96 Tahoe Ac Question...

[.:fLiPt:.]

First off, I'd like to say hello and thanks to the people who've provided insight on all the other posts I've been reading on here for a while. Definately has saved me some headaches.

This is my first post and hopefully you guys can help me out....

Trying to troubleshoot the AC. This is a vehicle I recently bought and the AC wasn't working when I got it. I'm not a seasoned AC guy and don't really no much about how the system itself functions. I do know that the compressor would not engage at all. After checking all the fuses and testing for proper voltage at various test points I finally found that jumping the switch at the accumulator engages the compressor. So I thought, thats easy, I'll go grab the $20 switch an be done. I've replaced the switch and still no go. So I assume the system itself is not functioning correctly therefore not "flipping" the switch. So what is the next thing to check......

Any help is greatly appreciated....


I just found this thread: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...ht=Accumulator
but it looks like its fizzled out....


Also I'm at 35psi on the low side...

[taillight]

You are low on R134A. The preasure switch see no preasure and shuts off the compressor so you do not burn it out.

[.:fLiPt:.]

Appreciate the quick reply...

I was showing 35psi on the low side, I just went out and managed to get it around 40 psi. and it still doesn't come on. I was reading a post earlier that said it should trigger the switch at around 28psi. Could the accumulator be bad or be clogged somewhere?? or could the system have a problem elsewhere in the line. I would assume since it is a recirculating system that the accumulator relies on another process to be functioning correctly. If I new more about how the system "flows" I guess it would be easier to understand....

[taillight]

If you have a set of guages you should have about 60# on both sides with the engine off. If not you are low on R134A. Start the engine and turn on A/C. You should have about 35# low and 200# high.

[.:fLiPt:.]

Appreciate the info taillight....

I found a thread on another forum talking about not to trust the guages on the R134 refills and that turned out to be it. I was thiinking I had enough pressure in the system but didn't. Lesson Learned.....

thanks again....