YACT: Checking the AC in winter?

[Hubris]

In early January, I bought a used Jeep Grand Cherokee, and I got a 60 day complete warranty from the dealer, and I just was wondering if there's any way to make sure the AC is working. I know jack about AC systems, but I kind of get the impression that if you turn it on in the middle of the winter, it's just gonna pull in outside air. If I'm wrong, please tell me, or tell me how I can make sure it's working, so if I need to get it fixed I can do it before the 60 days runs out.


Here're some pics, too:

Outside1

Outside 2

Outside 3

Yeah, you can seem my license plate. If someone wants to hunt me down, knock yourself out. 😛

 

[Heisenberg]

The compressor will come on when you turn on the defroster. Try that and see if you can hear and feel it cycle in and out.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: Heisenberg
The compressor will come on when you turn on the defroster. Try that and see if you can hear and feel it cycle in and out.

This is true, I would add. Lift the hood and you can see the a/c clutch engage & disengage. Put your hand on the condenser where the discharge hose from the pump mounts to feel if it is warm. The condenser is mounted in front of the radiator.

For a small fee an auto a/c shop can put pressure gages on the system and tell if it is low on freon.

Note: The a/c normally comes on when using the defroster to dry the air before it is heated.

 

[FoBoT]

what if you run it in a warm garage ? (not long enough to die from exhaust fumes of course)