96 Volvo 850 a/c clutch not engaging

Post by **JimBee** » 16 Jun 2020, 18:08

A couple of years ago I had the a/c pulley off and took out a shim to set the a/c clutch factory clearance. The car hasn't seen many miles since so I'm pretty confident the setting is correct. But the clutch isn't engaging with the a/c and recirc switches set to on, and the blower fan at 3.

There's a relay under the dash. I don't remember the electrics.

Guidance on where to start troubleshooting would be appreciated.

Post by **misha** » 16 Jun 2020, 18:24

First,take the car to ac shop to check freon level.

Post by **JimBee** » 16 Jun 2020, 18:32

I knew the freon was down since there's a slow leak, probably in the dash. I charged it last year and it was okay for the summer. Today, I put the gauges and vacuum pump on it, registered about 5 lbs + pressure before pumping. It took just a few minutes to get to minus 30. Then when it wouldn't take freon from the can I discovered the clutch wasn't turning.