Need advice on Cherokee aircon
05-31-2004, 02:16 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Need advice on Cherokee aircon
Hi all.
I'm trying to see if I can sort out what ails the aircon on my 96 cherokee
4L.
The immediate symptom is that it dont work!. investigation shows that when I
turn it on at the slider controls, the clutch on the compressor still doesnt
turn. With the engine stopped-I am rather attatched to my hands and would
like to remain that way-I am able to turn the compressor by hand, albeit
with some resistance. (by turn it, I mean the centre of the pulley. ) I've
unplugged/plugged all the electrical plugs around the unit, but no joy. I've
found a relay maked as A/C in a relay/fusebox at the left hand side of the
engine compartment as you are stood at the front of the vehicle looking at
it. I didnt test this as such, but I noticed there was an identical relay
(part nos, etc) marked as fuel pump, so I swapped them and the engine still
runs.
The manual I have says basically, anything to do with aircon, take it to a
specialists, but I thought I would try this group before undergoing open
wallet surgery. Is there anything else I could reasonably check? I havnt
managed to find a fuse for this system, but it would be reasonable to assume
there is one somewhere.
One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
this is the model of compressor.
Thanks
Mike
Former land rover & range rover owner.
***remove both nospams to reply directly***
I'm trying to see if I can sort out what ails the aircon on my 96 cherokee
4L.
The immediate symptom is that it dont work!. investigation shows that when I
turn it on at the slider controls, the clutch on the compressor still doesnt
turn. With the engine stopped-I am rather attatched to my hands and would
like to remain that way-I am able to turn the compressor by hand, albeit
with some resistance. (by turn it, I mean the centre of the pulley. ) I've
unplugged/plugged all the electrical plugs around the unit, but no joy. I've
found a relay maked as A/C in a relay/fusebox at the left hand side of the
engine compartment as you are stood at the front of the vehicle looking at
it. I didnt test this as such, but I noticed there was an identical relay
(part nos, etc) marked as fuel pump, so I swapped them and the engine still
runs.
The manual I have says basically, anything to do with aircon, take it to a
specialists, but I thought I would try this group before undergoing open
wallet surgery. Is there anything else I could reasonably check? I havnt
managed to find a fuse for this system, but it would be reasonable to assume
there is one somewhere.
One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
this is the model of compressor.
Thanks
Mike
Former land rover & range rover owner.
***remove both nospams to reply directly***
05-31-2004, 02:39 PM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Need advice on Cherokee aircon
Hi,
To test the clutch, follow the two wires from the compressor to where
they meet and look for in inline connector just beyond. Disconnect at
this point and touch the end to your positive battery terminal. You
should hear the clutch click. Then start your engine and touch it again
to hear the clutch engage and the compressor working.
The R134a is your refrigerant. Lucky you, its the new ozone-safe kind
and you won't require a retrofit from R12 should you require a recharge.
Steve
Mike wrote:
> I'm trying to see if I can sort out what ails the aircon on my 96 cherokee
> 4L.
>
> The immediate symptom is that it dont work!. investigation shows that when I
> turn it on at the slider controls, the clutch on the compressor still doesnt
> turn.
>
> One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
> this is the model of compressor.
To test the clutch, follow the two wires from the compressor to where
they meet and look for in inline connector just beyond. Disconnect at
this point and touch the end to your positive battery terminal. You
should hear the clutch click. Then start your engine and touch it again
to hear the clutch engage and the compressor working.
The R134a is your refrigerant. Lucky you, its the new ozone-safe kind
and you won't require a retrofit from R12 should you require a recharge.
Steve
Mike wrote:
> I'm trying to see if I can sort out what ails the aircon on my 96 cherokee
> 4L.
>
> The immediate symptom is that it dont work!. investigation shows that when I
> turn it on at the slider controls, the clutch on the compressor still doesnt
> turn.
>
> One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
> this is the model of compressor.
05-31-2004, 02:39 PM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Need advice on Cherokee aircon
Hi,
To test the clutch, follow the two wires from the compressor to where
they meet and look for in inline connector just beyond. Disconnect at
this point and touch the end to your positive battery terminal. You
should hear the clutch click. Then start your engine and touch it again
to hear the clutch engage and the compressor working.
The R134a is your refrigerant. Lucky you, its the new ozone-safe kind
and you won't require a retrofit from R12 should you require a recharge.
