A/C compressor bad??

[RedDario]

OK I just replaced my siezed idler pulley on my KA24DE and I tried the A/C which has not been run for over a year. The RPMs kicked up like it should, but it did not sound like the A/C engaged. The light on the control panel was on, and I think as long as this is on there is pressure in the A/C system, but I could be wrong. I'm not sure if the A/C clutch automatically disengages when the car is turned off, but either way the plate on the front of the A/C pulley (part of the clutch?) will spin freely.

I get no cold air from the vents. I don't know much about A/C systems. What else should I test to narrow down the problem?

and no, I'm not going to pull out the whole system for performance! it's not worth it. Thanks in advance.

[DAEDALUS]

The clutch is electrical, so it should turn off when you turn the car off...otherwise it would be a needless power drain. If you can, get under there and pull the harness going to the compressor. With the key "On" and the A/C switched on, see if you're getting voltage to the compressor. If it gets voltage, and if the shaft spins freely when A/C is engaged like you say, then the compressor might be ad. You can also jump the compressor directly and listen for the clutch to engage. Someone who didn't care about breaking the law could tap the fill valve with a pin to see if there is any refrigerant pressure in the system as well.

[RedDario]

Tis' the season!

OK so I found out that the relay was loose so now the A\C clutch engages, which also means that there should be some pressure in the lines. But still no cold air. How can I test the pressure in the line, and where? What else should I check? I don't want to do a R134a conver$ion. Thanks.

[rousie13]

You can always press one of the release valves to see if theres pressure, but thats kind of illegal.

[Touchdown038]

Go buy a A/C pressure indicator. Works just like a tire pressure gauge.

[RedDario]

OK I tested the pressures:

Low Side ON: 30Low Side OFF: 70High Side ON: Below measurementHigh Side OFF: 57

So it looks like I just need to refill the system. If I can get my hands on a can of R12, what should I fill it to? Same as R134?

[navysnail]

you cant get r-12 without a licence. go to a shop that does a/c, they should be able to help. also, look behind the passanger headlight, there should be a silver canister there with a small glass window, look into the window while running the a/c, if it looks like fog or there is a bunch of bubbles, then its very low