AC not working/1998 S70

harley43 · Post by **harley43** » 22 Jul 2007, 08:27

Ac was working a week ago.

Blower motor fine.

Clutch not comming on and warn air.

lights were blinking on controls the on button and I think recirculation button.Not on now.

any place to start would be great.

thank you

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 22 Jul 2007, 10:06

Could be one of several things but try starting the car, turn on the AC, and then use a broom handle to jam the front of the compressor in. Obviously, don't get the handle caught in the serpentine belt. If the compressor catches and the compressor continues to run it is a compressor clutch problem. If it doesn't catch and stay running then you need to check the system R-134A pressure.

...Lee

harley43 · Post by **harley43** » 22 Jul 2007, 10:40

neat trick.thanks

broke out the old hockey stick.Clutch would not catch pushed on it pretty
good.

pressure problem?
the clutch operates from pressure?

do i need a special gauge to check pressure.

Should I refill and see if it holds or get system checked first.

thanks again

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 22 Jul 2007, 11:36

The clutch doesn't work on pressure per se but if the pressure is low there is a pressure switch that inhibits the clutch on the compressor. Running it low on freon will cause a compressor failure.

Most of the AutoZone/Advance/O'Reilly/Whatever auto parts stores have R-134A recharge kits that have a gauge built onto the can and user friendly instructions. I think they sell for under $20.00 but I'm not sure, I have a gauge set so I just buy the cheap cans of R-134A when I need to recharge something. It might be worth it to try to recharge the system yourself rather than pay a shop to check it. Hopefully a recharge holds for you - You don't even want to think about what has to happen if it leaks out real fast.

...Lee

harley43 · Post by **harley43** » 23 Jul 2007, 04:19

OK

I'll try the recharge kit.

Whats the PSI on a S70 Ac system?

Say I recharge it and it holds for a sort time and stops working again.

Now what?

I know you dont have a crystal ball but

is there is common problem with this system?

thanks for your time Lee

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 23 Jul 2007, 07:07

Good PSI is from about 30 to 40. If you recharge it and it leaks again soon I suspect a evaporator leak (very common in these cars) but to fix that, the dash has to come out and it takes about 8 hours to repair...gets very expensive. I would use some gas that has the dye in it to rule out seals in the line...this type of leak would cost you a lot less and would be much easier than taking the dash out to replace the evaporator.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 23 Jul 2007, 07:08

The pressures will vary depending on the ambient temperature. With the compressor off it usually is in the neighborhood of 100 lbs. With the compressor running it should drop to around 30 lbs.

is there is common problem with this system?

A couple of problems are fairly common, the accumulators tend to rust out and leak. Fortunately the accumulator is fairly cheap and fairly easy to replace. An evaporator leak is also very common, and very expensive to repair. The entire dashboard has to be removed to get to it.

Keep your fingers crossed that it isn't the latter.

...Lee

harley43 · Post by **harley43** » 23 Jul 2007, 08:11

Thank you both very much.

prayer would be good right now

Post by **stone36** » 23 Jul 2007, 09:29

If you have to refill your AC but the compressor won't kick on at all, it will not take the R-134, you will have to basically jump start the compressor. This may not be the best way to do it but I have done it on mine the last two summers as I lose all my gas over the winter.

(I have added pics of this, go to page 2 of this thread)There is a lead (black or grey I think) that comes out of the back of the compressor, which has a quick release look to it, kind of like an inline fuse. Unplug that and an connect it to the positive side of your car battery with the car running and the air on high (I just use my jumper cables). With the compressor jumped and the AC recharge kit connected, you can now pump that sucker full.

You don't neccesarily need to have the ac switch on as you are effectively bypassing the control. The compressor will also already be grounded so you don't need to worry about that. If your compressor deosn't engage even with that you have more than just the low 134 to worry about. Good luck.

harley43 · Post by **harley43** » 24 Jul 2007, 11:00

Also noticed today the ac switch and the recirculation switch do not come on at all.

looked at the A\C diagram.Possible relay for the for the a/c switch or did we bypass all that by pushing on the a/c clutch while running.

bad servo motor for recirculation or fuse?

Blower motor is fine in the outside air mode.

are the two related? it does not seem that way on the diagram.

thanks