Steve
Mike wrote:
> I'm trying to see if I can sort out what ails the aircon on my 96 cherokee
> 4L.
>
> The immediate symptom is that it dont work!. investigation shows that when I
> turn it on at the slider controls, the clutch on the compressor still doesnt
> turn.
>
> One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
> this is the model of compressor.
To test the clutch, follow the two wires from the compressor to where
they meet and look for in inline connector just beyond. Disconnect at
this point and touch the end to your positive battery terminal. You
should hear the clutch click. Then start your engine and touch it again
to hear the clutch engage and the compressor working.
The R134a is your refrigerant. Lucky you, its the new ozone-safe kind
and you won't require a retrofit from R12 should you require a recharge.
Steve
Mike wrote:
> I'm trying to see if I can sort out what ails the aircon on my 96 cherokee
> 4L.
>
> The immediate symptom is that it dont work!. investigation shows that when I
> turn it on at the slider controls, the clutch on the compressor still doesnt
> turn.
>
> One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
> this is the model of compressor.
05-31-2004, 02:39 PM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Need advice on Cherokee aircon
Hi,
To test the clutch, follow the two wires from the compressor to where
they meet and look for in inline connector just beyond. Disconnect at
this point and touch the end to your positive battery terminal. You
should hear the clutch click. Then start your engine and touch it again
to hear the clutch engage and the compressor working.
The R134a is your refrigerant. Lucky you, its the new ozone-safe kind
and you won't require a retrofit from R12 should you require a recharge.
Steve
Mike wrote:
> I'm trying to see if I can sort out what ails the aircon on my 96 cherokee
> 4L.
>
> The immediate symptom is that it dont work!. investigation shows that when I
> turn it on at the slider controls, the clutch on the compressor still doesnt
> turn.
>
> One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
> this is the model of compressor.
To test the clutch, follow the two wires from the compressor to where
they meet and look for in inline connector just beyond. Disconnect at
this point and touch the end to your positive battery terminal. You
should hear the clutch click. Then start your engine and touch it again
to hear the clutch engage and the compressor working.
The R134a is your refrigerant. Lucky you, its the new ozone-safe kind
and you won't require a retrofit from R12 should you require a recharge.
Steve
Mike wrote:
> I'm trying to see if I can sort out what ails the aircon on my 96 cherokee
> 4L.
>
> The immediate symptom is that it dont work!. investigation shows that when I
> turn it on at the slider controls, the clutch on the compressor still doesnt
> turn.
>
> One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
> this is the model of compressor.
05-31-2004, 02:39 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Need advice on Cherokee aircon
Hi,
To test the clutch, follow the two wires from the compressor to where
they meet and look for in inline connector just beyond. Disconnect at
this point and touch the end to your positive battery terminal. You
should hear the clutch click. Then start your engine and touch it again
to hear the clutch engage and the compressor working.
The R134a is your refrigerant. Lucky you, its the new ozone-safe kind
and you won't require a retrofit from R12 should you require a recharge.
Steve
Mike wrote:
> I'm trying to see if I can sort out what ails the aircon on my 96 cherokee
> 4L.
>
> The immediate symptom is that it dont work!. investigation shows that when I
> turn it on at the slider controls, the clutch on the compressor still doesnt
> turn.
>
> One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
> this is the model of compressor.
To test the clutch, follow the two wires from the compressor to where
they meet and look for in inline connector just beyond. Disconnect at
this point and touch the end to your positive battery terminal. You
should hear the clutch click. Then start your engine and touch it again
to hear the clutch engage and the compressor working.
The R134a is your refrigerant. Lucky you, its the new ozone-safe kind
and you won't require a retrofit from R12 should you require a recharge.
Steve
Mike wrote:
> I'm trying to see if I can sort out what ails the aircon on my 96 cherokee
> 4L.
>
> The immediate symptom is that it dont work!. investigation shows that when I
> turn it on at the slider controls, the clutch on the compressor still doesnt
> turn.
>
> One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
> this is the model of compressor.
05-31-2004, 02:39 PM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Need advice on Cherokee aircon
Mike did pass the time by typing:
> Hi all.
>
> I'm trying to see if I can sort out what ails the aircon on my 96 cherokee
> 4L.
>
> The immediate symptom is that it dont work!.
> The manual I have says basically, anything to do with aircon, take it to a
> specialists,
good advice. While AC systems arn't terribly complex, the average
backyard mechanic doesn't have the proper service tools.
