S70 GLT/2000/A/C Clutch won't engage

getoffme31 · Post by **getoffme31** » 05 May 2009, 09:29

Hello there,

I replaced the a/c line that connects from the radiator to the compressor and i tried to recharge the system, but there was no pressure on the charge hose. I noticed the clutch was not engaging and thus no charge, if anyone could help me out it would be greatly appreciated. I tried tapping on it and even disconnected the battery for a few minutes to see if that did anything, but nothing.

Matthew

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 05 May 2009, 15:33

Hey Matthew...if you'll notice a connector on the same side as your A/C lines up near the firewall (under the passenger side window) under your hood, pull it apart and jumper the connector with a paper clip...that will start the compressor running and then you can fill with gas. Don't leave it connected to long- the compressor won't like it. Once you get some gas in there, you can take the paper clip out and reconnect it. Without enough gas, the clutch won't engage- the above is a short cut. Good luck!

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 05 May 2009, 16:17

If you opened the system (sounds like you have since you said you replaced a line) you have to vacuum the system down with a pump before you recharge it. If you don't have the special vacuum pump, take the car to a shop to have it recharged.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 05 May 2009, 18:10

Somehow I didn't catch that the system was opened up....AutoZone will "rent" you a vacuum device (deposit that is refunded- price of the unit) that will suck a vacuum into the system...then since you opened it up, you'll need to add some PAG oil as well as gas...I would just use one can w/ the PAG and then go from there...

getoffme31 · Post by **getoffme31** » 07 May 2009, 00:04

Hey thanks Japan!

Still trying to locate that sensor to jump that you were talking about... And Thanks Vegas! I had no idea i needed to negatively vacuum the system out before charging, what would happen if i did not vacuum and just decided to jump the a/c clutch? Would it be more cost effective to do it myself or take it to a shop? Thank you very much! I appreciate you very much!

Matthew

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 07 May 2009, 06:44

getoffme31 wrote:Hey thanks Japan!

Still trying to locate that sensor to jump that you were talking about... And Thanks Vegas! I had no idea i needed to negatively vacuum the system out before charging, what would happen if i did not vacuum and just decided to jump the a/c clutch? Would it be more cost effective to do it myself or take it to a shop? Thank you very much! I appreciate you very much!

Matthew

Since you opened the system it now has air in it. Air acts differently than freon in the system, so that needs to be removed. Also, air contains moisture, which will cause parts of the system like the compressor to rust. If you jump the AC clutch now it will pump the air throughout the system and you will probably need to replace the receiver/dryer at an additional expense to you.

It will be more cost-effective for you to do it yourself since you can return the vacuum pump to AutoZone and get a refund. You will only be out the cost of the freon and oil. You will also need a manifold (set of gauges) to hook everything up and see what is going on. Hopefully AutoZone "rents" those as well.

Once you get the pump connected, pull a vacuum for at least 30 minutes to get all the moisture out of the system. Close the valves and let the system set for at least 10 minutes to make sure you don't lose any vacuum. This will assure you have no leaks. Then you can begin to add the freon and oil.

getoffme31 · Post by **getoffme31** » 07 May 2009, 22:46

Hey Vegas,

I'm still having trouble locating this plug to jump the clutch on.
I went and rented the machine like you said.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 08 May 2009, 06:10

If the system is completely empty don't jumper the lower pressure switch until you get at least one can of R-134A in the system.

How long was the system open?

If it had no pressure for more than a few hours you should also replace the accumulator/reciver/dryer (those are all the same thing but it can go by any of those names). You will also need to add PAG oil if you change the accumulator.

...Lee

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 08 May 2009, 10:10

getoffme31 wrote:Hey Vegas,

I'm still having trouble locating this plug to jump the clutch on.
I went and rented the machine like you said.

Take a look at the bottom diagram in this PDF. I believe the switch you want to jumper is #12. Hopefully MIJ or OzarkLee can confirm.

S70ACComponentLocations2000.pdf: (89.75 KiB) Downloaded 414 times

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 08 May 2009, 16:08

That's the one!
Just pull the connector apart and use a paper clip bridging the two wire ends within the connector (the connector away from the firewall- closer to the compressor).