1996 850 turbo wagon. The compressor does nothing when I turn on the AC so I want to start with the hope that it's just not getting the juice to turn on. Where is this relay? thanks. Arlo

 

Check for power at the low pressure switch in the line by the firewall.

 

check for freon gas pressure. 99% of the time its just low gas pressure. Easiest way to check it is thru the valve which is covered with a plastic cap just behind the passenger side head light. Its like a valve on the tires and you can test it with a very quick press with something long enough to keep your hand safe from the contents.

 

Good Call. It's completely out of freon, or whatever it takes. I will check out that next. Thanks.

 

Just a question, is this relay on the passenger side at the top, just by the firewall, my book says if you cross the relay you can get the compressor to kick in. The reason I asked this is that I have a 850 myself that the previous owner has no Idea if the AC worked. so im trying to figure out if the system may be ok. The book says the compressor may not kick in if the pressure is low, so by crossing the relay I should be able to see if compressor really works......am I right on this.

Chebucto

 

Yes you are right but it is not a relay it is the low pressure switch.

 

Thanks Tech,,,,I was wondering if you were gonna turn up tonight....LOL

 

LOL I am pretty much here everyday unless I am out of town.

 

Dont run the compressor for long by shorling the switch. You might make it cease or damage it. Its good for testing purpose only.

 

Thanks for the help guys, it worked, I crossed the switch and the clutch kicked right in. I only did it for a split second. Next, its off to the AC shop to put a charge on it. I need AC this July as I am taking a across USA trip from Halifax, NS Canada to LA and I think I will need it. LOL

Chebucto

 

Enjoy the drive and let me know if you need a second driver.....and a half mechanic - just in case :P

 

Fill it now and hope like crazy that it lasts until July. Chances are it will not last more than a week or two based on my experiences. I hate to say this, but my gut feel is it's time for a new evaporator. Either lots of work or a big expense, about $1500. I hope I'm wrong for your sake. I have had to do it on two of mine.

 

Hello

I am looking at a 1994 850. The ac/heater do not work. The cig. lighter doesn't work either. The fan does not come on at all. My first guess is a relay somewhere. The owner has no idea. Ive looked at a lot of the posts here and most say the fan comes on when switched to high. The one im looking at does not come on at all. Any ideas?

 

Probably a bad fan. They do go out sometimes. The thing that is sad about older cars is, people should not park them for months and expect things to work. I car is ment to be run daily and if it sits for months, a lot of things, old things, will not work. Go find a car that has been driven daily reguardless of the milage.

If you are looking to purchase a car that has been sitting for a while, get the blue book value and start subtracting the cost of repairs, worse case cost. Once you get to zero, offer to pay them $100. I sold a '95 960 that everything worked in for $1 (thats right, one dollar). It had a damaged finder behind the right front wheel.