Ac help!

[whedbeec]

I have tried everything, let me start by saying that I am no pro mechanic, and I am very new at fixing vehicles. However most of the work I have done has been methodical and well planned.

Let me start from the beginning
I have a 1998 Ranger 3.0
A few days after buying this truck I noticed the AC was no longer working.

The AC clutch would engage right as I started the truck for about 3 seconds and then it would stop, and never turn back on.

I have swapped the refrigerant
I have replaced the orifice tube
I have replaced the high and low sensors.
I have even replaced the electrical connector that goes to the compressor.

I believe the compressor is getting power however something is telling it to shut off.
The last test that I did showed the low side was a bit high and the high side was a bit low.

When I Hotwire the compressor briefly it does engage, and the air is cool.

Does anyone have any suggestions?


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[AndyB.]

Pressure switch?

 

[whedbeec]

The sensors, sorry the high and low sensors


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[97RangerXLT]

when you jumped the compressor, did it stay running as long as it was jumped?

if it ran for a bit then quit while it was still jumped, I am going to say that your clutch coil is bad. basically your compressor is turned by the engine of the truck. an electromagnetic clutch is what engages the compressor. this electromagnetic clutch turns on if the high and low pressure switches are within operating range and the switch on the dash is set to A/C or Max A/C.

Take a look here for some diagnostic and replacement instructions:
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144542

This was done on a 1997 4.0 and some of the stuff did change in 1998. I believe that the connector system that connected the hoses to the condensor/ evaporator etc changed from the spring lock system to a better set up, but the clutch should be the same.

AJ

 

[97RangerXLT]

Oh, and another thing... it could be as simple as your dash switch is going wonky... definitely check that out

AJ

 

[whedbeec]

when you jumped the compressor, did it stay running as long as it was jumped?

if it ran for a bit then quit while it was still jumped, I am going to say that your clutch coil is bad. basically your compressor is turned by the engine of the truck. an electromagnetic clutch is what engages the compressor. this electromagnetic clutch turns on if the high and low pressure switches are within operating range and the switch on the dash is set to A/C or Max A/C.

Take a look here for some diagnostic and replacement instructions:
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144542

This was done on a 1997 4.0 and some of the stuff did change in 1998. I believe that the connector system that connected the hoses to the condensor/ evaporator etc changed from the spring lock system to a better set up, but the clutch should be the same.

AJ

Thanks for the input! It did stay on as long as it was jumped and it blew ice cold.


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[Denisefwd93]

if you are running the test in cold weather the ac pressures will be very low. even properly charged can short cycle.

Did you use a vac pump and did you weigh in the refrigerant?

 

[whedbeec]

if you are running the test in cold weather the ac pressures will be very low. even properly charged can short cycle.

Did you use a vac pump and did you weigh in the refrigerant?

I took it to a shop and had them completely clean the system, then I hooked it up to a gauge the high and low, filled it with the exact amount of refrigerant, but the low side was too high and the high side was too low I couldn't get it to cycle through.


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[AndyB.]

I'd jumper the pressure switches to see if the compressor comes on--to rule out refrigerant or electrical issues.

 

[whedbeec]

I'd jumper the pressure switches to see if the compressor comes on--to rule out refrigerant or electrical issues.

Sorry to seem stupid but could you explain how to do that?


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[AndyB.]

http://www.fordforumsonline.com/threads/test-an-a-c-cycle-switch.303/

 

[whedbeec]

Thanks, I will try this, but I already did replace that switch


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[whedbeec]

http://www.fordforumsonline.com/threads/test-an-a-c-cycle-switch.303/

Tried this, did not work. Any other advice?


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[Denisefwd93]

I took it to a shop and had them completely clean the system, then I hooked it up to a gauge the high and low, filled it with the exact amount of refrigerant, but the low side was too high and the high side was too low I couldn't get it to cycle through.


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Can't translate this into any kind of advice without knowing temperature outdoors, and temp diff across the coils (condenser and evap)

 

[whedbeec]

It was about 65-70 when i tested it, the low side was at about 80 and the high side was below 150


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