A/C issue in my 2002 Dodge Caravan..Car gurus?

[Kraniac]

Had the compressor/clutch replaced on my 2002 Grand Caravan at the end of last year.. I recently went to have the system charged but the Compressor Clutch is not engaging

..The AC button-switch (snowflake symbol) on the HVAC control panel 'seems' to engage (light goes on) but the clutch doesn't kick in. He's got about 1 pound in the system..no clue as to pressures on high/low sides.

The light on the switch is on, but no joy on the clutch engaging.

He thinks the HVAC control panel needs replacing..based on the fact that the switch is a bit froggy..you have to toggle it a bit to get the light on the switch to turn on..

I've been taking my cars to this guy for 25 years and trust him completely..everyone in the area loves his work and his prices are honest and excellent..This is actually the first time I've done some checking on my own..Seems to me that if that switch light is on then it makes sense that it's sending power to a relay for the Compressor Clutch??

Before I go and dive into a new Control Panel I figured I'd do some research..so..any thoughts on this?

Wondering if the relay could be bad?

Could the compressor be sticking because it had no freon in the system for a while?

li'l help?

[cbelt3]

AC issues... yuck. Yes, an empty compressor also does not have compressor oil in it. If it was engaged (automatically when you run your defrost) you may have fried it. Sorry.



Electrical system problems... ugh...

First check the fuses and relays. Sometimes the relays get wonky and 'stick'. They are pretty cheap to replace.. probably $20 each. If that doesn't do it, then...

Start with the clutch and jumper that connector.. does the clutch stay on ?
If so, move upwards. The overall control panel may not need to be replaced, simply pulling the panel and hosing it down with contact cleaner may fix the issue. Or not.

Fortunately your model year has actual switches... I was dealing with a 2008 Honda that controlled the AC completely from the ECU. That was a total pain.

[Pat]

If the system was just worked on last year, why are you having to add refrigerant?

I've never worked on auto A/C, but if it was low on refrigerant, maybe it tripped a low pressure switch (if there is one) that needs to be reset.

[mrbigstuff]

many times, the clutch becomes worn and will not engage. the solution can range from bread clips stuffed behind the blades of the clutch to replacement of same. I'd start with the cheapest, of course.

but, as in all car questions on this forum, I recommend you find a goodspecific forum for your particular model to ask these questions.

[DRR]

There's also a safety valve that can be tripped if there is too much pressure in the system - it's possible your guy overfilled the system?

I tend to think it's a problem in the lines rather than a problem with the switch. Still, a switch for a 2002 GC should be easy and cheap enough to just replace with known good so you can eliminate that from your troubleshooting.

Would be curious to see what the resolution is, please follow up.