Compressor usually kicks in when I start the van. I hear it click in a moment after the starter disengages. But often it will run only for a minute or two. There seems to be plenty of Refrigerant. Occasionally it will run for 10 or 15 minutes provided I dont shut the car off or mess with the settings. If I shut the car off and then come back a few minutes later and start it up, its anyones guess if i get AC or not.
I also seem to have problems with the actuator door (passenger blows cold, driver, not so much) but I think thats a separate issue. Checking now I find that the high pressure line is pretty hot (top of the engine passenger side, at the valve) and the low pressure side only lukewarm (further back near the firewall). I cant tell if the compressor is on or not. Its almost impossible to observe it .
A switch or sensor perhaps?