A/C works sporadicly

[traybore240]

Hey all,

I own a '96 240sx, recently the A/C has been acting up. Most of the time the compressor never engages. However it does engage every now and then, and works fine. There is plenty of refrigerant in the system. Has anybody had a similar problem? Or have any suggestions on what the problem may be? Since it does blow cold when it engages, I dont think its the compressor, but I could be wrong. Texas heat without A/C seriously sucks! Thanks,

-Traber

[benemorius]

How do you know how much refrigerant is in the system? You can check with a multimeter whether the a/c relay is getting power and whether the compressor clutch is getting power. It could be a loose connection somewhere.

[traybore240]

I put guages on both the low and high pressure sides to check. I also took it to an A/C place who said that the coolant level was fine. It just did it to me again today, the A/C came on, I stopped for lunch, got back in the car, and the A/C refuses to work again. I think you might be right about a loose connection, Ill look more into that. Thanks for your help.

-Traber

[Dammitboy]

Can anyone please shed some light on this one? Having same problem, only mine's a 92. Only way to get the compressor to work full time is to ground it.

[benemorius]

Can anyone please shed some light on this one? Having same problem, only mine's a 92. Only way to get the compressor to work full time is to ground it.

I would suggest starting your own thread if you haven't already. It isn't terribly likely that your problems both have the same solution and it would be best to deal with them separately to avoid confusing matters.

[traybore240]

I never thought about trying to ground it. Where are you grounding it from, just the case? Maybe all its just a grounding issue. Wouldnt that be nice... any other ideas? oh, I checked with the voltmeter, power does get to the clutch when I push the A/C button. Anyone know where I can buy a new compressor clutch? Thanks,

-Traber

[benemorius]

I have never seen trouble with the compressor grounding. It has four large bolts holding it firmly to the engine block. Still, it may be worth investigating. Aside from that, if you are sure you have power at the clutch and are getting a good connection there then it sounds like a new clutch is in order. I would recommend one from a junk yard as they are quite expensive new.