Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Re: Newly operational AC just died...
From:John Bange
Date:Thu, 20 Jul 2006 09:55:30 -0700

>  There is probably a low pressure cut off switch that saves the
> compressor from burning up when the 134a gets low. In post 86 vanagons,
> this is up above the engine area. It has wires attached to it. There is
> also a high pressure cut out switch. Dont know 2.1 vanagons(even with a
> subie) too well. You can remove the electrical connector from the low
> pressure cut off switch9see Bentley)

One little "gotcha" in the Bentley is that it shows separate high and low
pressure switches, but on later models (at least on my '90) it's a single
combination switch with four wires coming out and going to a flat four pin
connector. Whichever it is, to test if it's a low pressure sense issue you
can disconnect the pressure switch(es) and jumper the Red-with-White-stripe
and Red-with-Black-stripe wires with the AC turned on. If the compressor
clutch clicks in, it's a low pressure switch issue of some sort. This could
mean actual low pressure or a bad switch, though.

--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"