AC compressor clutch test

[cobram at juno.com]

First, make sure the electrical connector at the compressor is well
connected and relatively clean.  Assuming all fuses test OK.
If it's a low pressure problem, you can jump the switch, and the
clutch/compressor should kick in.  Lift the passenger side cowl cover,
you should see the switch (has two spade connectors on it), disconnect
and jump the two connectors.  If the compressor kicks in while the engine
is running, then you have low/no pressure in the system, or a bad switch.
 Don't run the compressor more than a few seconds jumped.
IF you still don't get any life, the problem may lie with the AC relay,
it's the last one of the right, you can jump this relay to test it, if
the compressor/radiator fan kick in when jumped, change the relay.
If the two above don't get you any results, you can jump the compressor
directly, on most type 44's the wire runs from the compressor up over the
frame rails, near the motor mounts there is usually a quick disconnect
with a spade connector, this is the hot wire for the compressor.  Check
it for voltage, if it's getting 12V with engine on/AC on you've got a bad
connector/wire segment/clutch magnet.  If you have no voltage, you can
apply direct voltage to the compressor side (easiest to run a wire from
the jumper post), the clutch should kick in.

BCNU,
http://www.geocities.com/cobramsri/

Konstantin Bogach <kbogach at comcast.net> writes:

> AC quit working.  Before I go to specialist to test pressures I'd
> like to make sure that clutch is working.  Can I somehow test the
clutch
> in place (without removing pulley or anything else)?

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