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Intermittent A/C Operation

Discussion in '308/328' started by BLR308, Jul 29, 2013.

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  1. BLR308

    BLR308 Rookie

    Jun 21, 2013
    49
    Papillion, NE
    Full Name:
    Bob Roegge
    #1 BLR308, Jul 29, 2013
    My A/C works quite well when it comes on. The problem is the clutch does not engage when system is turned on half the time. Jump the clutch with 12 volts and it kicks every time. Can someone tell me what switch triggers the clutch? I have pulled out both the temp control and fan switches and fiddled with them to no avail. Any advice on what to check would be appreciated.
     
  2. mike996

    mike996 F1 Veteran

    Jun 14, 2008
    6,875
    Full Name:
    Mike 996
    #2 mike996, Jul 29, 2013
    Did you check the low pressure switch/associated connections on the dryer? If that switch is malfunctioning (or if the system is too low on refrigerant), the compressor won't engage.
     
  3. Ferraripilot

    Ferraripilot F1 World Champ
    Owner Project Master

    May 10, 2006
    17,858
    Atlanta
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    John!
    #3 Ferraripilot, Jul 29, 2013

    +1

    also, check the pressure in the system, it could be that your system is just barely having enough pressure to click the low pressure switch thus sometimes it does sometimes it doesn't.
     
  4. BLR308

    BLR308 Rookie

    Jun 21, 2013
    49
    Papillion, NE
    Full Name:
    Bob Roegge
    #4 BLR308, Jul 29, 2013
    I was thinking since air was cold when on that system was full. But, low pressure could be the problem. Two questions....

    Wouldn't bypassing the low pressure switch be a simple test to see if the compressor kicks in?

    Where is low pressure switch located?
     
  5. Ferraripilot

    Ferraripilot F1 World Champ
    Owner Project Master

    May 10, 2006
    17,858
    Atlanta
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    John!
    #5 Ferraripilot, Jul 30, 2013

    yup. that switch is located at the bottom of the union joining the dryer and expansion coil at the front of the car, passenger side.
     
  6. Iain

    Iain F1 Rookie

    Jan 21, 2005
    3,324
    UK
    #6 Iain, Jul 30, 2013
    but if it does kick in by by-passing the switch, don't run it for too long like that - its there to protect the compressor.

    It could of course be that the switch is faulty - but you'd only find that out by putting some gauges on the system
     
  7. Steve King

    Steve King F1 Rookie

    Feb 15, 2001
    4,367
    NY
    #7 Steve King, Jul 30, 2013
    Just put a set of AC gages on it and you will tell if the system is low. Simple to do . Go from there also check the temps at the AC duct. A reasonable target is 20* lower then outside temps.
     
  8. BLR308

    BLR308 Rookie

    Jun 21, 2013
    49
    Papillion, NE
    Full Name:
    Bob Roegge
    #8 BLR308, Jul 30, 2013
    Thanks.......

    Jumpered the low pressure switch and compressor kicked on. Looking in sight glass there were bubbles initially and then clear. Suspect it is the switch as there is also an oily film on switch ( not on fitting ). Based on cold air I do not think system is low. Either way I will replace the switch which requires purging systema nd recharging.
     

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