Recharging A/C... fan not coming on

[bmdubya1198]

Ah, that makes since. Figures, I only grabbed the high pressure switch from the 850 before sending it off yesterday. Oh well, not like I don't make 2 weekly trips to the junkyard!

[chrafael]

The problem is that the newer cans of R134 have a valve in the top just like a can of spray paint. You need a new adapter for your charge hose. I had the same problem recently with my old hoses. It doesn't matter how tightly you screw it on the can, it just won't work.

[RickHaleParker]

The problem is that the newer cans of R134 have a valve in the top just like a can of spray paint. You need a new adapter for your charge hose.

NAA, need to learn how to tell the difference at sight, then do not by the fix for something that is not broken.

[xHeart]

Yes, your 1997 has the switch in series with the clutch voltage commanded by the ECC control unit. If you jump that switch with wire with AC commanded on, it will engage the compressor clutch.

The most common point of failure is the evap core inside the climate unit - dash has to come out to fix.

Expect a full two days to do that core swap unless you want to kill yourself.

I'll jump the low pressure switch #45 with a paper clip before starting engine/AC. Do I remove the zip tie at the compressor clutch?

[abscate]

Leave it for now. Get that compressor good and hot then check the clutch clearance for minimum.

[wizechatmgr]

Nope, leave the zip tie in, it isn't the cause of the issue...

[xHeart]

Jump method (paper clip) at the low pressure switch #45 worked. The compressor clutch engages when blower fan slider is moved to max -- climate control is MCC.

Local O'Reilly offers rental for manifold and vacuum pump. I'll ask for a 2 stage vacuum pump.

[xHeart]

The problem is that the newer cans of R134 have a valve in the top just like a can of spray paint. You need a new adapter for your charge hose.

NAA, need to learn how to tell the difference at sight, then do not by the fix for something that is not broken.

I did not find any except newer ones with EPA specified Self-Sealing Valve. I like the option of self-sealing for not worrying about unused leftover freon oil in the can. What adapters are best for reuse and fitting the charge hose (yellow line at the manifold)?

[bmdubya1198]

I just picked up this adapter from AutoZone yesterday, this is what you need to use an old style valve on the new self-sealing cans: https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-and- ... 244747_0_0

I did some reading on this yesterday, the EPA mandated this in early 2018. I never noticed, I had some cans I bought last fall that didn't have that. It wasn't until a few months ago that I bought a can with the self-sealing valve. I must say though, it's a great concept. It's always annoying pulling the valve off and the can emptying the little bit of leftover refrigerant. I hate breathing around that stuff, even though it's not nearly as poisonous as they would lead you to believe.
I also grabbed some UV dye, I'm going to charge it with the dye this week and figure out this leak. With the adapter, I should be able to get it to take some refrigerant.

The mid 90s we've had are too hot to not have A/C!

[erikv11]

About 10 (?) years ago I tired of buying a can here and there and saw the writing on the wall, bought a 30 lb canister of r134a for $70 at Sam's Club. With this I have serviced many cars and it is still at least half full. I see they've gone up quite a bit and the 2018 EPA regulations have effectively killed that option (but https://www.ebay.com/itm/R-134A-Automot ... SwWXdc3KO1).

If you are messing around much with the AC and especially if on more than one car, just pick up a case of the small cans, save yourself a few bucks and some guesswork (trying to find a reliable source, etc.), e.g. https://www.samsclub.com/sams/johnsen-s ... roduct_1_1.