My A/C hasn't worked since I bought vehicle 4 years ago. Can't stand this summer heat. I bought a can of artic freeze at the auto store just to try it out, needed to recharge my minivan anyway. Pressure was 0 brought it up to ~45. Drove down the road a mile and pulled over to check it. The Aux fan was working, never has worked before. The air was still hot however even 15 minutes later.

• How can I tell if my compressor is working?
• Why would the fan all of sudden start to work?
• What else do I need to check on?
  
  Strange update:
  On the way home smoke was rolling from rear wheels. I'm guessing my calipers locked up.
  

Thanks,

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1983 300D Turbo, 150K

1. the center hub will spin with the belt...
2. vibration could have gotten the bearings free... or you may just not have noticed it running before, or it's HOT!!!
3. pressure with the car off, voltage to the wiring to the compressor clutch...

arctic freeze? I think that is just an oil additive...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

How do you check voltage to compressor clutch? Is there a contact point to get leads on?

I got the arctic freeze at O'Reily's Auto Parts. It says it is R134a with oil in it. it was on 18 oz can with a pressure gauge on it.

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1983 300D Turbo, 150K