Author Topic: a/c compresser doesn't engage w/switch on  (Read 1134 times)

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Offline 1976bober

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a/c compresser doesn't engage w/switch on
« on: April 06, 2011, 09:51:05 PM »
Any suggestions as to what to look for ?

Offline Tin Indians Rule

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Re: a/c compresser doesn't engage w/switch on
« Reply #1 on: April 06, 2011, 10:30:35 PM »
Jumper your low refrigerant switch for a second with a paper clip. If it engages you're low on freon. Have you checked the fuse? Sight glass if equipped? Did it all of a sudden stop working? Is the plug on the front and back of the compressor. What have you tried?
What's she wearing now? Come on!
1976 Black 455 4 speed (current project)
1976 White 400 Auto (original)
F-body stuff stashed everywhere.
Always buying/selling/trading  just ask!

Offline 1976bober

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Re: a/c compresser doesn't engage w/switch on
« Reply #2 on: April 07, 2011, 09:48:41 AM »
Thanks for the info, I just bought the car and have no manual or book on it yet but atleast I have a place to start. Can you recomend a good repair manual for this year of F/bird?


Offline Tin Indians Rule

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Re: a/c compresser doesn't engage w/switch on
« Reply #4 on: April 07, 2011, 10:10:32 AM »
Both good choices but a printed Haynes manual is nice to have as well.
What's she wearing now? Come on!
1976 Black 455 4 speed (current project)
1976 White 400 Auto (original)
F-body stuff stashed everywhere.
Always buying/selling/trading  just ask!

Offline Burd Turd

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Re: a/c compresser doesn't engage w/switch on
« Reply #5 on: April 07, 2011, 10:59:59 AM »
My 78 had a bad low pressure switch, and another part on the firewall. It was a small silver box with a long wire. They were still avail with ac delco so I picked up an extra of each.
Born and Raised in South Detroit Bitches

Offline ALS 78

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Re: a/c compresser doesn't engage w/switch on
« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2011, 08:08:41 AM »
My compressor kicks on when i turn on the switch inside, but the blower doesnt run.  Any suggestions?  Fuse looks ok, maybe relay?

Offline Tin Indians Rule

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Re: a/c compresser doesn't engage w/switch on
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2011, 08:15:48 AM »
Hey Als78, Welcome to the board. Have you check to see if you are getting any current out to the blower motor? Also, have you checked the low and medium settings on the switch instead of just high. The high speed relay was famous for going bad on GM's from that era.
If the fuse is good and you have current at the motor then I think it's safe to say the blower motor is bad. Make sure the little ground wire is hooked up also. Sometimes you can tap the blower motors metal housing using a plastic handle screwdriver or something similiar with the ignition switch on and the fan switch in say the medium setting. Sometimes the motors just stick from sitting. It will probably growl and grunt if it does start turning again and you'll probably wanna start looking for a replacement at the point.

Hope that helps and if not please start a new post so we can help you without mixing two problems in one post.
What's she wearing now? Come on!
1976 Black 455 4 speed (current project)
1976 White 400 Auto (original)
F-body stuff stashed everywhere.
Always buying/selling/trading  just ask!

Offline ALS 78

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Re: a/c compresser doesn't engage w/switch on
« Reply #8 on: April 20, 2011, 08:51:45 AM »
Hey Tin Indians, thanks for the welcoming!  I have not checked the current but will try that.  I have however tried it in every setting so maybe a little tap to her is what she needs.  Otherwise a replacement is in the near future.