1994 Escort wagon A/C problem

[krunt]

My a/c unit is not coming on anymore. Thre light used to come on when I pressed the a/c button, now I get nothing. I checked the fuse near the battery in the fuse box and it was good. Is there a relay somewhere that I need to replace or does anyone have any other ideas.
Thanks,
Jim

[krunt]

I forgot to add that the compressor is not coming on or is not dropping the rpm's

[AzTumbleweed]

More than likely it is low on refrigerant. There is a switch that turns it off when the pressure gets too low.

[mightymoose_22]

Checking the refrigerant in the system sounds like a good start, however I think the light on the control would still come on. Does the fan still work?

Maybe just try tracing the circuit back from the switch and see where power is lost.

[AzTumbleweed]

I read your post again and MightyMoose is right. If the refrigerant is low the blue light will still come on. How about the fuses inside? There are two relays on the right side firewall that control the A/C.

[Selectron]

Edited - symptoms updated, below, so post was no longer relevant.

[Selectron]

Ditto.

[krunt]

So sorry to all but when I got in this morning I could see that the "little blue light" was actually on when I pushed the button. I tried it today and it still blew warm air. Thanks for the help maybe it just needs a charge.

[mightymoose_22]

If the system checks out ok then look into the cycling switch being bad.

[AzTumbleweed]

I have a '93 wagon and I had to put a couple cans in mine to get it working again for the summer. I bought some with a stop leak additive. Don't know if it will stop leaks but it is working for now.

[krunt]

Well I opted for a a/c specialist shop. Final tally 227.90 for evacuate and recharge with dye. Owner said no leaks blows cold now. If there was no leak where did the r 134 go? does it just go away?
thanks again for all who answered!
That's why I love automotive forums.com
Jim

[AzTumbleweed]

I think he couldn't find the leak. Anyway, stay cool!

[mightymoose_22]

agreed... probably a very small leak. If you have or have access to a black light you can check periodically to see if you can find where it comes out. THe usual location is from the o-rings on the compressor.

[krunt]

Yeh I was wondering if the stuff just gets old and dissappears. But if it doesn't last the summer I guess I'll just take it back.

[bugman742002]

if i'm not mistaken after a while to freon breaks down ad nolonger does it's job as effectively as it used to. you can get the uv light from any local auto parts store.