First of all I have a high pressure switch leaking on my 98 Ram which causes me to have to add refrigerant twice a season for the last few years.
IS IT TRUE THAT I CAN REPLACE THE SWITCH WITHOUT LOOSING CHARGE.
Second now the compressor will stop after about 10 to 15 min and will not engage even when I jump the low pressure switch but... I can hear the idle pick up slightly when it is jumped.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS I CAN DO TO DIAGNOSE THIS ISSUE SINCE I HAVE LIMITED A/C KNOWLEDGE.

 

Should be a valve under the switch. can change it without having to evac the system.

Put a gauge on it, and see what pressure is doing.....

 

And download the service manual to read from the DIY/FAQ section....

If the valve is bad under the switch, you will have to have system evacuated, repair, and refill. But it may be just the switch is bad. When you remove switch, make sure the valve area is clean!

 

With my luck the valve is probably stuck open. I have sealer in the system. I've seen that go horribly wrong when a system was opened and sealed it self requiring a whole new system. No thanks.
WHAT ABOUT THE COMPRESSOR CLUTCH PROBLEM?

 

Figure out your pressure problems first. That just might take care of the clutch problem. (which seem to be coming fairly often of late..... must be something in the air.....)

 

I dont have access to gauges and I'm not sure what I'm looking at anyway. If the pressure is on the high side would unplugging the high switch briefly give a clue.

 

No, you would have to jump the high side switch as well. (high side is normally closed, high pressure opens it. low side is normally open, pressure closes it. are we having fun yet?)

Get one of the recharge cans that has the gauge...... hook it all up, but, don't shoot nothing in there, just check the pressure. See what it says.

 

+1 on ALL of that! It is amazing how many of these problems are showing up!

If you have not already done so, you can go to the FAQ/DIY section and downlaod the service manual for your truck. It will be helpful (now and in the future as well).

 

Heyyou
I do have a low side gauge that came with the fill hose I got back when. So... by checking pressure I am assuming you are referring to static, since my compressor wont engage.

 

Yep. With the engine running, and everything in place, try tapping on the clutch, at the edge, and see if it engages as well.