No problem European Steve, the pressure switch is an inexpensive part and at least now we've ruled it out as the problem.

The tech believes that everything is happening correctly UNTIL the point when the ECM is supposed to signal the compressor to come on...and that signal isn't coming.

Not a good time for no a/c...the southeastern United States is coming under a heat wave today and temperatures will rise to above 100 farenheit for the next few days. Thankful that I have a bulletproof Honda as my back-up....same year as the Jag and never, ever fails me in any way, lol.

 

Do you have a part number for the A/C pressure switch you replaced in your 1997 XK8 ? After topping off my refrigerant and monitoring pressure....it started cycling on/off (click..click) and seems to cycle less after letting out some refrigerant.

 

Topping off . . . ?

What were your low/high pressures and the ambient temp?

 

I should say adding Freon. I could only measure low pressure with the gauge that came with the Freon can. It was in the range prescribed in charts available on this post at the ambient temp....in this case 35 or so at 80 degrees. The compressor now seems to click on/off...let out some freon below the prescribed chart pressure at less clicking on off of compressor.

 

Hi guys. When you say jump the Black/Blue wire to ground, where do you mean connect it to? Do you mean just a bolt to the car body?

 

Yes, connect it directly to a good earth on the chassis somewhere to simulate the switch closing.

Putting your car details in your signature would be a good idea.

 

Thanks and sorry. New to the forum.

XK8 Covertible
1996 Dec

 

As someone else mentioned in this thread, Do a complete service to the a/c system. A complete evacuation held at negative 30 psi for at least an hour. The reason for that time is to boil out any moisture in the system. Keeping in mid that both moisture and air are condensable and will create pressures that seem normal but will not produce cold air.Then recharge with virgin r-134 to spec. If the system has been charged with diy cans you may have an excessive oil charge in the system that can have a major impact on system performance. Also never use gas that has a sealer in it. I would do this before I start throwing parts at it.
Good luck

 

Thanks for your reply and yep I noticed that earlier in the thread. To do that I need a garage anyway as I do not have the kit so will have a work with a garage I use.

 

Hi. I'm experiencing a similar problem, so would be really interested to hear the latest on this! Thanks.

 

Hi. I did get a replacement pressure switch and had this fitted whilst getting a load more workdone underneath and when done the air con is still not working. That's the 3rd attempt now and I'm starting to despair with it.

Need to find somewhere that really understands this issue and car and get it done,. Preferably without getting a large bill, seeing as I've already spent probably £500 on this issue.
Any ideas for people down South of UK would be appreciated

 

Thanks, Phil. I'll update you when there is some progress with mine.

 

Hi. You might be interested in my own problem and its resolution - it did seem very similar to yours! Good luck......

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-ideas-187748/