AC quit

I have a 01 durango 5.2 and the compressor won't come on. I had the battery disconnected to clean the terminals. When I hooked it back on I noticed the compressor won't engage when I turn the AC on. I thought maybe I blew a fuse (even though I didn't short anything out) so I pulled out my Haynes manual and checked fuses and relays which all seemed good. The manual mentioned that there is a check to see if the pressure in the system is too low which would prevent the compressor from engaging. Honestly the explanation of the check was too complicated for me and the diagrams in the book didn't seem to match what's under my hood. Anybody know if this is true that compressor won't engage if pressure in system is too low and how can I check this. Can I just add refrigerant without the system running to boost pressure. Or is my compressor just dead.

Yes, there is most definitely a low pressure control in the control circuit feeding the compressor clutch. This is simply a switch that is connected to the low pressure side of the system (You can probably find it connected to the larger of the two refrigerant lines whcih attach to the compressor). If the pressure in the system is below the cut-in setting of this switch, the compressor clutch will not engage so the compressor will not run. Find this switch, temporarily jump it out, start the car, turn the A/C on and see if the compressor will run. If it does, your system is most likely completely out of refrigerant and you will need to proceed to that side of the system (ie. leak checking, evacuating, recharging, etc.) Unless you have some experience with refrigeration / A/C, you'll probably need to leave this to a professional.

Good Luck

T-bank

Thanks.

What kind of refrigerant does thins year car take?

This vehicle takes R134 refrigerant. You can find this at any aouto parts store.