A/C won't work - Easy test, Easy fix - Air Conditioning Clutch Cycling Switch

In this video, I show you a few simple tests I used to narrow down the problem causing my air conditioning not to work on my 2003 Chevy Trailblazer Extended. Turns out I was low on refrigerant and had a bad A/C Clutch Cycle Switch. I added some r-134a refrigerant, but the A/C clutch kept kicking on and going off repeatedly. So, I replaced the clutch switch, and now the A/C works perfectly. No more "Off and on, off and on."
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CHECK OUT PART TWO, WHERE I FIX THE REAR A/C ON THIS FAILBLAZER: • Trailblazer EXT rear a...
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Due to factors beyond the control of The Daninator, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. The Daninator assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. The Daninator recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of The Daninator, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not The Daninator.
#diy #fixingAC #thedaninator

[@customclassics2873]

My Trailblazer was doing the exact same things, changed the clutch switch, and recharged, seems to be working fine now, thanks a million!

[@johnnyb1776]

So I started with this video, then my ADD kicked in and watched all 5 episodes of the Poorvette. Thanks for this video. It’s the one that helped!😅

[@3Wheels1Block]

That band-aid is one for champions only! Great Video! I like that up close and personal camera angle. The Failblazer is chillin like a villain 😎

[@TheDaninator]

3 Wheels & A Block you know it’s serious when you have to tape the bandaid down with industrial strength tape! 😂

[@Islamisthecultofsin]

@@TheDaninator If the clutch is turning on and off it means that the freon level is low. If it gets too low or too high the clutch won't turn on at all. Also don't hold the can upside down to put freon into the system. You can flip the can upside down once in a while to speed up the process (one second and then wait 30 seconds).

[@dirtmcgirt0420]

I'm having the same problem on my 85C10 this is a great video thank you I was thinking it was my pressure switch but this confirms it for me

[@ajarreaux]

Thanks this tip saved me a ton of money. I jump the wire harness and the compressor kicked right in

[@TheDaninator]

Check out part 2, where I fix the rear air on this extended Failblazer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5WllYGXeZupepI

[@Carbon15556]

The Daninator let me know when...I have that problem

[@TheDaninator]

Ivan Padin it will be the next vid I post. 👍

[@ZimmerZoop]

Thank you for that bypass trick. I now know my whole issue is that

[@zaid3ssaf1]

I just did the exact thing couple of days ago. Few things you might want to check: 1) The pressure switch o-ring leaks slowly (I used to lose all refrigerant in 3 months) 2) Another common leak spot is the high side schrader valve 3) make sure that you have AC set on the coolest and highest fan. Mine was cycling on and off because of that. I love my failblazer to death

[@eselover21]

Very helpful . Like how u explained about the switch. Thank you

[@akajondoe1]

Thank you for the video Its helping me fix my trailblazer AC

[@rickeyjenkins7714]

Thank you for this video. I learned my pressure switch was bad.

[@yesterdaygone4755]

good video, right to the problem and description, thank you

[@Querencias7]

E X C E L L E N T ! Great 'show-and-tell' video. Kudos / thanks!

[@larrygoertzen7533]

Hot wiring that censor saved me. I was about to buy a new pump! Very helpful video.

[@larissalee6952]

I just bought a 2002 chev trlblzr. To hot wire it . How do you do that? I mean does it have to be the exact same wire in this video? And where can I find one? Or can I find just any type of wire around?

[@JHigh3]

@@larissalee6952 any type. Preferably 18GA or bigger

[@dillonmelin7564]

@@larissalee6952u can jump it with a paper clip too. anything conductive

[@dany786191]

You save my day with that video thank you

[@justintortora9242]

Thank you I ran into the same problem this morning i just have to replace the low pressure switch and not the compressor or clutch .... thank you so much.

[@eddyray4092]

Thank you for the detailed video. Your troubleshooting helped me diagnose my issue. The problem was a loose connector.

