hi all i have an 96 850 wagon im having problems with my ac compressor it seems to be stuck, when i press the ac button the compressor doesn't engage it just sits the belt just rides over it. if anyone has had this problem and fixed it share it. thanks.

 

Have you checked to see if you have any freon in the system ??

 

i was going to but when i pushed the AC button i didn't here the compressor engage and when i looked at the pully on the compressor it was not moving so i just closed the hood and gave it the middle finger. probably just going to buy a new one if its not a simple fix.

 

New car, compressor or ??

You can head to the auto parts store or wallmart and pick up a can of freon with a gauge for around 25 to 30 bucks. The gauge will let you know if there is any pressure in there and if you just need to bump it up a bit. Many vehicles will bleed off some freon over the winter and need a little booster to get them running properly in summer.

 

Agree with kiss.

If it has no freon in it, it won't switch on.

 

For the average guy with average knowledge the cheapest "test" is to try and inject a can of freon and see if the system engages the clutch.

My personal opinion is do not get the charging hose that only attaches to the cans with the plastic fittings. This is the connection between the charging hose and the R134 container. They can only be used with their own brand of refill container. Get one that will screw onto any of the metal cans with metal threads as it gives you more choices of where you can buy freon and what you'll pay for it. That and get one with a gauge so you know how much you have to begin with and when to stop as too much is as bad for performance of the AC as too little !!

The first picture is the style of can that can't be used except with it's own brand of refill. If the can has a push button valve on the top of it then it's likely it's the one that isn't versatile.
The second picture is the style that unscrews and can be reattached to any brand of R134 with metal threads at the top of the can.

 

thats some good info kiss thanks. however how do you get the compressor to kick on to circulate the freon threw the system?? will the compressor turn as i fill the system??

 

as you fill it it will register pressure, and the low pressure switch will turn off, and start cycling.

 

Yes, as the system fills it will kick on. Make sure you have the settings inside turned on full blast as you service it. I just did it Friday to a 850 that was not kicking on.

 

Just, ya know, be aware that you are working with refrigerant gases under high pressure and the hazards inherent to doing that. Frostbite is a thing. Wear some eye protection and gloves.

 

thanks fellas for the info but as i was about to go recharge it i could not locate the low pressure side at all, i did find the max side witch is located next to the windshield wiper fluid reservoir, right?? can someone tell me where the low side is located??

 

That's it. You have to unscrew the cap, lock the filler gauge on it and read the pressure on the gauge. If it's low, add freon.

 

well then if thats it, i was trolled lol cause the cap says max. if thats the low wheres the high??

 

Only worry about that one. No other port matters.

 

Haha it says MAX 6 N·m (or about 4 ft-lbs). In other words, don't over-torque the cap!

As I recall the 850 does not have a high side quick connect port.

 

well then what do they have cause i might do more service to the AC system befor i actually just add freon. since its there is no freon in the system i might just replacing stuff just because the previous owner didn't service anything on it. the PCV hoses that connect into the in take to oil catch can are disconnected and broken so the wagon needs a full tune up.

 

That's a totally different issue, there are threads for those. Just service the ac here since it does't connect to anything else and move to other projects.

You likely have a leak in the ac system so service it, will likely take two 12oz cans. If it leaks out within 30 days you may want to install some leak dye freon in it next time so you can chase the leak. The most common problem area is the evaporator, major job. But take one step at a time.

 

need a recharge before anything.

to do it right you need to vacuum the system.

Adding a can of freon is like playing slots. If you add to much to risk damage. not only to the system but to yourself from an exploding line or drier.

Most of the time the accumulator (drier) the tube shaped thing on the passenger side behind the bumper next to the radiator. If you look underneath you can't miss it.

What happens is you get too close to that high parking block and push the drier into the sub frame. might no burst the first time, but it eventually happens.

another possibly is the evap core gets a leak. That is located in the dash right in with heater core. PITA. can of sealant usually slows leaks from that location.

FWIW there is a high side port, but only high side couplers will fit it. likewise with the low side, only low side couplers will fit the low side.

Inspect the drier before adding freon. If you add and the drier is busted you are wasting your time and money.

 

It doesn't have a high side quick connect coupler. You have to remove the high pressure switch and connect an Acme thread R134a line on the Schraeder valve fitting where the sensor was unscrewed.

 

I doubt the cans you purchase from stores have enough pressure to burst anything. I could be wrong. If you have experienced a BURST please post here.

The thing that really sucks is that ALL A/C shops charge a minimum of $125 to do anyting to the system. If they check it, put 2 oz in it or anything, it'll cost you $125. So, you have to take your chances on the cans.