850 Rescue

Jaybar · Post by **Jaybar** » 01 Aug 2018, 09:20

I bought this old girl at auction momma wants to run it. The problem is I can't get the compressor for A/C to turn on nor can I get the auxillary fan to work also. Any feedback is great. 1995 850 GLT with 115K.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 01 Aug 2018, 12:44

Auxillary fan won't come until it is needed. Are you getting the engine hot enough it is needed?

Turn the A/C on full, disconnect the wire harness from the A/C Pressure Switch. With a paper clip jump the wire harness. If the compressor clutch engages the A/C is low on refrigerant and may have a leak.

Do not attempt to run the A/C with the paper clip in place, keep it in place just long enough to do the test, then remove it.

Jaybar · Post by **Jaybar** » 01 Aug 2018, 23:41

Thanks will try that tomorrow. I let it run for about 20 minutes thought that was long enough seeing it's 85 and humid was going to try and jump that also from reading other posts. I was thinking but not sure if the TCM was bad would that effect both systems?

Post by **Clemens** » 02 Aug 2018, 16:09

The other thing very common with those is the compressor clutch gap getting too big. Read up on the ghetto fix with zip ties or bread clips. It´s worked like a acharm for years on 2 of our 850ies.

sventastic · Post by **sventastic** » 02 Aug 2018, 17:19

Does the gap getting too big cause the compressor to never engage? My clutch has stopped engaging entirely as well, and just recently this week got the system refilled but the compressor still did not click on.

Post by **abscate** » 03 Aug 2018, 04:53

If it’s is really fat , yes, the compressor will never engage. Probably something like 0.8mm or bigger

You can just pull the connector of the compressor and apply 12 volts to see if it clicks, engine off.

Jaybar · Post by **Jaybar** » 03 Aug 2018, 09:56

Update I tried the paperclip jumper and the compressor will kick on. What's next. I also tried jumping fan with no success and the thermostat sits where it should half way.

Post by **erikv11** » 03 Aug 2018, 12:09

See Rick's post: likely the AC is low on refrigerant and that's next on the list.

I'd also check the clutch gap on the AC compressor. If it is huge, shrink it down with zip ties or mechanic's wire.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 03 Aug 2018, 13:06

I tried the paperclip jumper and the compressor will kick on. What's next.

It is low an refrigerant. It needs to be pumped down (evacuated) and checked for leaks. If no leaks, a refrigerant recharge.

Post by **scot850** » 03 Aug 2018, 14:22

If re-filling it is worth having dye added to the refrigerant. If there is a leak then this will help identify the source. 2 main issues are stone damage to the condenser, and a rust hole in the evaporator. 850's mostly did not come with a cabin filter so leaves and other stuff can get down into the evaporator and then sit and fester with damp which rusts out the evaporator.

Neil.