1995 Lincoln Mark VIII A/C Compressor Not Engaging

LINCOLNMK8

MEMBER
1995 LINCOLN MARK VIII
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
12,400 MILES

The air conditioning was blowing hot air. I got a recharge kit with a pressure gauge. The pressure was about 25 so I added to a pressure to about 43. There was still no cold air on max a/c. I noticed the a/c compressor was coming on and going off only after 2-3 seconds. Then, I replaced the compressor clutch cycle relay switch and checked the pressure again. The refrigerant was holding. I cleaned the contacts and connectors to the switch. I also disconnected the connector on the top of the compressor and tried cleaning with CRC electrical connector cleaner. The a/c still blows hot air and the a/c compressor is not cycling on.

If anyone has any ideas, it would be so helpful and appreciated.

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Is you car's air conditioner blowing warm air only and no cool air? Your A/C cooling problem could be caused by any of the following:

Your A/C system may have lost its charge of refrigerant, or the compressor may not be engaging when you turn on the A/C, or the blend air door inside the HVAC unit may be stuck in the HEAT position so no air goes through the A/C evaporator.

Start with the compressor. Does it engage when you turn on the A/C?

If so, the compressor is working and the A/C system probably contains enough refrigerant to make cold air, so the problem is inside the HVAC unit. Replace the motor that controls the blend air door (this is a difficult job and best left to a professional since it involves tearing apart the HVAC unit -- about an 8 to 10 hour job!).

If the compressor does not engage when you turn on the A/C, see if it will run by jumping the compressor clutch wire directly to the battery (use a fused jumper wire). If the compressor works when you jump it, and the A/C blows cold air, the system contains refrigerant and the fault is likely a bad A/C compressor clutch relay or a bad clutch cycling switch or pressure switch.

If the compressor does not engage when you jump it, the problem is a bad compressor clutch.

If the clutch engages but the compressor does not turn (the belt will start to slip and squeal), the compressor is loced up and you need a new compressor.

If the compressor clutch engages and turns the compressor, but the A/C still does not blow cold air, the system is probably low on refrigerant and needs to be recharged. If you Have an A/C gauge set, hook it up and see if the system has any pressure.

If it is out of refrigerant or is low, check for leaks, then have the A/C system vacuum purged to remove air. After the air is out, it can be recharged with the specified amount of refrigerant. It is important to get any air out as this will reduce cooling efficiency and may make the compressor noisy.

My advice to you if you know nothing about A/C service is to find a repair shop that specializes in A/C repairs and let them fix your cooling problem for you. Today's A/C systems with automatic climate control are very complex and reuire special tools and know-how to diagnose and repair.