AC compressor not engaging

I don't know where your at in CO but the altitude difference from Vegas alone was probably enough to affect your pressures enough not to run plus being on a 10yr+ pickup go get gauges an some freon without sealer so you can look or just run it by a shop at least you'll know where you stand

And yes but just so you know there are risks associated with it like ruining your compressor IT needs oil when it runs that's why they PUT the switch there so if you have a leak or it's low it doesn't energize the clutch to damage your expensive compressor

And NEVER repeat NEVER stick any of those can with leak sealer in when your charging unless you like to throw money out having to evacuate system to replace a clogged orifice or worse just make sure you read the can most of the ones in the stores you know Autozone Orielys have a sealer the one without is smaller sized like your coffee mug and on bottom shelf @walfart I think its like $6 plus a hose 8-10 but doesn't tell you your H/L pressures you can get one with a simple gauge to tell you the low side pressure IDK if they sell it separate but they sell em in a kit and you can just throw the can that came with it away if it has sealer never said it be easy or cheap

With car running with a/c control on jump the low switch on line should engage good luck

RNZL3R said:

I was under the impression that if you're refilling the A/C the compressor needs to run in order to circulate what's being put in. That's why I'm curious about engaging it. Or am I wrong and the compressor doesn't need to be running?

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Yes n No
yes that's the objective but you can still check to see ballpark if your low with just hooking up a gauge what do you think the guys at the shop are going to tell if you drive up They're gonna do same thing then they'll fill it see if the clutch energizes an you don't have leaks so they'll stick in a uv dye fill it back up run it check for leaks an just go down the list. Now it'll read higher with it off so say with everything off you have 30-40lbs pressure you know your low an probably just need to fill if you have say 80 or 90 your good and need look further but that's here an the temp is anywhere from 60 to 80 day to day.

If it turns out to be low warm up your engine again turn your a/c on max and blower max and juice it(start to fill) as soon as compressor energizes read gauge and continue to watch it you'll see it jump and come back down every time the compressor cycles just let it run an equalize once its steady read the chart to guesstimate your pressure an try to hit the bulls eye
Now low also can mean a blockage and back to what I said about sealers that's bad
Here's the chart Ive used in past that tells you the pressures for ambient temperature but I just looked at it whats the temp up there? the chart only went down to 65 but looks to be for every degree is a lb so I guess you should still be able to utilize it

AC Pressure Chart | R-134a Temperature Pressure Chart