I bought this car in the winter, work on the ignition/fuel so that it starts reliably, checked out the mechanicals. repaired/replaced the broken/missing trim, etc. I don't drive it much, It's an automatic...
It's hot now and I need A/C. There is no belt on the compressor.
I'm in need of expert advice on checking it out and getting it working.
From the info I have. here's my plan.
1. Buy a can of R134 with gauge on hose. (is retrofitted 134 per label on firewall) to see if there is any pressure in system.
2. If there is some pressure, I'll install new belt and start engine
2b. If no pressure in system then what?
4. Turn on A/C and see if it compressor runs, makes noise, throws belt off, gets cold? how long should this take.
5 Top off the charge if needed. Is suction side pressure in the ball park?

I forgot. You will also want to make sure that your cooling fan behind the grill is working, otherwise your system will not work efficiently as it should.

If it has no belt that may be because the compressor is frozen and last own took it off so as not to cause problems. You check by hand to see if it is free. If it has oil in it, it should be OK. Unfortunately, you do not know how much is there without draingin and refilling (should be around 8 oz of PAG oil).

You disconnect the compressor wire at the connector near the compressor and carefully (so as not to ground the wire on anything) run a jump from it to the battery + terminal to see if the clutch is working. Once you know the compressor is free and clutch is working then you can put on a belt.

Like last post says you may need more than one can of R134A (if system is empty) before the pressure switch (up by the reciever dryer can at the firewall) will engage the compressor clutch. You can check the switch with an Ohm meter (or continuity tester) to see if it is working (continuity if OK).

If the system is empty it should take about 32 oz of R134A. Remember, you can get 11 or 12 oz cans much cheaper then the ripe-off 3 oz cans. If the compressor cycles on for about one second repeatedly, then you don't have enough R134A refrig.

There are a lot of post this time of year about air conditioning. You might want to do a search on the brickboard and get more information than from this shade tree mechanic.

Gary

I put the belt on, turned on the heater switch to the snowflake. compressor not running.
When I attached the r124 can with the guage on the hose to the fitting at the top of receiver dryer with the blue screw on dust cap (suction?), I had a reading of 20#
I added a little to 35# on gauge. still not running. checked fuses 7.9.17 OK
guess I'll put +12 on compressor clutch next?
or jumper pressure switch?

2. even with some pressure, it may still be too low if there is a low pressure switch that prevents the compressor clutch from engaging (the PCM doesn't send a signal for voltage).

2b. if no pressure, you'll have to check if there's a leak in the system. Either look for PAG oil (green stuff) or R134 around/under the lines, or put the AC system in vacuum and see if it holds vacuum. leaks can be caused by degraded/damaged o-rings or loose fittings.

4. if system doesn't leak, charge with refrigerant. but you'll have to confirm the compressor clutch (1) engages and (2) doesn't slip because there's corrosion on the friction surfaces.