My '92 Legacy hasn't had working AC in a long time. However, I recently brought it to my mechanic and he tracked the issue to a couple connectors under the hood. The receiver/drier has an electrical connector coming off it that connects with a different connector right next to it. He disconnected them, jumped two of the contacts on one of the connectors with a piece of spare wire, and BAM, the compressor turned on and the car started blowing cold air. My mechanic said at one point he was able to get it working without jumping the contacts by simply disconnecting and reconnecting the two connectors, but that was short loved and now isn't working that way. What exactly do I need to fix here and where can I find replacement wires or connectors? I'm not sure where to start. Attached is a photo of the problematic connectors coming off the receiver/drier.

Edited December 5, 2025Dec 5 by floridarich
Forgot to upload photo

If that device on the dryer is good it sounds like you have a bad contact - or not the correct amount of refrigerant in the system. 

You should have two electrical devices in the system - a low pressure switch and and high pressure switch. Either of these will disable the system to protect it from damage when the gas pressures aren’t correct/within an operational range. 

What would be a good way to go about finding a solution?

I’d try wiggling or probing those wires when the system is on and should be functional.

Otherwise get an AC specialist or auto sparky involved.

Grab a service manual, print out the AC relevant parts and show your mechanic.  There's probably a diagnostic checklist section too.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/showthread.php?18087-Subaru-Factory-Service-Manuals-(FSM)-Every-Model-USDM-EU