BACKGROUND:I have a very basic understanding of A/C but am far, far from an expert. I have a manifold gauge set and a A/C vacuum pump.

We picked up a 2000 Neon for the girlfriend's daughter. The previous owner told us the A/C hadn't worked in about 5 years and seemed to have "some sort of electrical problem". The problem turned out to be a cut wire below the radiator where he'd bottomed out and mangled the wiring harness. Now the A/C compressor clutch will engage if I short out the low pressure switch. I only ran it long enough to see if it would run - less than 5 seconds. No funny noises in that short time period.

Now I'm ready to pull a vacuum and charge it up. I'm planning to replace the dryer, as everything I've read says it's a good idea. Also knowing that the high pressure hose is a trouble spot on Neons, I plan to replace that.

Is there any way to test the compressor? Should I be suspicious of it since it hasn't run in a long time? Are there any other parts besides the dryer and hose I should replace before possibly wasting a couple of cans of Freon?

Thanks in advance,

J

Pretty much now way to check it.If the clutch didnt make wierd noises its probally OK.When you pull a vacuum hold it for a while to see if it drops.The dryer is a good idea to replace.Just remember to evac the system before you unhook anything.They still can have 134 in them and not turn on the compressor.Rocky

Put your gauges on the system then run the compressor again. The low side will pull down if the compressor is good. It will pull into a vacuum if the the charge is low enough. Also the high side gauge should go up if there is enough charge in the system.

If there was any pressure in the system (even a few psi) it's enough to prevent moisture from entering the system so I wouldn't change the dryer or any other component, just charge it and hope. A couple of pounds of R-134 isn't that much money.

A couple cans of 134 are cheap compared to the parts. Do as stated above and just try it if it works great if not your out $12 bucks or so, I charge my one car evry year as it goes down but two cans later its full.