A/C Recharging Problem

I'm trying to add refrigerant to my 1998 Ford Escort ZX2. I connect the hose from the can of refrigerant to the low pressure line, turn the car on w/the a/c turned up to max. I press the button on the can but no refrigerant leaves the can. My uncle told me that my freon got too low and the fan won't kick on so I need to pull the relay switch from the accumulator and open a paper clip and stick the two ends into the two holes on the inside of the switch. It's a real tight squeeze to get my hand to a point where I can actually reach the switch, and when I do I'm not sure how to unplug the switch. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

First, your a/c is computer enabled - jumping the cycling switch will accomplish nothing. Not the same as your uncle's '77 chevy. Second, compressor operation should not be required to add freon. A vacuum on the system may. Have you even checked the pressures? Is it 134 you're trying to add?

 

Its a 1988 model and it was originally equipped with R12 refrigerant. Has it been changed over? When was the last time the A/C actually worked? Why are you adding Freon to it now? Do you have real A/C gages? What are the pressure readings?
Billy

 

Says it's a 1998???

 

OOPS..... LOL..... I guess I should have gone to bed already.
Sorry about that. Please disregard the questions concerning R12 refrigerant.
Billy

 

Sorry so long to reply.... Thanks for your help guys. I took it to a service station. It was the a/c control module. The compressor wasn't getting any power so they did an electrical diagnostic on it ($66.00). The refrigerant wasn't charging because it was full. The a/c control module cost $167.79 and $33.00 for labor. Could've been worse. I appreciate your help.