A/C Compressor Testing

[dspencerco]

I've got a one year old replacement A/C compressor on a '98 Grand Caravan that was working fine and blowing cold until driving one day on the highway it just cut out and now will no longer engage the clutch. Freon pressure is tested to be in the normal range so it's not for lack of freon. I know there are several sensors and the thermostat that electronically control when the compressor engages but am not sure where they are all located or how to test them. I remember a while back somebody posting a message about jumping the compressor with wires straight from the battery but can't find the message and was wondering if anybody else has tried this and could provide some instruction.

Thanks,
DS