Had some record breaking temps today, so I took advantage of them to do some diagnostic work on the AC system. Started by checking the switch that keeps the compressor from kicking in if there isn't enough freon in the system. Continuity test was good, so switch should be working.
While I had the plug off the switch, I started the car and clicked on the AC button. Then hotwired the plug, which sends juice from 1 wire to the other. This is what would happen if the system had enough freon in it - the switch would send juice from 1 wire to the other.
The compressor kicked on. Pulled the jumper wire out and plugged it back into the switch. Shut the AC button off and back on. Compressor didn't start. Hotwired, started. That tells me the system doesn't have enough freon. It was last filled 2 yrs ago.
Upon looking at the condensor, there is a grease spot on it, like there's freon leaking out of it.
Guess that's a good news - bad news situation. Chances are there's a leak in the condensor and it would solve my final AC issue. But condensors aren't cheap and I'm having an expensive mo w/ property taxes due at mo end. Might have to wait until next mo, but I felt like I made progress today.