuum and recharge to specification. Best left to someone who knows what they are doing- there are a/c forums available as well

What is the ambient temperature? Below 40°, the compressor may not cycle.

the A/C started to cycle a lot, it was low on freon. I got a bottle from the States, and a year later it was low again.
I found a product, Duracool, in Canada that's legal to use. It has 3 bottles, a water remover, a sealer, and anonther of an oil. The kit includes hoses and a simple guage. It cost $85 Canadian.
I guess I still hadd freon in it. So far I've only put the 1st bottle in, I'll add the others as it leaks down.
The kit reads well, and is supposed to lower pressures, for better mieage, and longer life of the compressor. It also cools better.
Good luck

Well, I tried the jumper wire at the accumulator pressure switch and the compressor did not come on.... I will check out the a/c forums, but if anyone has any other advice it would be appreciated!!!