AC not working after Starter replacement

[AmyJoe9]

I recently replaced my starter and the AC stopped working. I checked the freon level and it says its over charged...which I know is not right because the AC worked fine before changing the starter. Then I realized the compressor was not kicking on nor the fan that sits behind the radiator. The fan inside works but blows hot air. I've checked the relays for the compressor and AC...not sure what that works but on my diagram it has a snowflake and says AC lol I switched them out with other relays and still nothing. I did go back under the car and trace the wires to the plug for the compressor and its plugged in. I read that disconnecting the battery could cause the blend door to be stuck in the wrong place but wanted to check other ideas before tracing down HVAC relays and fuses like google said to do.

Weeks before we did hear a squeaking noise from under the hood that sounded like a bearing in the area of the belt. Belt is new btw....and thought maybe this was a sign the compressor was going out and it was a coincidence that it stopped after the starter replacement.

 

[Handy Andy]

If the Starter is OK, you may have bumped or cut the wires to the A/C clutch - check the fuses and inspect the wiring to the AC clutch - the Loom it is in - make sure you didn't inadvertently cut or pinch a wire in the harness going to the AC clutch during your installation.

​

In the Engine bay, the Fuses are F41 (10 amp RED) and F26 - which may be either a 7.5A (blue or amber) or 15A - check your owners manual for Fuse location and numbering at the time that car was made. It can change thru the years this vehicle was made.

Here's a working schematic of the AC Clutch relay and wiring - note and pay attention to; and verify, the color codes



Relay R45 is your AC clutch relay.

To see if the wiring is intact, don't Start or Run the engine - leave it Off. Just use any DVM in the 200Ω Ohm setting and pull the R45 Relay - locate it's Pin 5 and map it to your Fuse-block - then place one Tester lead in the slot/Hole in the Fuse block and the Other to battery Ground Post - see if you can complete the Circuit - should be less than 60 Ω in resistance - but not ZERO or lower (Less) than 5Ω.

If it shows a short, the Loom it's in needs to be inspected - if it's open - same thing but look for breaks in the wiring loom to help locate the internal break.