I had a slow Freon leak that I let run completely out before recharging (primarily because it was winter and I didn't think about it). The compressor clutch will no longer engage because I assume it is stuck in the low pressure setting. I recharged without checking to see if the clutch was engaging or not and the Freon levels are full now. However, without the clutch to engage the compressor its basically useless. I am assuming the system isn't seized, but I read that I can bypass the fuse and computer and force the clutch to engage (in hopes of getting everything back to normal). Is that correct and is there a huge risk to it?

I am not an experienced mechanic so please do not assume I know anything more than very basic things.

2007
Chevrolet 1500 Silverado
4 door
4.8L V8

 

If you tried to charge it without the compressor running then you probably didn't get much freon in. Jumper out the low pressure switch and the compressor clutch will probably kick in. Then you can properly charge the system.

 

When you say jumper the low pressure switch...not sure what that means...is that similar to bypassing the relay with a paper clip or something of that nature?

 

There is a low pressure switch usually on the accumulator or drier. Unplug the wire connector and use a piece of wire to jumper the 2 wires in the connector.