General Technical & Electrical General technical and electrical discussion for the Ford Ranger that does not fit in any other sub-forum.

AC compressor not turning on

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Old Apr 8, 2023
  #1  
Christophrm75's Avatar
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From: FortCampbell, Kentucky
AC compressor not turning on

I put Freon in it, then I checked the fuse and it has power on both sides. Wondering if anyone else had this problem.
 
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Old Apr 8, 2023
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RonD's Avatar
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From: Vancouver, BC
Welcome to the forum

You should include the year of the Ranger and engine model with questions, as your Profile is not included in posts

2003 4.0l Ranger

AC has 2 pressure switches, a relay in the engine computer and a AC Clutch relay in the engine fuse box
Also has the AC Clutch on the front of Compressor

So I assume the AC Clutch is not activating, that's what defines AC ON or OFF
Use a test light or volt meter to see if the 2 wire connector on the clutch is getting 12volts when AC on is selected in the cab
If so then Clutch is bad if its not activating

If not then AC Clutch relay is not activating, so you will want to test the two pressure switches first
Pressure switches should be CLOSED always, so unplug the pressure switch and use an OHM meter between the to pins, should be 0 ohms/connected
If one is OPEN/no connection then switch could be bad or you have pressure issues
Switches can be changed without draining the system, they are "hot swappable"

If both switches test as OK, pull out the AC Clutch relay in engine fuse box, check for corrosion on slots and pins, shake the relay should hear any rattling
Relays are not expensive so you can just swap it out but they rarely fail
Put relay back in
Have someone start the engine and turn the AC on and off while you have your finger on the AC Clutch relay, you should feel it "click" each time
If so then computer relay and switches are OK
If not then switches or computer is the issue


 
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Old Apr 8, 2023
  #3  
4.0blue98's Avatar
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Can you even put freon into them without the compressor running? How are you measuring the amount you have in the system?
 
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Old Apr 8, 2023
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Christophrm75's Avatar
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I don’t have a tool to measure how much is in there but I put 10-12 oz in there
 
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Old Apr 8, 2023
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You realize that "freon" evaporates at "room temp" and no internal pressure , so if system had a leak then all the "freon" you put in would be wasted money as it would just evaporate
You should always test if system has pressure before adding "freon"

Yes, system should be working but cutting off and on/cycling quickly if its low on "freon", i.e. low pressure switch is opening and closing because "freon" is low
Also the AC can get really really cold when "freon" is low, freezes pipes in engine bay

You will need to whip out the volt meter or take it to an AC shop
 
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Old Apr 8, 2023
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4.0blue98's Avatar
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From: Maryland
If you managed to get that much in and it still won't activate then you either have a massive leak or electrical issue like RonD outlined above.
 
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