Hi All! Thanks for having me!
2000 Dodge Ram Van 2500 318 single air conditioning
Is there any electrical switch actuated by vacuum related to the on-off
function of the a.c. compressor clutch?I have no blown fuses -dash,under
hood,and the relay I am guessing is ok.I have no electricity at the pressure
switch when a jumper wire is tried.Refridgerant has never been an issue,the
periodic topup.
I ask about a vacuum fault as all was well before an emmision check this past
early spring,and the a.c. and or the van has not been operated until the
current heatwave.
ThankYou very much for any input.
Brent-fxman

 

You had the air ON when you jumped that wire right?

 

What is the ACTUAL concern? Clutch doesn't turn on?

 

Yes,the ignition switch was on ac switch for hi cool as always ,tried a jumper wire at the low pressure switch as suggested from another site,tried 2 or 3 times-no electrical current.The ac compressor clutch should click or try to engage-engine off.

 

Correct,there is no ac compressor clutch engagement at all.The vacuum for actuating
vent doors sounds normal,engine running, and the blower motor runs fine.

 

I'd say check all the wiring to the clutch... Have you checked for voltage?


And with the jumper wire in at the pressure switch, did the clutch cycle on or no?

 

No clutch activity at all.

 

Oh yeah,
Its one of those full size van issues, I haven"t tried yet, but getting at the wiring
right at the clutch is going to be a challenge.

 

I'd start by making a jumper [short length of wire, and 2 small spade terminals] and jumper across the A/C relay. Then lets see where you are. I'm having similar troubles with an 01 Sebring. Looking like a bad clutch coil. Unfortunately, the clutch coils are $250... But they throw in a FREE COMPRESSOR with it!!!!!

 

If you mean the relay in the fuse box under the hood,I removed it and gently removed its outer cover,then replaced it in the fuse box.Turned on the key,engine off,ac switch on high cool.I shut the relay contacts manually,with the end of a plastic cable tie,and
again ,no current at all.If you mean another approach I'll try it.