Activate A/C compressor clutch

2013 DODGE CARAVAN
170,000 MILES • 3.6L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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OLD WRENCH
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Rear A/C line blew Just after turning off van .
fixed with lines block off kit .vacuumed system. It holds no leak .applied r134a through manifold gauge low side . Open r134a open low side line start van .
A/C clutch will not engage .
r134a can still full not going in.
Jul 23, 2020 at 4:36 PM
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KASEKENNY
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Let's try something with the refill can hooked up. Jump 12 volts to the clutch with the engine on and see if it comes on. If it does then let it run for about 10 seconds and then remove the jumper and see if it starts cycling on its own.

More then likely the pressure switch is keeping the compressor off. However, if it still doesn't run with the jumper then the compressor has failed.

Let's start here and go from there. Thanks

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-how-to-add-freon

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system
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Jul 23, 2020 at 4:45 PM
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OLD WRENCH
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Thanks but just a note on this year model 12 v is always on when key on , ground is controlled. Must apply both to check clutch engagement.
Jul 27, 2020 at 5:02 AM
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KASEKENNY
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Thanks. It has been a while since I looked at a TIPM based vehicle but I think the compressor on this is a high side driver. Meaning the switch is on the batter side of the load which would be the TIPM as there is no relay for this circuit. You are referring to a low side driver which would be the switch is on the ground wire and when it is closed, it completes the circuit.

On this vehicle the compressor should only have power at the compressor when the PCM grounds the control circuit and then sends power through the TIPM to the compressor. So you are correct that it is ground controlled but the control wire from the PCM to the TIPM is what is ground controlled.

Take a look at the wiring diagram and you will see the ground wire goes straight to ground. So the compressor itself is a high side driver. The low side driver would be considered the control side.

Let us know if you need more info. Thanks
Jul 28, 2020 at 4:54 PM