[@johnnyb1776]

Why can’t it be that easy as a loose connection for me? Lol

[@jesusromero6225]

Thank you very much man because I fix my AC on my GMC Yukon I really appreciate it

[@samuelitocarlyta3726]

Buen trabajo 💯 Great video

[@andresdamas6313]

love you brother!! thank you i fixed mine exactly like that.

[@bigbeniv]

Man! Can't wait to try this. I may have sweat all last summer in the GA heat for no reason. My low side pressure is good, but compressor never kicks on.

[@TheDaninator]

Ben Marlow hope it works out!

[@kloudmarley8903]

Did it work

[@bigbeniv]

@@kloudmarley8903 unfortunately no. Checked everything else electrical, all seems to be working. I'm going to swap out the compressor and dryer soon.

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

Ben Marlow Pressure measurements have to be made with the compressor on. Did you check continuity of the coil wiring in the compressor coil that, when energized, turns into an electromagnet and pulls the exterior front clutch plate you can see into contact with the magnetized plate behind it thereby causing the compressor to spin when the engine is on and generate the gas pressure that runs the A/C system. You can buy a kit that includes a new coil assembly and the other parts necessary to replace a defective coil without removing any gas from the system and it can be done DIY with the compressor in the vehicle. No new compressor is required. Kits online are less than $100, but may be more at local parts stores. Compressors are designed to cycle on and off, as dictated by low and high side gas pressures with engine running, outside temperature, humidity, being sure you cut the A/C on full blast inside the car with the windows down, how cold you want the interior of the car to be, the computer commands and the various sensors, and the condition of your A/C system as a whole. The coil can be tested for its ability to be cut on and off with the engine running by removing the A/C Compressor relay in the fuse box and using a jumper as described in other You Tube videos.

[@bigbeniv]

@@Anonymous-it5jw I was mistaken, you are absolutely correct, learning alot checking out these videos. Thanks for the info, I'll look into doing that. Because my clutch doesn't activate at all, even when attempting to bypass the relay.

[@joeyratliff2815]

Appreciate the help easy to understand

[@jameshall4385]

nice trick with bypassing the sensor

[@TheDaninator]

James Hall indeed! Read about it somewhere and it came in handy. 👍

[@ericnarvaiz9216]

Good job!

[@abelsanchez1589]

Thank you very helpful

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

Be sure to hold the can in its normal, upright, valve-on-top position when adding R 134a. This other video, at about 6:10, explains why - kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHLEmJinfaedas0

[@jackcaudill9536]

He must work on house AC lol

[@unitedstatian]

@@jackcaudill9536 I do HVAC and I would slap him and send him off the job site if he ever turned a bottle of refrigerant upside down like that.

[@kneebarx]

awesome

[@warrell36]

My can of r134a says to tip between upright and 90°

[@classicv8dude268]

I think you just helped me with my mustang

[@hugoayala6472]

Thanks I'm going to change my too because if I touch the conector the clutch turns on then off should be the presure switch thanks

[@chemicalspore]

The failblazer has returned.

[@TheDaninator]

Chemical Spore I have a list a mile long of repair vids yet to do on this thing. 😂👍

[@chemicalspore]

@@TheDaninator bring it

[@j.wagner8639]

Hey.. new subscribed here! Thanks!

[@dnlmachine4287]

If you suspect a refrigerant leak, add a bit of UV dye refrigerant into the system. Get a UV "purple/black" light and check the fittings and joints and connections VERY carefully in a dark place. If your AC sort of works (switches ok, clutch cycles ok), but doesnt get properly cool, clean your AC evaporator (near heater core inside car) and condensor (near radiator). Check the cabin air filter and fresh air inlets on the cowl at rear of hood for clogging as well. Stay gold.

[@duckhunter8387]

will the clutch engage when u do this if the high side switch (on the compressor) is bad? 2006 Envoy

[@zeirick]

Only I can said is thank you 😊🙏

[@ryans413]

You can do the same test right at the AC clutch relay just pull the relay out make sure ignition is on so there’s power and jump the two pins out and clutch should engage then start the engine and check if clutch spins with the belt. Also be careful following this video not all low pressure switches are screwed on with a valve so make sure you check before you remove the switch or else all the gas will vent out to the atmosphere

[@michaelscott33]

No, you can’t. The clutch relay RECEIVES its power signal from the pressure switch itself. He is testing the switch to see if his clutch engages by bypassing the sensor. If the clutch engages, the. By default the AC compressor relay is good or else the clutch wouldn’t have received the current to engage. Understand?