> but I thought I would try this group before undergoing open
> wallet surgery. Is there anything else I could reasonably check? I havnt
> managed to find a fuse for this system, but it would be reasonable to assume
> there is one somewhere.
Yes, see below.
> One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
> this is the model of compressor.
134a is the type of refrigerant used in your system.
Back to the possible problem.
Odds are your low on refrigerant due to a small leak somewhere. Usually
in the seals.
Here is how to check the low-side cutoff switch. Do not.. I repeat
DO NOT run the AC like this for any period of time beyond doing this
check. It can ruin the compressor.
On the Accumulator
http://members.***.net/wilsond/Fixes...essure-low.jpg
there is a sensor. Take the electrical connector off.
Start the engine and turn the AC on.
Take a piece of wire and connect the two pins in that connector.
If your low on refrigerant the AC clutch will engage soon as you
short these pins.
They make 134a refill kits with pressure gauge. This might be
all you need, but pay close attention to the instructions. If your
not comfortable with doing this work then you should have a pro do it.
Ask them if you can watch, that way if you ever have to do it again
you will know what is involved.
--
DougW
> Hi all.
>
> I'm trying to see if I can sort out what ails the aircon on my 96 cherokee
> 4L.
>
> The immediate symptom is that it dont work!.
> The manual I have says basically, anything to do with aircon, take it to a
> specialists,
good advice. While AC systems arn't terribly complex, the average
backyard mechanic doesn't have the proper service tools.
> but I thought I would try this group before undergoing open
> wallet surgery. Is there anything else I could reasonably check? I havnt
> managed to find a fuse for this system, but it would be reasonable to assume
> there is one somewhere.
Yes, see below.
> One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
> this is the model of compressor.
134a is the type of refrigerant used in your system.
Back to the possible problem.
Odds are your low on refrigerant due to a small leak somewhere. Usually
in the seals.
Here is how to check the low-side cutoff switch. Do not.. I repeat
DO NOT run the AC like this for any period of time beyond doing this
check. It can ruin the compressor.
On the Accumulator
http://members.***.net/wilsond/Fixes...essure-low.jpg
there is a sensor. Take the electrical connector off.
Start the engine and turn the AC on.
Take a piece of wire and connect the two pins in that connector.
If your low on refrigerant the AC clutch will engage soon as you
short these pins.
They make 134a refill kits with pressure gauge. This might be
all you need, but pay close attention to the instructions. If your
not comfortable with doing this work then you should have a pro do it.
Ask them if you can watch, that way if you ever have to do it again
you will know what is involved.
--
DougW
05-31-2004, 02:39 PM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Need advice on Cherokee aircon
Mike did pass the time by typing:
> Hi all.
>
> I'm trying to see if I can sort out what ails the aircon on my 96 cherokee
> 4L.
>
> The immediate symptom is that it dont work!.
> The manual I have says basically, anything to do with aircon, take it to a
> specialists,
good advice. While AC systems arn't terribly complex, the average
backyard mechanic doesn't have the proper service tools.
> but I thought I would try this group before undergoing open
> wallet surgery. Is there anything else I could reasonably check? I havnt
> managed to find a fuse for this system, but it would be reasonable to assume
> there is one somewhere.
Yes, see below.
> One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
> this is the model of compressor.
134a is the type of refrigerant used in your system.
Back to the possible problem.
Odds are your low on refrigerant due to a small leak somewhere. Usually
in the seals.
Here is how to check the low-side cutoff switch. Do not.. I repeat
DO NOT run the AC like this for any period of time beyond doing this
check. It can ruin the compressor.
On the Accumulator
http://members.***.net/wilsond/Fixes...essure-low.jpg
there is a sensor. Take the electrical connector off.
Start the engine and turn the AC on.
Take a piece of wire and connect the two pins in that connector.
If your low on refrigerant the AC clutch will engage soon as you
short these pins.
They make 134a refill kits with pressure gauge. This might be
all you need, but pay close attention to the instructions. If your
not comfortable with doing this work then you should have a pro do it.
Ask them if you can watch, that way if you ever have to do it again
you will know what is involved.
--
DougW
> Hi all.
>
> I'm trying to see if I can sort out what ails the aircon on my 96 cherokee
> 4L.
>
> The immediate symptom is that it dont work!.
> The manual I have says basically, anything to do with aircon, take it to a
> specialists,
good advice. While AC systems arn't terribly complex, the average
backyard mechanic doesn't have the proper service tools.
