I recently inherited a 1989 Ford Ranger XLT from my grandpa that recently passed away (old, but only 60K miles or so). The only issue with it (other than needing a new paint job) is that the A/C does not work. I first thought it needed some refrigerant (it was retrofitted for R-134a). I hooked up a gauge to the low pressure side and it's fully charged. I called up my uncle and he thinks it's the A/C clutch, he had me listen for the "click" sound of the clutch engaging which I did not hear. I did check the fuse for it and it's good. Any help would be appreciated.


I should note that I'm relatively new to doing work on vehicles and have no ideal what the A/C clutch looks like(my background is in IT, not fixing cars/truck so I'm a total noob.)

 

Any AC work I've ever dealt with has always been traced back to the compressor being shot. I wouldn't guarantee that's what it is, but it's a good place to start.

 

Sadly it appears that your may be right, I've looked online and found out what the compressor looks like. When I turned on the A/C I didn't notice any change with the compressor. How hard is it to replace the compressor (I'd image it would be a pain as my compressor is located near the bottom)?


I did just try to short the leads on the low-pressure switch but was unable to as the connector is stuck on the switch. Can I simply unscrew the switch without refrigerant escaping?

 

I just checked the wires leading to the compressor when I turned the a/c on and I not no volts at all.

 

Try to work the connector off from the low pressure switch. Sounds like you have some corrosion in the connector.

 

I''ll try but it's a little difficult as it's right next to the air intake filter (I might have to take off the the filter cover if i need to.) Can the entire switch simply be removed without much refrigerant escaping? It would make it easier for me to work the connector off of it.

 

I replaced the pressure switch on my 97 . just unscrewed it there was a check valve in the in the port.screwed the new one in and all was good. BUT I am not sure on an 89.

 

Well I took it to a shop and they got it working again, they said all it needed was refrigerant, I don't know why adding refrigerant didn't work for me, I've successfully did it on my 93 Chrysler Eagle.