[@ryans413]

@@michaelscott33 the pressure switch feeds back too the pcm if there’s no pressure in the lines it’ll send a different voltage back to the pcm and pcm won’t engage the clutch relay. The battery will have power at the relay with ignition on all you gotta do is jump out the pcm control side and it’ll send battery power to the clutch. Older systems had the clutch weird in with the pressure switch but most cars now the clutch is engages by the pcm computer.

[@ezeduke101]

@@michaelscott33 sO what if that doesn’t work & yOur clutch doesn’t engage but when doing it from tHE relay it engages & tHE air gets cold but it doesn’t engage regularly only if I jump it from tHE relay.. new compressor & dryer but not engaging & mY old compressor & dryer was engaging but tHE compressor was gOin’ bad..

[@jimmyramirez8844]

Did you fix the issue?

[@jimmyramirez8844]

What is I just the pressure connector and the compressor does not kick on but I can jump the relay boom it works good . I have a brand new ac system.

[@tylerbaxter4388]

Thank you for saving me lots of $$$

[@Bpreppye]

Do you have to release the freon before removing the sensor? I have a 02 Jeep Wj, it has no leaks nor missing gas, but the ac compressor shuts down even if its not cold inside, just fresh... i believe this could be the issue...

[@macmarz1370]

Very nice, love how u dont waste time babbling.

[@carlradcliffe3395]

Thanks man. Gonna give it a whirl.👊

[@j.m.5995]

Things there for a reason. It's ok to bypass to perform a check of the system but unless the switch is the only thing wrong it's generally not a good idea to leave the system bypass.. A guy I knew did that and he burnt up two good compressors

[@davs3393]

Thanks scanner danner

[@edincekic4834]

Great video help me to fix ac on Chevy Astro thanks

[@TheDaninator]

Glad it helped

[@bentonrodeheaver2596]

Que bueno!

[@Swenser]

If holding the can upside down does that allow any liquid refridgernt into low pressure side? Does that cause any problems.

[@c2ncourage348]

Hey there my 07 Saturn ion did the same thing. I replaced the pressure sensor and it worked two days and the air is back not blowing cold. What do you think this could be

[@deliciousness8183]

Figure it out?

[@LukeesCZ]

Hi, my clutch only engages when either the pressure switch or fuse in fuse box is bypassed. The gauge of refrigerant show full system but AC does not work = blows only hot. What is most likely my diagnosis? What should I look next into? Thank you.

[@joelew81]

Blend door actuator. You can take it out and turn the shaft that the actuator sits on by hand. Very easy only turns about 180 degrees to one side and the other. One side is hot. One side is cold. Turn it and start car and see if ac works. If so then there ya go. Actuators can be expensive so you can just use a piece of cardboard wedgit in there to hold that shaft in place I use an empty cigarette pack folded it up a couple times works like a gem saves me $200 and when it goes get cold out I'll probably just pull the car board you can turn it and just put the cardboard right back. But if you got the money just replace it

[@sprayo1e]

So when I jumped that switch my 10amp fuse blew. Safe to say I have a bad switch too?

[@noeltobongomez4707]

Any idea why my door blend actuators don’t get power at all? And it only blows warm air not cold at all

[@reded6640]

Sometime my air and sometime it don't. Ima try this

[@poohduece]

Look like there is a 3 prong harness wire on the Hi pressure line 5v Reference, signal v out and, ground wire

[@NYRican1505]

My issue is the other way around, it stays engaged and doesn't turn off even when the ac is off and it's throwing hot air, it has enough freon too

[@leehoee9158]

Hi there! So I bought an aftermarket pressure switch and it didn’t ignite the AC Clutch. I hot wired it with two grounds and it worked, I checked all my fuses and they’re good. I’m confused now. Maybe after market was defective? I bought

