A/C Recharge Procedure on Venture

[plambeth]

Wondering if someone can point me in the right direction. I have a 1999 Venture - recently purchased - AC doesn't work. I suspect a leak somewhere - (compressor shaft seal, or maybe the condenser). I'm not sure that condensor problem applies to the ventures up through 2000 or not, but either way, if it's a leak I need to recharge to find it. To do so, I got the guage/filler nozel with the R134a refrigerant.

Presently - the compressor is not kicking on when the AC button is pushed. I suspect this is because the safety mechanism that stops the compressor when coolant/oil is low has activated.

Further I (assume) that the compressor must engage to pull the refrigerant out of the canister? The canister doesn't appear to be under pressure - or I could be missing something. So question: If the compressor isn't kicking on - and the reason is that the refrigerant is low, can I still use the do-it-yourself procedure or do I need to take it to have A/C specialists hook it up to a machine to fill?

I suppose it is wise to first check for electrical issues, or make sure the compressor hasn't blown out before I attempt filling it anyway. So another question: is there a proper procedure to bypass the safety mechanism, and hook up the compressor to the battery to test if it engages at all?

Any suggestions (or links to other threads) appreciated.

[brcidd]

Sorry- you have been mis-informed- there is NO low side pressure cycling switch on a Variable stroke compressor system such as yours...it has a high side 3-wire pressure transducer, that cannot be jumpered....your can pressure will drive up the system pressure enough to energize the compressor- once system pressure hits 47 psi.

Variable compressors use the compressor displacement to avoid system freeze-up, they do not shut off for freeze protection as the old fixed displacement compressors. Anyone with a U-van should know this-- since they never hear the compressor cycle when the a/c is running as normal.

Also the condenser leak problem was ONLY in '01 and '02 U-vans and Azteks and Rendezvous-when those system went from Delphi (2000 and prior MYs) to the Mitsubishi compressor and entire system- so it is a manufacturer problem- Mitsubishi that cause the condenser snafu.

I'd look at the compressor shaft seal and belly o-rings on you're model year vehicle..

[plambeth]

OK - thanks for the info. I will proceed then with adding the coolant and go from there.

[rockwood84]

if the shaft seal is leaking the dealer has a kit i think i gave $45.00 for it and its been working for 4 years. be easy on the bolt that hold the hoses to the compressor as it will strip out easy