97 Dodge Dakota 5.2L ac clutch not engaging how can I jump start the clutch to see if it's working?

Darryl Walker... hello,

Good thinking!

First thing we want to do (before getting overly complex into the A/C trouble shooting)... would be to construct a battery test wire
Directly from the Positive (+) terminal... using 16 gauge "automotive" wire...
(of course this TROUBLE probability is less than... 5% (?))...

IMLTHO (in my less than humble opinion)...

It's gonna be your PRESSURE SWITCH...!!

MOVING right along (test wire):
Any size clamp/clip you can fit to you "test wire" is just fine...

Your clutch is "normally" free wheeling GROUND based device...

Check it is free FROM THE BELT...
(turn compressor with your hand)

Disconnect the connector at the clutch and apply (touch) you battery to the wire going into the clutch winding...

In my ERA... we could hear an AUDIBLE "click"
(not particularly important)... What you want to check is that the
pulley is absolutely locked..
(the center is only going to move if the belt moves)...

Remove your test wire... Put connector back together (normal).

Your mission has been accomplished...

Not that anything is wrong with the PRESSURE SWITCH... Just: After 17 years your MAIN-SEAL is beginning to act OLD (passing refrigerant).

The A/C clutch has been eliminated as the reason...
This is your moment of truth... 16 years of faithful service

Do you go to a NEW ($5) MAINSHAFT SEAL... spare all the possible expenses of driers, trashed compressors... wasted refrigerants...
and multiple LABOR... or just get that MAIN SEAL... and go for ANOTHER 17 years of COOL peace & tranquility...???

You can squeeze a year or two more... MAYBE or
check out rockauto.com (below) for your seal kit...
Do it right... or...

ELSE...

Now check the sight glass on your dryer...
(never-mind... that was the olden days...
(bubbles or nothing while running mean low/no charge)).

So boogie on down to Kragen, Napa, Reilly (really), Autozone or Walmart and use up your one or two "can" charges (12 oz of R134a)... add to the LOW PRESSURE side of your AIR CONDITIONING... while running (upside down)

After the first two shots... You have got to WORRY about LOST compressor oil... and why after so MANY YEARS of faithful service your A/C is not working...

Simple... seals (I'm just saying
(10 cars... & many moos later))...

I'll be around if you want to comment me back...
Saved MYSELF big bucks... on AIR CONDITIONING
(& Buying a couple of books)...

Not bad... but refrigerants can be dangerous to play with... Respectful ... intelligent grease monkeys eed only apply...!!

Best regards, hope this inspires...!!
(Yes, I bought ALL that equipment... still $1000's ahead).

Check out the seal kit at: $5 ... $6
http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1251388&cc=1087714&jsn=465
More Information for FOUR SEASONS 26707

Or the whole compressor... (only) for $525.99 ... (today)):

http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=5536986&cc=1087714&jsn=460

More Information for MOPAR RL055540AM