How do I override A/c compressor to stay ON?
#1
How do I override A/c compressor to stay ON?
Back in the old days, simply turning on the A/C kicked it on and it would stay on, regardless...
But it's not like that anymore, the stupid thing does what it wants, does anyone know how to override the mechanism so that it stays on when I want it to, even if it involves installing a switch or whatever...
But it's not like that anymore, the stupid thing does what it wants, does anyone know how to override the mechanism so that it stays on when I want it to, even if it involves installing a switch or whatever...
#2
#3
#4
RE: How do I override A/c compressor to stay ON?
If you run a switch to directly control the AC clutch, bad things can happen. The least of which is evaporator freeze-up, which means that ice can form and block air flow, making the system cool well for a while but stop working suddenly and not work again until you let the ice melt. The worst of which is that the high side's pressure may go through the roof and something will literally explode.
That said, a direct control switch can give you better AC performance if you use it in moderation and you're willing to accept the risks.
That said, a direct control switch can give you better AC performance if you use it in moderation and you're willing to accept the risks.
#5
RE: How do I override A/c compressor to stay ON?
Yes, I understand the risks, I am aware I could ruin the entire A/C system among other things, I just wanted an override for troubleshooting and some cold A/C in the meantime.
I found this plug on top of a canister by the passenger side front of the firewall... Doesn't look green but upon pulling it there was corrosion on the connector, also jumping it did nothing but reconnecting it did, I'm currently looking for a paper clip so I can clean it out lol...
I have gauges, so the charge is fine, I suspect it is a problem of a slight mix of PAG and Ester oils, but just not sure and wanted to eliminate some other causes.
Anyway, I did find a paper clip, after cleaning it and jumping it, that was it. Strangely it now cuts off when I reconnect it, I got a feeling somewhere therein lies my problem, the system cools good otherwise, any ideas?
I found this plug on top of a canister by the passenger side front of the firewall... Doesn't look green but upon pulling it there was corrosion on the connector, also jumping it did nothing but reconnecting it did, I'm currently looking for a paper clip so I can clean it out lol...
I have gauges, so the charge is fine, I suspect it is a problem of a slight mix of PAG and Ester oils, but just not sure and wanted to eliminate some other causes.
Anyway, I did find a paper clip, after cleaning it and jumping it, that was it. Strangely it now cuts off when I reconnect it, I got a feeling somewhere therein lies my problem, the system cools good otherwise, any ideas?
#6
#7
RE: How do I override A/c compressor to stay ON?
I found this plug on top of a canister by the passenger side front of the firewall... Doesn't look green but upon pulling it there was corrosion on the connector, also jumping it did nothing but reconnecting it did, I'm currently looking for a paper clip so I can clean it out lol...
Also, the switches are usually adjustable, and sometimes even if they aren't actually out of adjustment, turning the adjustment screw can clean it up and make it work like new again. Look under the electrical connector for a slotted screw, and jiggle it back and forth a quarter turn at a time and see if that helps. Also, as you may have guessed, you can crank the screw down to get better AC performance instead of using a jumper wire.
As for a jumper wire, I've had success running a wire via a dash-mounted switch directly to the AC compressor clutch relay, but this was on a GM... I haven't tried it on my truck and probably won't since the AC works very well.
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#8
RE: How do I override A/c compressor to stay ON?
Don't add any overrides to that switch. It's a pressure cut out switch that is there to protect the compressor in case of low pressure and as mentioned, to monitor evap. temps. It sounds like you are low on refrigerant. It's also possible the switch is bad. You have gauges, what numbers are we looking at (first line of attack). The switch should kick the compressor on at ~45psi and off at ~22psi. Can you get any results jumpering the switch? If so, what do the gauges read?
Then there's the whole PAG/Ester thing. Why were they mixed in this 134 system? PAG ONLY here.
Then, you jump the CONNECTOR. The switch is underneath and threads into the low pressure line. Did you unscrew it and check for corrosion there or just at the connector? Also, replace the O ring under the switch as these very often leak.
Hope this helps.
WC
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Then there's the whole PAG/Ester thing. Why were they mixed in this 134 system? PAG ONLY here.
Then, you jump the CONNECTOR. The switch is underneath and threads into the low pressure line. Did you unscrew it and check for corrosion there or just at the connector? Also, replace the O ring under the switch as these very often leak.
Hope this helps.
WC
[align=left] [/align]
#9