[@joenavarro9317]

My battery drains when I have ac on also at a stop light I think the compressor stops a few seconds then kicks back , when that happens my trailblazer wants to turn off , ?? Any reason that would happen ?is it the pressure sensor or do I need a new compressor or even an alternator

[@teweruyyygbb3361]

Bad battery

[@patrickkelley4829]

Turns out I rode around in Texas summer heat for a week with no ac because of the sensor having dirt in the connection because I had no time to mess with it until the weekend

[@patrickkelley4829]

Jumped the low pressure sensor plug to make sure the brand new compressor that’s on the truck didn’t fail and it engaged, plugged the sensor back in and the compressor stayed operating as normal. Started blowing cold immediately.

[@Dave-jc6ky]

Is that the high or low side pressure sensor? My sensor on high side is three wires. Can that be jumped as well? If so how?

[@justintortora9242]

Low bc I ran into the same issue this morning

[@camerongable5977]

I just bought a vehicle and they left a little jump cable in the same plug. Should I leave it or take it out and plug it in

[@poohduece]

My wiring harness for ac pressure sensor has 3 wire lines with the black ground one being in the middle...what hole do I insert paper clip

[@nemomilo333]

Damn this question always remains unanswered. Always has likes, but no responses. I checked the entire internet and no solution was found. Please help if you found out. I am hot! 🥵

[@TiginwithNic]

Connect the circuit...... So with three wires connect the two other wires...leave the ground out you are bypassing the switch witch turns the power on and off so the positive is going to come out go into your paper clip and back to the other positive wire witch would only be hot if the switch was closed... Make sense ?

[@sambulucci]

I have a 2017 accord V6 and the compressor turn on and off very quickly like within 4 seconds I went to AC shop the mechanic said the AC gas is good and compressor is good then what could be the cause and how can I fix it

[@scotthorn2868]

When I jump out my relay the clutch works and puts out cold air but when I put a brand new relay in it stops working what could be my problem? 2009 Chevy Malibu 4 cyl

[@Czar1980s]

Would a Check engine light come on if it was the sensor

[@dougrogers8141]

I am going to give it a try on my 2017 silverado. Thanks

[@linslino]

Bro i have a 2008 e92 bmw..my ac does give some cooling but not enough..eil it b a weak compressor or a faulty pressure sensor..?

[@AngryElf2891]

Check the Freon charge

[@rondean3775]

Its called bypass not hot wire lol.. Nice video thx!

[@trvman1]

So when changing the switch, does it allow the refrigerant to escape?

[@koden24]

It has a shaeder Valve on the accumulator

[@ratchetthelastlombax3639]

How much voltage should that sensor connection have I checked it and shows 4 volts? Working on a 2008 trailer

[@TheDaninator]

That's a good question, to which I don't know the answer. I looked it up online and saw this: "somewhere between 0.1 V for low pressure (~0 psig) and 4.9 V for high pressure (~430 psig)"

[@ratchetthelastlombax3639]

@@TheDaninator I decided to take a bite of bullet and replaced the ac pressure switch but NOW it somewhat works but new strange thing it would only turn the compressor on if you turn ac on in backseats

[@dacobjale754]

So if i tried this as well as jumping the relay itself does that mean the clutch is bad if it won’t engage at all?

[@hokagecuh]

Did you figure it out?

[@cammyrickey9501]

What part number is that sensor?

[@C7SH0CK]

my system works cold as ice, but i have to use a paperclip at relay.... charge is good but it wont kick on unless relay is paperclipped, tried other relays to no resolve

[@islandcat3930]

How do i hot wire a 4 pin high pressure switch connecter .. so i can test the clutch.. my clutch stops working when i rev the engine up while driving over 2000 rpms it will just stop. Once the engine revs down again it will come back on withing a few minutes

[@toonatp]

If I pushed that pin and nothing came out that mean I have no Freon correct ?

[@bryanc52]

That's how I always do it good job. But they say to only put in as gas which is bottle upright unless u put in hot side as fluid. But holding can upside down puts out as fluid upright is gas which they say not to do. But that's how I always do it to.

