Ok so my A/C compressor is holding a charge however the clutch is not clicking on at all. I read something on here about checking the compressor switch but in trying to figure out where it is and what I need to check it

 

What is the year of your truck?

There are a number of things that can prevent your clutch from working:

clutch has failed
wiring or connector problems
blown fuses
control circuit is faulty
charge is too low so the low pressure/cycling switch on the accumulator is not closing
faulty cycling switch

once you provide the year (auto or manual AC?), then we can start the diagnosis.

George

 

1999 automatic transmission. the manual doesn't really show me where the switch is or what to use (I have the manual thank gods) and I have checked my fuses and they seem all right and the gauge is reading in the blue at 35

 

Manual or auto AC?

George

 

I don't know what that means.

 

George is likely asking if the climate control system is a manual one or an automatic one (i.e. you set the temperature and it automatically sets the system to maintain that temperature).

 

Christine is correct, in order to help you trouble shoot your system I need to know if you have std AC or the upgraded automatic version. I believe that the manual version has turn ***** and no digital readout. If your not sure, post a picture of your controls on the dash

George

 

There is a pressure switch that is located on the large aluminum can (called the accumulator) that is in series with the circuit that controls the AC compressor clutch. This switch must close for the clutch to turn on. It is an easy thing to check.

To check this pressure switch you remove the plug from the switch and with the engine running and the HVAC controls set for the AC to be on, you short the leads in the plug with a paper clip. If the compressor comes on AND you also know that there is plenty of refrigerant in the system (i.e. it is up to pressure) then there is a very strong likelihood that the pressure switch is bad.

Fortunately, replacing the switch does not require the venting of the AC refrigerant and it is a switch that is readily available at most parts stores.

There are other things that can be wrong but this is one of the more likely culprits and is fortunately easy to check and easy and relatively cheap to fix.


The AC clutch pressure switch is mounted to the accumulator and is circled.

(picture found online at https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&sour...64677083828097)

 

Ok so i had a friend tell me that i can check and see if the switch works by using a paper clip in the left hole of the switch and turning on the ac after doing that my ac turned on but the air was hot and there was no click signaling that the compressor kicked on

 

You have manual AC. I'll wait for you to perform the test that Christine suggested first.

George