> but I thought I would try this group before undergoing open
> wallet surgery. Is there anything else I could reasonably check? I havnt
> managed to find a fuse for this system, but it would be reasonable to assume
> there is one somewhere.
Yes, see below.
> One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
> this is the model of compressor.
134a is the type of refrigerant used in your system.
Back to the possible problem.
Odds are your low on refrigerant due to a small leak somewhere. Usually
in the seals.
Here is how to check the low-side cutoff switch. Do not.. I repeat
DO NOT run the AC like this for any period of time beyond doing this
check. It can ruin the compressor.
On the Accumulator
http://members.***.net/wilsond/Fixes...essure-low.jpg
there is a sensor. Take the electrical connector off.
Start the engine and turn the AC on.
Take a piece of wire and connect the two pins in that connector.
If your low on refrigerant the AC clutch will engage soon as you
short these pins.
They make 134a refill kits with pressure gauge. This might be
all you need, but pay close attention to the instructions. If your
not comfortable with doing this work then you should have a pro do it.
Ask them if you can watch, that way if you ever have to do it again
you will know what is involved.
--
DougW
05-31-2004, 02:39 PM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Need advice on Cherokee aircon
Mike did pass the time by typing:
> Hi all.
>
> I'm trying to see if I can sort out what ails the aircon on my 96 cherokee
> 4L.
>
> The immediate symptom is that it dont work!.
> The manual I have says basically, anything to do with aircon, take it to a
> specialists,
good advice. While AC systems arn't terribly complex, the average
backyard mechanic doesn't have the proper service tools.
> but I thought I would try this group before undergoing open
> wallet surgery. Is there anything else I could reasonably check? I havnt
> managed to find a fuse for this system, but it would be reasonable to assume
> there is one somewhere.
Yes, see below.
> One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
> this is the model of compressor.
134a is the type of refrigerant used in your system.
Back to the possible problem.
Odds are your low on refrigerant due to a small leak somewhere. Usually
in the seals.
Here is how to check the low-side cutoff switch. Do not.. I repeat
DO NOT run the AC like this for any period of time beyond doing this
check. It can ruin the compressor.
On the Accumulator
http://members.***.net/wilsond/Fixes...essure-low.jpg
there is a sensor. Take the electrical connector off.
Start the engine and turn the AC on.
Take a piece of wire and connect the two pins in that connector.
If your low on refrigerant the AC clutch will engage soon as you
short these pins.
They make 134a refill kits with pressure gauge. This might be
all you need, but pay close attention to the instructions. If your
not comfortable with doing this work then you should have a pro do it.
Ask them if you can watch, that way if you ever have to do it again
you will know what is involved.
--
DougW
> Hi all.
>
> I'm trying to see if I can sort out what ails the aircon on my 96 cherokee
> 4L.
>
> The immediate symptom is that it dont work!.
> The manual I have says basically, anything to do with aircon, take it to a
> specialists,
good advice. While AC systems arn't terribly complex, the average
backyard mechanic doesn't have the proper service tools.
> but I thought I would try this group before undergoing open
> wallet surgery. Is there anything else I could reasonably check? I havnt
> managed to find a fuse for this system, but it would be reasonable to assume
> there is one somewhere.
Yes, see below.
> One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
> this is the model of compressor.
134a is the type of refrigerant used in your system.
Back to the possible problem.
Odds are your low on refrigerant due to a small leak somewhere. Usually
in the seals.
Here is how to check the low-side cutoff switch. Do not.. I repeat
DO NOT run the AC like this for any period of time beyond doing this
check. It can ruin the compressor.
On the Accumulator
http://members.***.net/wilsond/Fixes...essure-low.jpg
there is a sensor. Take the electrical connector off.
Start the engine and turn the AC on.
Take a piece of wire and connect the two pins in that connector.
If your low on refrigerant the AC clutch will engage soon as you
short these pins.
They make 134a refill kits with pressure gauge. This might be
all you need, but pay close attention to the instructions. If your
not comfortable with doing this work then you should have a pro do it.
Ask them if you can watch, that way if you ever have to do it again
you will know what is involved.
--
DougW
05-31-2004, 02:39 PM
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Need advice on Cherokee aircon
Mike did pass the time by typing:
> Hi all.
>
> I'm trying to see if I can sort out what ails the aircon on my 96 cherokee
> 4L.
>
> The immediate symptom is that it dont work!.
