Hello, somewhat new to the forum. I tried running my AC today and nothing, the compressor belt is tight and the pulley spins, but when I press the button in the cab there is no change. The manual says there should be an audible "click" and the center of the compressor should spin, but it does not do either. Where should I start with troubleshooting this? It worked fine last time I ran it, but I haven't turned it on for a few weeks.

2.7L 2001 engine

 

Is the air coming out still warm or what? If it hasn't been run for a few weeks something might be blocking the airflow (mouse, leaves, dirt, etc). Or you might just need to recharge your A/C system.

 

The air comes out fine, its just warm and the compressor doesn't start at all. I did find another thread on a different forum that said the compressor has a switch to turn it off if the refrigerant level drops too low, so I'm going to look into the recharge kit route and see what happens. If I have to buy a new recharge can every month or 2 it'll be worth it to me if I can have cold AC for the summer. I know, I know, the best thing to do is bring it to a shop, but don't have anything close to the money I'll need to fix it properly.

 

you need a refill kit with dye. That way if its leaking out you'll be able to see it. And yes the system has a dual pressure switch. one side stops operation if system is too low, the other stops operation if system is overfilled.

 

Check your fuses!!!

 

Check your fuses!!!

 

Sorry for the multiple posts, I'm having internet trouble.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Fuses are all good, so I went and bought a recharge kit with UVdye mixed in with the 134. I'll run it as much as I can this week and check in a few days for leaks. The AC is a closed system, right? In other words, is the only way for the system to run low on refrigerant for the 134 to leak out? If so, do the can's claims of "seals leaks" actually work, or is that just a fairy tale?

 

Yes, closed system. Might seal a very small leak, but if its a big one it wont help.

So the A/C works now after refilling?

 

Yes. I bought a refill kit that came with a gauge and 2 cans of 134. One was just refrig. and oil, the other had both and UV dye, along with a little UV light pen. It immediately got cold when I put about 1/2 the can in, and it was still cold this morning. I plan on just keeping the AC on every time I drive it and check it now and then for leaks using the UV light pen. Don't know how long it'll last, but if a can will last me at least a month it's worth it to me, the kit all together only cost $36, and the cans by themselves are pretty cheap. I know its not a long term fix, but its all I can afford for now.

 

Look around the condenser in front of the radiator, I got a pinhole from a rock in my Mazda & had to replace it. The other likely area is the O-rings that seal the hose connections.