I posted this over on the Chryslerforum, but it doesn't look like it gets visited as much. And since these care are similar I thought I would ask here.


I have a 97 TC LXI. Have taken it into the shop to see why the AC doesn't work. Shop says it's the climate control switch. So I replaced it with a used one a few months ago. AC Button lights up, but compressor never engages. Same as the original switch.

I have disconnected the connector at the compressor. I have ground on the black wire, but nothing on the blue wire. This leads me to think the shop is correct.

Before I go and get a new control unit from the dealer (not cheap), I have a few questions:

1) How likely is it that it is just the switch and not something between the switch and the compressor?
2) Can I jumper the compressor to at least see if it does engage and does blow out cold air for 5 minutes? Would I just put 12v+ to the blue wire?
3) Can I jumper anything at the switch to try and engage the compressor? Either at the wiring harness or on the board itself? Would rather do it at the harness then at the board though.

Freon levels are good accoring to the shop.

I did have the main computer replaced last fall with a brand new unit from the dealer. By computer I mean the main one that keeps track of what you have on the car, milage, etc. Not a cheap part. I'm wondering if AC was forgot when it was programmed. I can't remember when it worked the last time cause my wife used to drive it.

 

have you checked the ac compressor fuse and relay?

 

Yup. I thought that too. Replaced the relay with a known good one.

 

Ok. I have gone ahead and put 12v+ and ground to the compressor and it engages.

I have also traced the wire from the compressor to inside the car and it seems to go somewhere under the drivers side foot well, but cant trace it to the switch. Any thoughts? Is there anything up around the steering column that also controls the AC switch?