lrybrn

The A/C has never been something to write home about. However, it has now completely stopped working. I took it into a local shop, but the estimate came back at over $1500 to replace both the compressor and condensor/receiver drier assembly. The only diagnostic information they would give me is to say that the compressor clutch was not engaging. (i.e., I'm not sure how much effort was put into diagnosing the problem)

Before dropping that kind of dough, I want to make sure that I'm not being taken advantage of. This is what I've done so far:

1) verified that the compressor clutch does not engage while having the A/C on full blast
2) verified that the radiator fans are working
3) tapped on the relay, verified that this did not cause the clutch to engage

I would like to do further diagnostic work on my own, but I'm not sure what the next best step would be. Jumper the relay? Should I put half a bottle of R134a into the system to see if it's potentially a low freon issue?

Also, I don't know if this is relevant or note, but from July to December of last year, the car was in open lot storage in a tropical climate.

Thanks in advance for any input!

ezone

Swap clutch relay with another identical known good relay

Ohm test the field coil of the compressor clutch

check air gap of the compressor clutch

09ellig

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j...23664746,d.amc

Relay swap DYI ....9$ part...worked for me.