97 Cherokee A/C fault

[LJD]

Help!!

I have a '97 Cherokee 4.0 limited and the A/C does not want to work. I am guessing that the issue is in the electrical system somewhere, I have checked all of the fuses etc to the A/C Clutch but regardless of the A/C setting on the dashboard do not seem to be getting any kind of electric feed to the compressor to drive the A/C clutch engage. I don't have a manual for the car (and have not been able to get hold of one for a '97) so am struggling to figure out the wiring and so trace the problem back. I understand that all of the vents are controlled via a vaccum system, is there a solonoid on the system that triggers the A/C?

Any ideas before I melt in the unusually hot weather the UK is currently experiencing?

Thanks in advance.

[Saudade]

Did you also check your refrigerant level? If it's too low, a low pressure cut off switch will keep the compressor from engaging.

[LJD]

Thanks for the info, is there an easy way to check the level?

[Saudade]

You'll need a a/c pressure gage. You can get them at any local autoparts store. You'll need the spec too.

If you were able to get the compressor to engage, there is a sight glass that can tell you if it's undercharged. Unfortumately, yours is not engaging so the gage is the only way.

You could call a few auto a/c servicing companies to see if they will check your charge at "no charge". If you're low, they can fill it properly and you can pay them for the service and refrigerant.

[AlohaBra]

Originally Posted by LJD

Help!!

I have a '97 Cherokee 4.0 limited and the A/C does not want to work. I am guessing that the issue is in the electrical system somewhere, I have checked all of the fuses etc to the A/C Clutch but regardless of the A/C setting on the dashboard do not seem to be getting any kind of electric feed to the compressor to drive the A/C clutch engage. I don't have a manual for the car (and have not been able to get hold of one for a '97) so am struggling to figure out the wiring and so trace the problem back. I understand that all of the vents are controlled via a vaccum system, is there a solonoid on the system that triggers the A/C?

Any ideas before I melt in the unusually hot weather the UK is currently experiencing?

Thanks in advance.

Common problem...did you check the other forum questions?
I have 97....also...in USA-California....
The connector to the AC clutch...called a weather pack is notoriously a bad connect....I have cleaned it many times....I should solder it solid....I will do that next.

No dashboard problems are common...

No sight glass either...since it is a R134a system...(USA)...U hav R12??

Jump your AC compressor clutch to the battery and see if it works.
Also clean the ground wire. Do U hav a right hand dirve??

[Jeeps&Rovers]

I have a 96 with the same fault. I cannot find the fuse to check it but removing the AC relay and bridging the contacts kicks the compressor clutch in but it doesnt seem to get any colder or labour the engine at all.
Which fuse is it, and is it under the hood or the dash, Mine is RHD

[Saudade]

Alohabra: Mine is an 88 and uses R12 (still). There is a sight glass connected to the drier so I can see what's going on.

Jeeps: If your compressor is kicking in, you may have a low charge. Also, there is a blending door in the ducts that may be blocked or not moving correctly.

[LJD]

Thanks for the advice for far, just for clarification the car is a 1997 right hand drive UK car, the a/c system is an R134a and I cannot seem to find the sight glass. I think that all of the posts to the forums so far point to the system needing a re-charge. If anyone has any other possibilities please post a reply.

Thanks

[Jeeps&Rovers]

Sent you a PM about this and some tests...

[AlohaBra]

Originally Posted by LJD

Thanks for the advice for far, just for clarification the car is a 1997 right hand drive UK car, the a/c system is an R134a and I cannot seem to find the sight glass. I think that all of the posts to the forums so far point to the system needing a re-charge. If anyone has any other possibilities please post a reply.

Thanks

the 97 USA with R134a doesn't have a sight glass...you have to use a gage....I bought one for 40$ usd.