[@bmanh2355]

What happens when I’m able to engage the clutch (manually) but the system won’t take the Freon? I’m at a loss here.

[@dawierdo12345]

I know this video is older but it doesnt hurt to ask. I did this bypass and my clutch still wont kick on. Does that mean new compressor?

[@rschier1]

Why is refrigerant being added when it was ultimately discovered that the pressure detection switch/sensor was bad ?

[@terryschott3881]

I'm gonna try this on my 2000 Silverado, will it work like this for any vehicle?

[@bradsplace6652]

Good question im wondering the same thing

[@disabledvet5124]

I have no power at my low pressure switch harness, but I can bump the clutch with wires from my battery to to compressor so I know the compressor is fine . Is it just a broken wire or what

[@freshface_2106]

Did you figure this out? Also how did you jump the compressor from the battery, what did you use or how did you do it?

[@writtenpieceopaper1]

Thank you for uploading this. What does it mean if I got the clutch to kick in a few times but then it stopped spinning? It's holding the refrigerant charge. I wanted to see if it would cool so I left the wire / paper clip there to check inside maybe 2 or 3 minutes but nothing. I also tried replacing the sensor with a new one but if kept doing a low hiss. I was afraid of over tightening it. I cleaned the old sensor that was covered in black dirty (maybe carbon? Maybe oil? With maf sensor cleaner too. With the old sensor it doesn't hiss.

[@orfeous]

My clutch suddenly stopped engaging too. Has been working since last summer. Before that it stopped work for like 3 weeks and suddenly started working again without me doing anything so i dont know whats going on. My ventilation just blows warm air now. Have not tried to bypass the AC-clutch relay or bypass the highside pressure sensor. So i dont know if its a pressure switch issue, low refrigerant, bad clutch.. or something else. When it was working last week and until now it did never get super freezing cold as it did 2-3 years ago on the summer. radiator fan not turning either.. but it is working though.. ive seen it spin for some seconds. I hope i dont have a faulty condensor that is leaking.. not fun to replace! Any guessing suggestions for me?

[@TheDaninator]

Just check the simple stuff first. If they check out, a shop can check for leaks. For example, we have a radiator shop in town that also services A/C systems in vehicles. They do a quick and thorough check for leaks/compressor issues for cheap.

[@kennethkruse2535]

Check if you have enough Freon in the system first……..low on Freon causes the compressor to cycle on and off

[@orfeous]

@@kennethkruse2535 it does not cycle on and of. It doesnt come on at all sometimes. For a week.. for an hour... for 10min.. its really random.

[@orfeous]

@@kennethkruse2535 Compressor does not cycle on and off. The engine fan did though. But that was before i replaced the thermostat, cooling temperature sensor and such.. but im thinking of that i have a sticking or a bad high pressure sensor on the AC-line. That causes to refuse the compressor to start some times.. very intermitent.

[@bobbydiomartich7880]

So my ac compressor clutch does not engage when the ac is turned on but when I bypass the pressure switch it engages however after I replaced the pressure switch it’s back to not engaging again.

[@Gmoneygrip1960]

I have the same problem did you get yours fixed?

[@freshface_2106]

Did you figure this out?

[@edgarescobedo5731]

same problem any idea?

[@docm3093]

Check your refrigerant level. If it's too low or too high, the system won't kick on as well. Found this out on my own car a few yrs back and verified with a mech.

[@Foolish5shotz]

What if the compressor comes on if u jump the relay but it won't come on if I jump it from the low pressure switch connector

[@user-st6gx9ix4y]

I tested mine where you tested yours and my compressor doesn’t kick on but when I do it from the relay in the fuse box it kicks on but doesn’t kick on after I replaced everything and charged it I’m lost

[@bryan1355]

What if it’s a 3 prong harness

[@Randomman719]

I replaced my belt and tensioner I checked my clutch and it works but my compressor still won’t kick on and there’s a leak inside of my dash as well that I can hear

[@TheDomTron]

I had the same problem and I could turn on the compressor with the wire trick. But when I changed the switch, nothing happened.

