Date: Wed, 7 Apr 1999 16:19:31 -0500
Reply-To: Rob & Lrae Winterkorn <volksman@ENTERACT.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Rob & Lrae Winterkorn <volksman@ENTERACT.COM>
Subject: Re: AC help
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Odyssey Stickers wrote:
> Hello,
>
> Ok it's getting warm out here in So. New England. This means that it is hot
> in my vanagon. As it was purchased it Jan. A/C was not much of an issue when
> it's that cold out. All fans go etc when the A/C is turned on but no cold
> air. Looking at the A/C compressor it's clutch does not appear to be
> engaging, or clicking into action to pump the freon, basically. It always
> spins but w/o the clutch clicking in it does nothing, like now with the a/c
> on.
>
> All fuses are good, #12 runs the A/C and other things.
>
> There is a white plug into the a/c compressor that has two wires in it,
> anyone know what they are for, specifically? I would assume power would be
> one, the other? is there an high and low for the compressor, I'd think no.
> Could one wire be ground? I'd think VW would not rely on it's mounting to
> the engine for ground (but you never know).
>
> Any ideas? one (of the 2) wire to the compressor has a stripe on it, the
> other does not. Sorry slightly color blind (as most males are) so I'll stick
> with that description. Where is that electrical expert on the list?
>
> I just thought I'd ask before getting out the test light, as there could be
> nothing with power to test. Any other fuses?
>
> Thanks in advance for any help.
>
> Rob
Rob,
The a/c system has a low pressure switch to protect the compressor.
It sounds like the system is well below the cut off point,
In other words you haven't enough R-12 in the system to even allow the clutch to
engage.
You need a manifold set to see if there is any refrigerant left in the system.
At least 20-40# to close the switch. The going rate is around $30.00 per # so a
proper leak test is a must before adding gas.
I recommend finding a good shop with proper recovery/reclaiming equipment to
find your probable leek(s).
Once the leek is found (usually something in the high pressure side) like the
condenser coil (in front of the radiator) You or a friend can replace what's
needed. Than its back for another pressure test before the gold is put back in
to makie the cold air.
Hope this helps
The other Rob
85 seater with GTI 16V for go :) and no a/c :(
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