I just got this car so I am not sure of the last time it worked. I went through the checklist on page 22-12 through 22-17 of the service manual as well as testing the Sanden compressor clutch gap (0.45mm) on page 22-33 as well as field coil resistance (3.23 ohms) still not engaging unless I apply 12v directly to the coil. anyone have any other ideas I could try that is not in the service manual? Thank you in advance

 

Test the compressor clutch relay but swapping it with the fan relay.

Does the A/C switch light illuminate when you press the button with the blower running?

 

did that and still the same issue and yes.

I went back through the checklist and checked the field coil resistance and it had continuity; according to the checklist it needs to be 3.05-3.35 ohms so it looks like that is bad and I will be replacing it and hoping that fixes it. Although, in my mind not sure why it engages when I apply 12v directly to the clutch but not when the a/c is on; there is no voltage getting to the clutch from the 1 pin connector, which has continuity from the relay. I'm beyond confused by this problem now.

 

Describe your test for continuity because the clutch engages when you deliver battery voltage to it.

Also check whether jumping pin 2 and to pin 1 in the relay socket causes the clutch to engage.

 

above are the tests that I did
yes, jumping pin 1 to 2 in the relay engages the clutch

 

Does the condenser fan start when you push the button?

Unplug the pressure switch (on the condenser or on the receiver, depends on the year) and test the switch for continuity (while it is still installed). If the switch is open circuit there is probably no pressure in the refrigerant lines.

 

yes, the fan runs with the a/c switch depressed.

I checked the pressure switch but there's not enough pressure on the lines (only 12psi right now) to get an accurate reading and I can't get pressure in the lines with the compressor not working like it should. I suppose I could jump the clutch to add pressure, right?

 

Static pressure should be around 100 PSI without compressor running. The system is EMPTY. The compressor will not run when system is empty for refrigerant.


Did you do this:

 

Yes. I replied a few posts ago. I figured it was empty but it won’t take a charge either more than 12psi. I guess I will try putting a vacuum on it and the try charging

 

I am going to have to run through these steps, My AC ('94 EG hatch) will run and then cut out intermittently...