A/C clutch will not engage

I'm having trouble trying to figure out why the A/C clutch will not engage on my wifes 2005 GC SXT. The fuse and relay are good ( I tried a known good relay). Per the Haynes manual I jumped the low pressure wiring harness to get the compressor to stay on and that didnt work either. I tired the A/C In normal and recirculate mode and also in defrost.....nothing. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

Are you jumpering contacts 30 to 87 at the A/C compressor clutch relay socket? You'll complete a hot feed straight from the battery simulating closing the contacts of the relay and apply power to the clutch. If the clutch engages, check freon pressures. If it still doesn't come on check for power at the compressor clutch connector with a meter or test light. If it's there change the clutch and or compressor. If it's not there, find the open in that small part of the circuit.

I just tried jumping 30-87 and nothing. I'll see if there is power at the a/c clutch connector tomorrow. I'm running short on patience tonight!! Thanks for your help, i'll keep you posted.....

Ok I did not jump 30-87 like i thought. The compresor engages now when i actually jump it, but the air does not get cold. I'm guessing its low on r134 then. I'll buy a gauge and fill it and see how long it holds a charge. Thanks for your help!! I'll post what I find.

If you've never serviced an A/C system it would be safer to let the pros do it. They can draw a vacuum, check for leaks, and service freon, oil and a die blindfolded. These are the steps that should happen. You do the wrong thing and you can have an ugly day. If you insist, just make sure when you service the R134 connect it to the low pressure side.

Well I couldnt do this if I wanted too. Turns out the state of WI doesnt allow the sale of r134a to consumers, only licensed mechanics. Off to the shop I go. At least I have an idea on how to diagnose A/C next time. I'll let you all know what they find. Thanks for all your help!!!:bigthumb:

Good lord. I thought California was leading the pack in the tree hugger world. Are you close enough to a neighboring state that has it to make it worth the trip?

*Update* I took it to the shop and there wasn't any refrigerant left. They dye tested and refilled it and it works fine. There were no obvious leaks do I'll go back in 3 weeks to check for leaks again.

**update** I took it back to the mechanic and he found it was the rear lines leaking. Funny, because those were the lines that were recalled back in 2006 due to leaking. I dropped it off this morning at the dealer and they verified it was those lines and will be replaced again under the recall no charge. Just thought I'd let you guys know, and thanks a ton for the help as usual.:biggrin:

Wow. That worked out great. Happy to hear all is now well. Thanks for posting the final fix.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij-QP3X_a48


If you've never serviced an A/C system it would be safer to let the pros do it. They can draw a vacuum, check for leaks, and service freon, oil and a die blindfolded. These are the steps that should happen. You do the wrong thing and you can have an ugly day. If you insist, just make sure when you service the R134 connect it to the low pressure side.

Ya got me. I'll call it force of old habits. I usually just say refrigerant but, my old habit reared it's ugly head. Thanks for pointing it out.

It's just a bad habit that I have busting peoples balls over brand names. So many people do it. I can't even count the number of times someone said " I have a new Panasonic Walkman" LOL.

XEROX = copy
KLEENEX = Tissue
Walkman = portable cassette player
iPod = Mp3 Player


Ya got me. I'll call it force of old habits. I usually just say refrigerant but, my old habit reared it's ugly head. Thanks for pointing it out.

The compresor engages now when i actually jump it, but the air does not get cold

Just an FYI - jumping the low pressure switch is just a very quick test - you shouldn't be jumping it and then waiting a couple minutes to see if you get cool air. Granted the switch could be faulty, but if you are way low on refrigerant, you definitely don't want to be running the compressor - refrigerant is a lubricant to the system. Run the compressor w/o refrigerant, and it will eat itself up and puke its guts into your lines and then you have a very $$$ repair bill.

reekor - could you remove (or make about half the size) at least one of the pictures of your 96 limited - it really detracts from being able to read your and everyone else's posts. Thanks.