A/C compressor not cycling
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A/C compressor not cycling - 4/24/2008 11:16:00 PM
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JerryN
Posts: 10
Joined: 4/24/2008
Status: offline
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I have a '96 Dakota 6-cyl. With the weather getting warmer I turned on the a/c the other day and the compressor didn't cut in. The fuse is OK. I'm not familiar with a/c servicing but was thinking maybe it's lost its refrigerant charge over the winter months. Would appreciate if somebody could give me some basic suggestions for troubleshooting. Money's tight and I hate to pay a service guy for something I could tweak myself. Thanks in advance.
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RE: A/C compressor not cycling - 4/25/2008 12:23:56 AM
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dodgerules86
Posts: 2703
Joined: 12/25/2003
From: Sycamore, Illinois (displaced to Arkansas)
Status: online
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It's a fairly simple system, actually.
A signal is sent from the "A/C" switch, and if two pressure switches aren't tripped (the low pressure switch, which is located on top of the accumulator/drier [passnger side firewall] and the high pressure switch [located right by the compressor]) the signal is sent to the PCM, which than provides a ground for the compressor relay.
Switched power (to turn the relay "on") is provided from the ignition switch. And, power is provided from the battery.
Simply put, its probably just caused by a low refrigerant charge. These kits are available at any auto parts store (or WalMart).
If adding a charge doesn't help, try swapping the relay with another known-good one.
And if that doesn't work, try manually bypassing the pressue switches (unplug the connector and put a jumper wire between the terminals).
Post back with results.
_____________________________
Current ride: Belleville 220 DES ST - leather, reinforced front end, tan color. Runs on ''alternative fuel'' :)
1996 Dodge Dakota
1986 Honda Civic CRX
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Printable Version
) to see if a charge solves the problem. I don't feel comfortable trying it myself. 
