Questions about A/C Compressor/Temp Switch wiring

[jlane1820]

To anyone who may know...
2 things I've never had in my '82 C10 since I got it in 2000; a working A/C and a working temp gauge.
I'm working on fixing those now. One of the things I've run into is the compressor wiring connector. The plastic connector with the Dk. green and black wires is broken but still useable. I know it goes to the compressor, and it connects to the tabs both ways, but I can't tell which side of the compressor each wire hooks up to. I drew a quick diagram below of what I am looking at. Does anyone know which side/tab each wire connects to?

Also, in the diagram, there is a Lt. green wire coming out of the same loom, originating from the same harness towards the center back of the engine compartment behind the distributor. It also has a plastic connector which has a locking lever. I originally thought this was the temp switch wire, but I just installed a new switch and when I hook it up, still no reading on the gauge. I've also read the temp switch wire is supposed to be dark green. Does anyone know what this wire goes to? And where would the temp switch wire originate if this is not it? Any help you guys can offer will be much appreciated.

[Russ130]

I'm pretty sure it gets plugged in just the way you drew it. The light green probably goes to the evaporator pressure control switch but I believe it should have a different connector but I could be wrong. The temp wire is dark green and can be traced from the firewall bulkhead connector. There are other green wires so just trace it until you find the right one. It will have a similiar connector as the one with the light green wire.

[VileZambonie]

Ground the other wire and observe the gauge with the key on. Either way on the compressor clutch will work.

[eventhorizon66]

That Lt Green wire goes to a solenoid mounted on the carb (in front of the throttle linkage) that bumps the idle up when the compressor is switched on.

[Lt.Del]

i dunno if this helps, but mine is a '91 and the pressure switch has a lgiht green and dark green wire.

[eventhorizon66]

i dunno if this helps, but mine is a '91 and the pressure switch has a lgiht green and dark green wire.

So is mine, but jlane is talking about the wiring at the compressor not the drier.

[VileZambonie]

Actually, that's an accumulator 

[eventhorizon66]

LOL, thanks for straightening me out, Vile.

[VileZambonie]

Thought you'd like that 

[jlane1820]

Makes sense then about the lt. green wire being such a mystery. I haven't run a Q-jet on the truck in years so I no longer have that solenoid that it connects to. So I just gotta find that other dk. green wire for the temp switch! But thanks to everyone for your input...it was a big help!!

[jlane1820]

Sorry, almost forgot another question I had, but I have been reading in other threads where the defrost selector is a vacuum activated valve, correct? Reason being, I have a vacuum hose coming out of the firewall that I can't seem to place. It also just happens that my defrost doesn't blow any air when I activate it with the switch, the air still comes out of the front. I was wondering if this vacuum line maybe had something to do with that? Again, thanks for all your input, gentlemen!

[VileZambonie]

That needs to go to your vacuum reserve canister (the ball looking thing) and the canister should have manifold vacuum connected to it.

[jlane1820]

Thanks, Vile!