S series AC troubleshooting

Discussion in 'Saturn S-series' started by Private, Apr 1, 2008.

  1. Private

    Private Guest

    New to me used 1997 S1 series.
    outside air temp a little above freezing (~10C) and engine warm
    AC inoperative
    cabin fan on high
    light in dash on when AC switch pressed in
    light in dash on when recirc switch pressed in, air valves operate correctly
    AC compressor clutch does not engage
    AC compressor drive shaft can be turned easily by hand
    the rad fan is off
    checked 10A fuse OK

    system line pressure switch is in closed position
    IS THIS SWITCH NORMALLY OPEN OR CLOSED?

    when system line pressure connector is removed, the AC clutch compressor
    does not engage.
    when system line pressure connector is jumpered, the AC clutch compressor
    does not engage.
    when power is applied to AC clutch connector, the clutch applies and
    compressor turns normally with no bad noises.

    I suspect damage to condenser? rad mounted in front of engine coolant red
    has caused loss of refrigerant pressure, but am puzzled by failure of
    compressor fan to engage when low pressure connector is jumpered.

    Help please.
     
    Private, Apr 1, 2008
    #1
  2. Private

    Private Guest

    I suspect that this switch will/should be open when pressure is low and
    closed when pressure is good, but are some systems reversed?
     
    Private, Apr 1, 2008
    #2
  3. Private

    Private Guest

    This car seems to be switched closed when pressure is good.

    A little time and some more testing and the system now seems to be
    functioning correctly. One of the online manuals said that the system would
    not function unless the temp was high enough so I let it run at a fast idle
    long enough to cause the rad fan to engage and cycle normally. I swapped
    the relays to check that both were functioning correctly and then the
    compressor clutch engaged when I jumpered the low pressure connector.
    Reconnected everything and it seems to be functioning properly. I suspect
    that if I had been doing this test in the hot weather that I would not had
    any problem.
     
    Private, Apr 1, 2008
    #3
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