Volvo AC problems

[rockyct]

1996 Volvo 850
about 145000 miles

I think my AC started to die last fall and it died completely over the winter/spring. Now the air is not being cooled at all. I tried a recharge kit but when I hook up the gauge it reads about 70psi (yes, this is the low side). I did some reading and there's a low pressure switch that prevents the compressor from running, so I tried shorting the switch but the pressure did not go down.

So, I'm thinking my compressor is dead. I know my model of Volvo has major problems with the evaporator, but it seems to me like the compressor isn't turning on.

Any ideas on how to troubleshoot my issues and possible be able to fix it myself? The car's only worth about $3k, so I not going to spend over a $1k fixing the AC.

 

[Pacfanweb]

So did the compressor run when you jumped the low pressure switch? You should be able to look at it and tell when the clutch energizes
and locks up. Not to mention hear it.
Also, you need to check for power at the low pressure switch and at the compressor when you're jumping the switch.

If your A/C relay is bad, there'll be no power anywhere. That's where I'd start from here. 70 psi should be more than plenty to kick that
low pressure switch on.
I could tell you all sorts of other things it could be, but let's just start with these basics.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Pacfan has it.