I don't know if this is a good idea or not, but I'm doing it. I have been fighting with my AC system for over a year. It never works for more than a day or two and then it quits.

It always blows cold when it works, but the compressor will almost never turn on. I'm going to wire directly off the battery, to a switch in the cabin, to a fuse, to a ground. If it blows a seal or blows the compressor, at least then I'll know whats wrong with it.

Any bets on whats going to happen?

 

BTW, the PCM has this:

The system is charged, as it has always been in the past. I'm thinking there is a bad pressure sensor, or the system is clogged with something.

 

Why don't you try replacing the sensor? The compressor is a much bigger PITA to R&R... I know, I just did it.

 

IF the AC works and blows cold after I hotwire it, I'll replace the sensor.

 

I found a short in the AC compressor lead, and I repaired it. I jumped the AC and charged it, and then reconnected the computer wires. The AC now works as it's supposed to.

It isn't THAT cold, but it's cold enough for me. It took about 70psi on the low side, and 240 on the high side. I'd like to get it up to 300 on the high side, but since I didn't vacuum it out first, I probably won't see 300psi hi.

 

It sounds like your pressures are too high. If things are working correctly, low side should be around 30psi and high side will be around 200psi, with the compressor engaged after running for a few minutes. It sounds like there's too much refridgerant in the system. It's easy to do, but it's also easy to fix. Hook up your gauges and crack the low side valve open a little. With the yellow charge hose disconnected, you just want to hear some air leaking out. Don't crank it open fast, you can pull oil out of the system. Go slow. After a minute or two close the valves and start it up. Check your pressures. Keep adjusting until you get it in the ball park.

 

The compressor once again won't kick on. I really think I have a clog in my expansion valve. I'm gonna bleed some pressure like you said and see what happens, but I'm preparing to drain the system and replace that valve.

NEVER use stop leak on your AC!!!