1999 Ford Taurus AC Compressor Won't Engage

FORD TAURUS
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SCOTTYMACAZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 1999 Ford Taurus with 90,000 miles on it and the AC has stopped working. We tried recharging it but the compressor doesnt seem to kick on anymore. it's not froze up, it just doesn't engage to let the coolant in when we try to fill it.
Is the some kind of AC relay switch or fuse that I am not seeing that might have gone bad?
HELP!!
It's hot out here!!

Thanks!!
Aug 2, 2006 at 11:26 PM
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TAURUSWHEEL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 718 POSTS
Remove the connector from the pressure switch, which is usually located on the receiver-dryer unit which should be near your low pressure charging nipple... pull the connector, jump the terminals and see if your a\c compressor clutch locks up, if it does then you can attempt to recharge it,,, if your system is too low, the pressure switch will not allow the a\c to start up, thus spareing the compressor damage.. possibly your system may have a leak..
Aug 3, 2006 at 3:09 PM
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Suggested Repair

Unplug the pressure switch near the receiver-drier and low-side charging port, then jump its terminals. If the compressor clutch engages, recharge the system. A very low charge can open the switch and prevent clutch engagement to protect the compressor; also check for a refrigerant leak.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1999 Ford Taurus said the AC stopped working and the compressor clutch would not engage during a recharge attempt, and asked about a relay or fuse. The expert advised jumping the pressure-switch connector to see whether the clutch locks up, then recharging if it does, noting that low pressure can disable the switch and that a leak is possible.

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