A/C Clutch Not Engaging

[ShadowSwept]

So I changed the seals in my A/C lines and refilled the system, but the compressor clutch isn't engaging. I have to say I expected as much, but I was hopeful...

Any tips for what to do short of buying a new compressor would be cool- 'cause, you know, it's hot.

 

[dsmuts]

You could jump the low pressure switch with a paper clip but I won't run it like that. How much r134a did you put in the system?

 

[ShadowSwept]

I put a whole 20oz can in, or as much as it would let me. Filled it to the recommended pressure but the clutch never engaged. Looking back, the connector on the compressor had a bent pin when I first bought the car. I straightened it out the best I could but I wonder if that might have something to do with it?

 

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

System only needs 1.88 lbs. So maybe its overfilled or you did it wrong.

This why a real AC machine is nice, you cant mess it up.

 

[ShadowSwept]

Well, the clutch never engaged in the first place, so I know it wasn't filled properly.
So if I jump the low pressure switch it should engage- at least temporarily? Where is that exactly?

 

[dsmuts]

I'd have to look exactly where it's at but it'll be in line on the low pressure side somewhere.

 

[GTP in RTP]

I put a whole 20oz can in, or as much as it would let me. Filled it to the recommended pressure but the clutch never engaged. Looking back, the connector on the compressor had a bent pin when I first bought the car. I straightened it out the best I could but I wonder if that might have something to do with it?

How did you put in a can if the clutch never engaged ?

 

[ShadowSwept]

It wasn't the whole can. Not sure what I was thinking but I went back and checked the can and there's barely anything out of it. What I meant was that I filled it to pressure and the clutch never engaged, so not sure what to do at this point.

Concerning the low pressure switch; is it that sensor-looking bung near the condenser?