The sun is shining the heat is coming and the a/c is not working

[1995SubaruImpreza]

Hello,

Well yesterday was the first nice day since I bought my 2001 forester, perfect time to check out my A/C or would have been if it worked! I really do not know much about cars at all, but with the help of my not very technical father this is what I know...

1. The compressor is not coming on

2. the fuse behind the coin tray (#17 I think) is fine

3. the a/c relay fuse is ok in the fuse panel under the hood

4. The little green light does not light up when you push in the a/c button, all other lights work on the dash

5. we pulled out thr radio and heater there was a cable unplugged purple/back wires on one side tannish orange with white stripe and purple on other side. we plugged them together no change (no idea what they are for)

6. All belts are intact and seem to be working fine.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions? I am pretty sure when I bought the car (In Dec) the light was coming on when I puched in the A/C button, the only thing I have done to the car is install a new cd player

 

Also does anyone know what that plug was that I mentioned in #5 and anyone have a wiring diagram for an 01 forester L?

 

Thanks everyone for the continued support!!!!

[OB99W]

Hello,

Well yesterday was the first nice day since I bought my 2001 forester, perfect time to check out my A/C or would have been if it worked![...]

Here are a couple of articles to read that may help:

http://endwrench.com/images/pdfs/ACTheory.pdf

http://endwrench.com/images/pdfs/ACMechanism.pdf

 

It's possible that your A/C is low on refrigerant. There's a switch mounted to the receiver/drier that senses refrigerant pressure; it won't allow the compressor clutch to engage if the pressure is too low. The switch can be checked for continuity to determine if that's the problem. If so, the A/C system will likely need to be recharged, but should be checked for leaks before a complete recharging is done.

[1995SubaruImpreza]

Update...

My Dad just checked the switch for continuity it is open. He then bypassed the switch and the compressor ran fine. He is a refridgeration mechanic but not automotive, he has the manifold and gauages for the a/c but does not have the adapters to fit the car, does anyone know where we could get the adapters, or if there is anything else we should be checking first

[nipper]

Update...

My Dad just checked the switch for continuity it is open. He then bypassed the switch and the compressor ran fine. He is a refridgeration mechanic but not automotive, he has the manifold and gauages for the a/c but does not have the adapters to fit the car, does anyone know where we could get the adapters, or if there is anything else we should be checking first

 

Yes check the pressures first. DOnt run it low on gas you can destroy the compressor.

 

nipper

[1995SubaruImpreza]

Yes check the pressures first. DOnt run it low on gas you can destroy the compressor.

 

nipper

 

Thanks, Would you happen to know what the running pressures should be for the low and high side, also where the air conditioning acess valve connectors can be purchased my dad has all the equipment to test it but not the valves for the automotive end of things...

[avk]

Service couplers should be available in parts stores, although big chains are less likely to have them in stock. R134A couplers come with 14mm thread so you will also need adapters to connect them to non-automotive hoses. I believe the adapter would be the same as R134 to R12, but not sure.

If you can wait, eBay is a good source for those parts.

Pressures can be very different depending on ambient temperature and humidity but roughly, the low side should be in 20-35 psi range and the high side 150-250. The system uses an expansion valve, your dad should know how to find the optimal charge for any type.