AC Troubleshooting - Clutch Engages Then Turns Off Immediately

[redrangerbluemiata]

Howdy folks,

Trouble with the AC system in my 2002 Ranger XLT w/ 4.0L SOHC. Pictures of the gauges are attached, don't know if I did that right. When I turn the cabin switch to "AC" I get 13V at the relay. Clutch engages and pressure spikes for about half a second, then it goes off again. Leading theory is a clogged orifice tube after doing some research on other threads here, but I wanted to post the gauges to see if anyone had a better idea. Low side too low, high side too high.

 

[pjtoledo]

low is too low? from a 2005 manual, should be the same for a 2000.

I'm not an AC guru, I'll let the experts comment on the readings.

 

[RobbieD]

Common symptom, and the most likely cause, is a low refrigerant charge.

The compressor engages, and the low side pressure drops enough to open the low pressure switch, which cuts out the compressor.

I don't have the specs for your year, but the low gauge going below 20 as the high gauge spikes indicates the low charge scenario.

 

[redrangerbluemiata]

low is too low? from a 2005 manual, should be the same for a 2000.

I'm not an AC guru, I'll let the experts comment on the readings.

View attachment 143895

View attachment 143896

Thanks for these, I was having trouble finding good tables online. If I am reading this right, then low side at 72F should be between ~27-46 psi, when the compressor is on my low side gauge drops to 16 psi. High side should be ~130-230 psi and mine spikes to ~240 psi then the compressor cuts off. Sounds like I'm tripping a high pressure cutoff switch?

You said these are from the manual? Previous owner lost the manual, I outta pick one up.

 

[redrangerbluemiata]

Common symptom, and the most likely cause, is a low refrigerant charge.

The compressor engages, and the low side pressure drops enough to open the low pressure switch, which cuts out the compressor.

I don't have the specs for your year, but the low gauge going below 20 as the high gauge spikes indicates the low charge scenario.

I also thought low refrigerant so I started throwing another can in before I got the gauges, and refrigerant started spewing out of the pressure relief valve. I think because charge is good, then the next thing would be a blockage in the system (clogged orifice tube).