> The manual I have says basically, anything to do with aircon, take it to a
> specialists,
good advice. While AC systems arn't terribly complex, the average
backyard mechanic doesn't have the proper service tools.
> but I thought I would try this group before undergoing open
> wallet surgery. Is there anything else I could reasonably check? I havnt
> managed to find a fuse for this system, but it would be reasonable to assume
> there is one somewhere.
Yes, see below.
> One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
> this is the model of compressor.
134a is the type of refrigerant used in your system.
Back to the possible problem.
Odds are your low on refrigerant due to a small leak somewhere. Usually
in the seals.
Here is how to check the low-side cutoff switch. Do not.. I repeat
DO NOT run the AC like this for any period of time beyond doing this
check. It can ruin the compressor.
On the Accumulator
http://members.***.net/wilsond/Fixes...essure-low.jpg
there is a sensor. Take the electrical connector off.
Start the engine and turn the AC on.
Take a piece of wire and connect the two pins in that connector.
If your low on refrigerant the AC clutch will engage soon as you
short these pins.
They make 134a refill kits with pressure gauge. This might be
all you need, but pay close attention to the instructions. If your
not comfortable with doing this work then you should have a pro do it.
Ask them if you can watch, that way if you ever have to do it again
you will know what is involved.
--
DougW
> Hi all.
>
> I'm trying to see if I can sort out what ails the aircon on my 96 cherokee
> 4L.
>
> The immediate symptom is that it dont work!.
> The manual I have says basically, anything to do with aircon, take it to a
> specialists,
good advice. While AC systems arn't terribly complex, the average
backyard mechanic doesn't have the proper service tools.
> but I thought I would try this group before undergoing open
> wallet surgery. Is there anything else I could reasonably check? I havnt
> managed to find a fuse for this system, but it would be reasonable to assume
> there is one somewhere.
Yes, see below.
> One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
> this is the model of compressor.
134a is the type of refrigerant used in your system.
Back to the possible problem.
Odds are your low on refrigerant due to a small leak somewhere. Usually
in the seals.
Here is how to check the low-side cutoff switch. Do not.. I repeat
DO NOT run the AC like this for any period of time beyond doing this
check. It can ruin the compressor.
On the Accumulator
http://members.***.net/wilsond/Fixes...essure-low.jpg
there is a sensor. Take the electrical connector off.
Start the engine and turn the AC on.
Take a piece of wire and connect the two pins in that connector.
If your low on refrigerant the AC clutch will engage soon as you
short these pins.
They make 134a refill kits with pressure gauge. This might be
all you need, but pay close attention to the instructions. If your
not comfortable with doing this work then you should have a pro do it.
Ask them if you can watch, that way if you ever have to do it again
you will know what is involved.
--
DougW
05-31-2004, 02:55 PM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Need advice on Cherokee aircon
On Mon, 31 May 2004 18:16:01 UTC "Mike"
<mas39spamfreezone@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> The manual I have says basically, anything to do with aircon, take it to a
> specialists, but I thought I would try this group before undergoing open
> wallet surgery. Is there anything else I could reasonably check? I havnt
> managed to find a fuse for this system, but it would be reasonable to assume
> there is one somewhere.
>
> One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
> this is the model of compressor.
R134a is the refrigerant, not the model. If this is the extent of
your knowlege, I'd suggest doing without A/C until you either do some
serious studying of A/C manuals - or follow the manual advice and find
someone who knows what they are doing. Mistakes on this are
expensive. As you have expressed a keen interest in you personal body
integrity, you should also know that there are serious risks when
working on A/C units, especially if you don't know what you are doing.
--
Will Honea
<mas39spamfreezone@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> The manual I have says basically, anything to do with aircon, take it to a
> specialists, but I thought I would try this group before undergoing open
> wallet surgery. Is there anything else I could reasonably check? I havnt
> managed to find a fuse for this system, but it would be reasonable to assume
> there is one somewhere.
>
> One other thing, the compressor has a label on it that says R134a. Perhaps
> this is the model of compressor.
R134a is the refrigerant, not the model. If this is the extent of
your knowlege, I'd suggest doing without A/C until you either do some
serious studying of A/C manuals - or follow the manual advice and find
someone who knows what they are doing. Mistakes on this are
expensive. As you have expressed a keen interest in you personal body
integrity, you should also know that there are serious risks when
working on A/C units, especially if you don't know what you are doing.
--
Will Honea
