So just refilled my A/C with freon, had to manually power the clutch. But unfortunately the clutch is not receiving any power naturally. The sensor/cable that plugs into the top of the compressor shows no sign of power.

Is it possible that the A/C / Heat controls inside the vehicle doesn't work for A/C but does work for heat?

Does the A/C control connect directly to the cable / sensor that attaches to the top of the compressor?

Does anyone know what the wiring looks like from the control panel (A/C and heat) to the cable / sensor?

 

I did a lot of research into this when I had the same issue. I ended up replacing the HVAC control switch, compressor, high and low pressure check switches, and the little resistor in the wiper cowl. To this day, that Neon still doesn't have A/C. However, it was a 2000 model and from what I understand, the A/C system in the 2003-2005 models were revamped somehow.

Have you checked the relay and fuse? There should be a 15A (or red) fuse in the drivers side fuse box, and switch the horn relay and compressor relay in the engine bay fuse box to test that one.

 

Yep I swapped the horn with compressor relay, to make sure it wasn't the relay of the compressor, I hit my horn, it worked. Unfortunately the clutch still didn't engage.

But jumping power from battery on compressor relay definitely brings in the nice cold air, freezing cold at that. As soon as I put the relay back in, back to warm outside air.

Also the mechanic checked the fuse.. and I noticed on some of them, it wouldn't light up, claimed it was normal that some didn't light up and others did.

 

Just checked all my fuses in the cabin (driver side), they're all working. I have a fuse kit. Just in case I also replaced the 20A fuse even though it was still intact.

So this is going to lead right into some electrical crap. Which I fear is going to break my bank.

For the A/C / Heater blower it's a 20A neon green fuse. Unless I'm some how misunderstanding the acronyms on the fuse panel.

 

Ok the proper part that I'm talking about that is not receiving any power is the accumulator, specifically the cable/plug/sensor that attaches to the A/C LOW PRESSURE SWITCH. There's a dark green plug that plugs into it, my mechanic unplugged it from the A/C LOW PRESSURE SWITCH and check it to see if his tester would light up, it didn't. Claims that somewhere between my A/C (cold) control panel to that cable/plug/sensor that attaches to the accumulator is cut as no power is getting to it.

 

if none of that works......

check down low behind the bumper, drivers side where everything plugs into the pcm, (you may have to pull the air filter box for room) make sure none of those wires are showing copper, or grounding out against the chassis.... I had this same issue with no power and blowing fuses to my a/c clutch.... drove me nuts but I traced every single wire... eventually found it at the pcm connection, someone yanked/pulled on the connection exposing some of the wires and during a stop an go hill climb it would ground out an pop a fuse or just not work at all sending power to the a/c clutch

 

I'll check again, I checked the other day trying to trace the dark blue / orange wire.. but damn that is one serious task. Especially with such lack of room in the engine bay.

Luckily I have an aftermarket CAI so I have easy access to the PCM.

 

Tha'ts pretty much the only thing to do, make a day to trace wires.I didn't have the patience, and when I jumped the compressor, it worked but only when the radiator fan would kick on.

 

Good lord don't even say that. Tomorrow I'm going to examine the PCM. If it looks healthy, I'm perma-jumping the A/C relay. If the A/C is dependent on a fan... I'll perma-jump that too. 100 degree desert weather? HA!

 

be sure to put a fuse on it just a CYA

I can't wait for 100+ weather here in Texas woot!