Hi Everyone!

Cherokee '98

AC system is with all new components (installed by prev owner), he mentioned it should work s soon as the AC is pressurized and he did not have time to get that done, so I did but no luck getting it to start but it started when I jumped the relay to pressurize the system. When compressor clutch relay is jumped the AC runs well, cools well.

I read through the forum for AC troubleshooting and I followed your steps to jump the low pressure switch connector and then the high pressure switch connector.
Results:

Changed relay
- Clutch did not engage when low pressure connector jumped.
- Clutch did not engage when high pressure switch connector jumped.
- Clutch engaged temporarily when I jumped both AND the high pressure jumper touched the compressor body, the battery takes load but clutch engages and disengages temporarily.
- Checked continuity on the low pressure switch and is positive.
- Couldn't check the high pressure switch continuity because of the weird downward angle, could try again.
- Also changed relay.

Your insight would be really appreciated, thanks for your kind help!

Best,
Vinod

 

What year is your XJ (sounds like 97+)? Did you charge it yourself or take it to an AC shop? If you did it yourself, how much refrigerant did you put in it? Did you use one of those DIY kits from an autoparts/big box store? What are the low and high side pressures?

 

Hey Saudade, XJ '98. I took it to a guy who does AC refills and has a license. He ran a vacuum and tested the system for about 20 minutes for leaks then added the R134a while AC running and jumper in relay to fill it up. We tested the AC and it ran solid. Pressure reading at ac off.

I suspect a ground issue because if I connect the ground side of the connector to the compressor it kicks in.