[@sonricsesvel4596]

how to create continuity witha 3 terminal harness connector.

[@michaela.754]

How do i do this with a 3 wire plug?

[@TXNFan93]

What if you replaced switch and still dosent work

[@edgarescobedo5731]

did you ever figure it out got the same problem

[@TXNFan93]

@@edgarescobedo5731 I ended up just replacing all my ac components and it worked

[@robertyaeltemplo440]

Hi, where to find the pressure switch for Honda city 2010?

[@TheDaninator]

Check your local auto parts store or online. Try www.rockauto.com

[@ving5859]

did u turn on your A/C ?

[@sanityone649]

Your dumping straight liquid into your system. Be sure to follow the instructions.

[@litiviousspartus4611]

I already did this bypass and it didn't engage my ac clutch but I bypassed my relay switch in the fuse box and the clutch engaged and I was able to recharge my ac system but as soon as I removed the jumper my ac stopped, I even used a different relay and still no luck.

[@toddjr007]

The same thing happening with my 04 Yukon..

[@Foolish5shotz]

Did anyone figure it out

[@xclife211]

GBC GROUND BUSTER 3s THE BEST SIDE SLIDE AND FORWARD BITE EVER OR A A027 SUNF

[@randenstevenson4041]

When i “hotwire” the pressure switch, it locks the clutch up and will completely stop the motor. PLS let me know what you think!

[@pianomanbob88]

compressor locked up

[@sanityone649]

@@pianomanbob88 Exactly

[@littlespoon61]

You just introduced moisture and air into your ac system because you did not purge the line before filling.

[@justjoshin5140]

When I jump mine it clicks but that’s it. I have no idea what’s wrong. Like the clutch engages but then the compressor doesn’t spin

[@juniorbrant1514]

Where i can find my ac pressure switch in a 2003 honda accord ex 2.4l please ?

[@LavishTae-hw7kv]

Did u find

[@juniorbrant1514]

@@LavishTae-hw7kv yes . Thanks

[@LavishTae-hw7kv]

Junior Brant location I need to find mine lol

[@juniorbrant1514]

@@LavishTae-hw7kv Oh ok. It's located in the lower part of the condenser . If you stand up in front of the car , facing up the car the low pressure switch should be on your left side . It's attached to the condenser , if you 're replacing the switch remrmber to put a new O-ring also

[@OnTheGoKRO]

I did this and my engine shut off when I connected the wire but right before it shut off the compressor turned….. think it’s the switch?

[@santanaking1034]

The ac in my 2004 goes warm while driving but gets cold while sitting idle...what could that possibly be??

[@rustdawg7364]

My clutch will engage when jumped at the relay ,not at the pressure switch connection when I jump it.

[@bassin_uce3732]

I have the same issue. Did you ever get it fixed?

[@Donjohnson8016]

I have an 03 Chevy trailblazer and I’m running EXACTLY into the same problem. I charged the system with arctic freon, everything is looking good, but the compressor does the same thing. The thing is, when testing the sensor with a jumper, the compressor behaves the same - I kept the wire there for about 3 seconds, and the compressor started and stopped the same as if the sensor was connected. I ordered a sensor - waiting for it to arrive, but, in case it does the same after I replace the cycling switch, what else could be wrong with it…?

[@UptownAlleyFashion]

What did you find?

[@Donjohnson8016]

@@UptownAlleyFashion nothing yet… and it’s annoying… I took out all the refrigerant, hooked up a vacuum pump to the system and was able to pull a vacuum on both H and L sides. The system is able to keep a vacuum as well. I thought it might be ok to try to fill it up w/ refrigerant and I noticed that I am unable to add more than about 1/4 of a can. I am not sure what is going on, but i may have a clog somewhere in the system. I do not know how to look for a clog…I don’t know how to find one.

[@targabill]

Clutch cycling is done with the thermostat switch, pressure switch is for safety..

[@Lunarphantom99]

For my ac clutch, my wire actually burned off the connector, so it's not even connected