BUT!... It's the computer that decides if the compressor clutch should be engaged.
1. The engine must be running normally.
2. The high side sensor must not indicate overpressure. (Usually only a burnt out radiator fan will do this)
3. The low side sensor must see a minimum pressure. (Indicates that refrigerant has not leaked out)
The 2001 has had 13 years for the refrigerant to leak out.
You could get a kit with a gauge at an auto store and measure as you fill it.
Be careful not to overfill it. It will not get colder, it will destroy the compressor.
It might last the summer, or it might leak out in 2 days. (Then you need a new compressor $600)
The place where the system is most vulnerable to a leak is where the compressor shaft is turned by the belt. (The only moving part exposed to the atmosphere and sealed by an O ring)
With the fuse installed, measure from the exposed metal on the fuse to a ground (like a bare piece of metal or bolt on the body). Or remove the fuse and measure from where to connects to a ground.
Yeah remove the fuse,touch positive probe to one fuse slot and touch the negative probe to the other fuse slot.The fuse has two blades that slide into two slots in fuse panel.Voltage across any fuse should be 12 volts or battery voltage.Keep in mind that some fuses are hot all the time and other fuses are hot only when the key is on/engine off.If you get 0 volts,make sure you turn key on/engine off just in case the circuit is only hot when the key is on.
No need to remove the fuse. Attach negative meter probe to a good ground then use positive probe to test for voltage on both sided of fuse. You will notice there is a small slot on each end of fuse for this purpose.
The first thing to do is check the refrigerant charge using the proper gauge set to do so.
Low refrigerant is the major cause of a/c failure.
If you don't know how to test a fuse you should probably not be trying to diagnose a problem.
Measure volts from there to any metal outside of the fuse.
I have a ford focus 2001 zx3, and am trying to follow the manufacture repair manual to diagnose an inoperative A/C conditioning. In one of the pin point tests, it calls to test the voltage at Fuse F15. How do you go about this step? Do I have to take off fuse F15, and then attach the voltmeter red lead to the fuse box (where F15 goes), and black lead to ground? Am I understanding this right? I am learning, so bare with me. I am sure some of you guys this is like basic math, but others are still in the process of mastering this. thanks
