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A/C pointers, compressor not engaging on its own?


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Hey Gang,

I searched for some info, but its so hard to wade thru sometimes. Now that its summer again, I'm sure this thread will get some use. I just yesterday recharged my AC w/ 134a. Added some "special oil" and about a can and a half of 134. The sight glass is clear now, no bubbles- and the AC cranks COLD. Its works great. But it will now work on its own. I put everything in "AC" but no compressor. I hot wired the compressor and it works really well. (Last summer I tried the same thing, but it never got cold) So any ideas on why the system won't work by itself? And the locations of any switches to check... I assume its a switch issue. My underhood fuse is good, and I checked the relay like my haynes manual says- its good too. What next? If nothing else, I'm going to put a switch on the compressor clutch in the cabin so I can flip it on and off (for like pulling out into traffic):burnout: Thanks everyone- Its gonna be a cool summer.

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my1987 Gl Wagon did the same thing. I put a switch on the dash to turn it on when I need it. The only problem I have is that the electric fan is on anytime there is power to the system. I put a switch on it too, when I am not on the hiway, I turn the fan on if the A/C is on. I would like to go back to everything being like it should but, now I can run the A/C from any button on the climate control box. Good luck.

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If it is a Loyale or GL series??

 

The AC is controlled by a micro switch which is

switched via a rod from the HIVAC system.

 

This micro switch is found by looking behind the center

console just above and behind where your foot rests

when on the gas pedal.

 

You will see a blue and a blue with black wire running to the switch.

 

I have rewired all my micro switches to a switch on the dash

letting me control when the AC is on.

Bi-Level is nice.

 

A rocker switch fits very well beside the blower speed control knob.

I choose blue for obvious reasons.

Hope this helps.

willydash.jpg

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If it is a Loyale or GL series??

 

The AC is controlled by a micro switch which is

switched via a rod from the HIVAC system.

 

This micro switch is found by looking behind the center

console just above and behind where your foot rests

when on the gas pedal.

 

You will see a blue and a blue with black wire running to the switch.

 

I have rewired all my micro switches to a switch on the dash

letting me control when the AC is on.

Bi-Level is nice.

 

A rocker switch fits very well beside the blower speed control knob.

I choose blue for obvious reasons.

Hope this helps.

willydash.jpg

 

 

Sheesh,

 

i thought my dashboard was getting busy :clap:

 

 

nipper

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Well, An A/C compressor will not run under normal operating conditions if it is too highly pressurized or too lowly pressurized... there is a pressure switch or sensor or something to that nature that will not allow the system to be used when their is an issue like that... no offence at all, I love DIY I mean come on, its a subaru... but doing it with a can at home can be tricky... the little gauge that has a large grean area surrounded by red is no dice.... dont use it if at all possible... and dont get me wrong, it is totaly possible to get it right and it works, but it can cause severe damage and possible injury(woah I sound like a disclaimer) if it is ran extreemly overpressured. and did you convert yours to a 134 A??? or did you cough out the cash for R-12... if its r134, then try to get it vacuumed( it will boil the moisture in the system) and then pressurized by a A/C machine... if then it still doenst work, weve got a small list that could be the cause!

by the way skip, your dash is Badass

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while you are at it, check the hangy-sensor thingy that I can never remember the name of.. there is a pulse pickup of some sort that is mounted to hang over the clutch pulley on the AC compressor. Make sure it is lined up fairly straight, and fairly near the pulley, and that it is plugged in and the wires are in good shape. Sometimes the wire can get accidentally unplugged, and sometimes an unplugged wire can get eaten by a belt. (ask me how I know ;) ) This is very easy to overlook, especially if you do not know the importance of this thing. Sorry I can't recall the name of it, its one that always gives me difficulty.

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Good points by Daeron and beataru (thanks for the dash comp)

 

the switch beataru mentions is on the line to the receiver dryer or screwed into the unit 's body.

It is called a "trinary" switch.

 

The item Daeron mentions is called the "Pulser coil"

it is found on all the Hitachi units but I don't think on all the Panasonic units. (some do. some dont)

Every one I have worked on has it.

 

The FSM recco's a clearance of 0.12" form it to the surface of the clutch.

 

If the micro switch trick fails to produce operation of said system please follow their sage advice.

 

Skip-out

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