No AC in my RAV4

[Tonystrade]

Just bought a 97 Rav4 even with AC problems. The blower works but no cold air. So I went ahead and charged it but system does not want to take it(bottle didnt empty out) Once you press the AC switch,clutch would engage for a second and stop,At the same time you would get a blinking light @ the AC swtich. No activity @ the sight gauge. Someone told me its the AC expansion valve could be the problem but Haynes manual doesnt even mention it. Any ideas?? Thanks

[CDJr]

Sounds more like the low-pressure switch is cutting it off because its low on refrigerant. Does it keep cycling on and off? If so, you can jump out the switch to charge it up, but ONLY to charge it up. Then be sure to plug it back in.

[Tonystrade]

Originally Posted by CDJr

Sounds more like the low-pressure switch is cutting it off because its low on refrigerant. Does it keep cycling on and off? If so, you can jump out the switch to charge it up, but ONLY to charge it up. Then be sure to plug it back in.

Nope,it doesnt cycle on and off. As soon as you press the switch the clutch will catch for a second and then it will stop.

[Tonystrade]

*Update--- Took pressure readings and this is what I got

Lo: 55psi
Hi: 55psi
Somethings definetly wrong here,any ideas???

[CDJr]

Thats pretty low on refrigerant. There may be other problems also, but thats definitely low. Since you already have refrigerant, you probably should jump out the switch so you can charge it up. Then if thats not enough of a charge, it should still be enough to make the compressor cycle on and off. If you turn the AC on and just watch the compressor, it should be engaging for a few secs and then cut off for 10 secs or so then try to come back on for a few, etc, etc. If it takes the charge properly, it should stay on for longer periods of time between cycles.