A/C Clutch

[97ranger22bronco]

Trying to get an understanding of how the A/C works, will the clutch on the compressor kick on if there is no freon in the system? The A/C doesn't work 'allegedly' so I'm looking to troubleshoot.

I'm assuming that after 14 years, the freon all leaked out as a start

 

[RobbieD]

will the clutch on the compressor kick on if there is no freon in the system?

No; power to the clutch goes through a low pressure switch, usually on the accumulator/drier. If the charge pressure is too low, the switch opens so that power can't get to the clutch.

For troubleshooting, the low pressure switch can be bypassed by unplugging the connector and shorting its two terminals together with a jumper or a paperclip.