I have a 99 GS400. Yesterday the a/c light on my console started blinking and I noticed it wasnt cooling like it was before. But 2 days prior when I was idle I would turn on the a/c and it wouldnt blow cold air until I accelerate. Could the problem be the Magnetic Clutch Relay Switch?

 

Check for codes by pressing AUTO and R/F SW while you turn the key on. all indicators should light up for one second 4 times in succession. Then you should hear a buzzer. Then a code should read out on the display.

Report back.

Generally it could just mean your compressor is either low on r134 or is leaking slowly...etc.

 

Sorry, but what is R/F SW?

 

Auto switch and recirculation switch. 1st button and third button on the upper (top) most row.

 

Thanks! The code I received was 00. I was told yesterday by a mechanic that the compressor has locked up.

 

You can tell if you compressor is locked up if you take a look at the compressor when the car is running. First turn on your car with no a/c running, take a look at the front most part of compressor and see if its spinning (the pulley should be spinning but not the clutch) then kick on the a/c on full blast (probably better to have someone else do this while you're looking at the compressor/clutch) and it should engage. If it doesnt then you have a compressor problem.

This is potentially something you can fix yourself -- but dont release refrigerant into the ozone.

Im not condoning that you can fix it yourself; but it is a diy job if you have a small air compressor and a $15 vaccum pump made from refrigerant from hardware stores.

 

00 is defined as "Normal" by the way. Basically not a circuit or sensor issue according to the vehicle.

 

I went through the code check again and got a 22 this time.

 

Here you go. Compressor Lock Sensor Circuit.

 

Nice chart!

 

yup, pretty much what happened with mine! you need a new buddy, i went with a used one!

 

I went with a used last year, I regret that decision, because the used came to have the same problem, so come this summer imma get a new one, im done playing around lol

 

Did you replace your expansion valve?

 

Bringing this back...

So I just did the check, got 00, so I checked the compressor and sure enough, the clutch spun for 10 secs upon kicking the a/c on and then locked up.

So this means I need a new compressor correct?

Where is the best place to get it for the best price?

Thanks,

 

I’m just a tad confused. I’ve pulled up code 43 but then I pushed the R/F button again and the displays then flashes “20, temp 21, temp 22....” all the way to 29 and then starts over. As the number increases, the lights continue to flash and my blower kicks on a little faster. Hits 29 on display then the blower shuts off. Starts over.