a/c clutch will not engage
 

I have a 1991 6 cylinder 5 speed supra. The a/c light comes on but a/c clutch will not engage, can anyone help me troubleshoot? Also where can i get replacement shocks that hold the hood up? thanks

Hood Shocks
 

You can get replacement hood shocks at Autozone, Orielly, or Advanced Auto for about $40 for a pair. It's well worth it to keep the hood off of your head.

thanks I have visited Advance they do not have the hood shocks but do for the hatchback. I am looking for the hood shocks.

First check to make sure there is refrigerant in the system. If there is not enough or none at all, the compressor clutch will not engage. If the system is full, it could be a bad pressure switch. These are easy to test by unplugging it and jumping the terminals to bypass the switch. There are other causes for your problem but those 2 are the most common and would be the easiest to check. Also if the car has not been retrofitted for R134A refrigerant (originally uses R12), you may have trouble getting it serviced at some shops.
I got hood lifts from Pep Boys for around $40 for both with 2 year warranty. Could probably find cheaper ones but the ones I bought appeared to be of decent quality.

Hood Shocks
 

Sorry, I thought that they had them at Advanced Auto Parts also. I bought mine at Orielly's, for $40 with a lifetime warranty. Try there. :)

a/c clutch
 

Thanks, first should the freon be visible in the circular window going to cannister in front of radiator? If there is non does advance carry a retrofit for the new freon? Also we do not have a pepboys here in alabama. But i may try to get a pair shipped. Where is the plug to bypass connection into the ac compressor? Thanks

No you will only see oil in there if the compressor is pumping. Retro fit kits are usually wherever the R134A is kept. Ask the counter person if you cant find them. You will also want to change the receiver/dryer (canister w/ window). There are 2 switches in the pipe going into the firewall just under the passenger side strut tower. I don't remember which is which but one controls the fan and the other is called a dual pressure switch (hi/lo), this one would cut out the compressor clutch if triggered by an incorrect pressure or if it was defective. Good luck.

Did Toyota switch to the r134a systems cause my 89 has the r134a fittings and not the r12 fitting. Unless The first owner did the refitting.

I believe all cars sold in the U.S. after 1995 use R134A. Anything before that would originally use R12 with possibly very few exceptions.

There is also a fuse block in the passenger kick panel with a 10amp fuse in it.
That's where my a/c issue was...
If you had a bad pressure switch or amplifier the a/c light would flash.

just get yourself a supra stick.. everyone has it. be sure to put a jdm sticker on it.

supra ac
 

Thanks I unplugged and bypassed one of the switches and the clutch engaged making a terrible grinding noise and smoked a bit, also engine ran very rough. The system did not absorb any of the freon, so I shut it off. My thoughts were if freon was low once absorbing a bit would stop the noise. I did not let this run for long before shutting off. Decided to take it to someone with more knowledge but wanted to get a few thoughts here. The switch i bypassed was reinstalled, now when i start the car I get the same noise from the compressor with ac button off. I'd like to remove the ac belt but the adjustment belt pulley does not move only the bolt backs out, any ideas ? I'm sorry this all seems so scattered. I appreciate all responses.

You at least have a bad a/c clutch.
To remove the belt loosen the center pulley nut and then the tensioner bolt.
If all else fails... cut it.

That terrible grinding noise is never good. It might just be rust grinding off the clutch surface if it hasn't been used in awhile but not likely. Remove the belt and see if it spins by hand smoothly. The car is old, it is probably leaking and should be checked properly for leaks before buying anything. It would be best to replace the compressor and clutch together along with the dryer and some new freon.
Its prolly not gonna be cheap. If you cant handle fixing it all at once just cut the belt off, roll the windows down (and take the top off if your in a targa!) and save your money for gas.

I havent had my ac hooked up in forever. I cant even remember why it's off.