'98 A/C Clutch/Pressure Sensor

[sallca]

My father has a '98 Sunfire 2.2L. The A/C went out. He went to have it re-charged and they were able to get the clutch to engage. The system was then recharged and A/C blew very cold.

Then they noticed leaking at the compressor. So, the system was evacuated.

We picked up some AC system leak sealer last week to attempt to get the AC working again. At this cars age it is not worth buying a new compressor or shooting in the dark with salvage.

Problem is we cannot get the clutch to engage so the compressor will take refrigerant and then the leak stop.

Since we know the clutch is good and was working previously they must have jumped the refrigerant pressure sensor to get the clutch to engage. I located the sensor and it three pronged. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to jump it.

It has three wires. Of which are Gray, Black, and Black/Red. I tried jumping the gray(5 volt reference) and Black/Red(Pressure Sensor Signal) to no avail.

I would really like to attempt to try and get this working for him. Though I have my doubt about the leak sealer, he is adamant on trying as well.

Thanks for any help!

 

[djphuze]

First off, it is damaging to the compressor to run without adequate pressure in the system. The refrigerant carries oil that lubricates the compressor. (do not jump the sensor) If the clutch doesn't engage, there isn't enough refrigerant in the system to build the pressure high enough. Usually the clutch will engage when there is above ~30psi on the low side of the A/C system. Also, if you are using a DIY recharge kit, you should also note the sticker under the hood that says how much refrigerant is needed to fill the system (usually in ounces, oz) Lubricating oil, leakstop and refrigerant all add to this number, not just the refrigerant alone. Do not overfill!
Servicing an A/C system requires alot of knowledge and expertise because of all the different components involved as well as federal regulations.

 

[oil country]

i agree with djphuze completely....but to add to that if u are adding stop leak compound i have found over the yrs that that is and will alllways be a temporary solution and can cause more damage like plugging up the orfice filter in the conderser and then get real high low side pressure which will cause more damage........ur are better off shooting in the dark with compressor and filling again...