Shops are finding the root problem for a VW Golf compressor clutch won’t engage may be caused by a fuse box corrosion issue, not a bad compressor clutch or low refrigerant issues as most people suspect (VW calls this a fuse bracket).
- Using a fused 12-volt jumper, apply power to pin T14/10 (green/black). The compressor clutch should engage. If the compressor does not engage, check for a wiring harness open circuit or loss of ground at the compressor.
What would cause an AC clutch to not engage?
One of the reasons why compressors do not engage is because of a low pressure lockout, a poor ground, a bad clutch coil, an opening in the wire to the clutch coil, or simply a blown fuse. There are several ways A/C compressor clutches receive power.
Can you manually engage AC compressor clutch?
Unplug the single wire connector on the front side of the compressor. Take the fused jumper wire and connect its one end to that side of the wire connector that was connected to the compressor. It will supply the battery voltage to the compressor clutch, allowing it to engage manually.
How do I manually jump my AC compressor clutch?
At the compressor’s front side, unplug the single wire connector, take a jumper wire and attach it to the wire that you just disconnected from the compressor. Connect the other end of the jumper’s wire to the positive terminal of the car battery. This will enable the compressor to start manually.
How do I know if my compressor clutch is bad?
Bad AC Compressor Clutch Symptoms
- Higher Cabin Temperatures. The most common sign of all bad ac compressor clutch symptoms is a higher cabin temperature than usually during hot days when you need the A/C.
- Loud Noises.
- Clutch Stopped Moving.
- Inability to Turn Air On or Off.
- Leaking Refrigerant.
How do I know if my AC clutch relay is bad?
One of the most obvious signs that the AC relay may have a problem is that the compressor is not coming on at all. In most cases, when the AC is turned on you will be able to hear the compressor switch on. It will usually produce a familiar clicking noise from the clutch being activated.
Will AC clutch engage with low Freon?
If the Freon levels are too low, the clutch will fail to engage which means there’s not enough refrigerant for the compressor to pressurize. In other words, your air conditioning system has nothing to work with!
What causes low pressure lockout?
When a unit cycles or locks out on the low pressure switch, what should you look for? the most common cause is low air flowacross the evaporator. look for dirty filters, dirty evaporator coil, dirty blower wheel.
Why does my car AC compressor not work?
If the AC compressor doesn’t turn on, the most common culprit by far is low AC refrigerant. Poor grounding, frayed wiring, bad clutch coil, and defective AC pressure sensor switch can also be an issue although less common.
AC Compressor Clutch will not engage
All, Thank you for your assistance; pin T14/10 on the FCM was producing 5.6V, which was the same amount as the voltage flowing to my compressor clutch. After checking all of the other pins on the FCM, I came to the conclusion that the FCM was malfunctioning. I changed it last night, and the new one is operational, and the output of pin T14/10 on the FCM is now 13V, which corresponds to the output of the compressor clutch. All that remains is for me to replace the faulty AC clutch with a working one.
Work has been suspended.
Comments: The most likely cause of the problem was a faulty FCM.
The automobile was driven on a hot day with high humidity and the air conditioning was working hard, and the cooling fan and compressor clutch failed as a result of being coupled with low voltage.
There were a number of discussions that I referred to, and I’ll attempt to update this article as soon as I locate those threads.
Once again, thank you to everyone for your assistance!
What Should I Do If AC Compressor Clutch Is Not Engaging
In case you notice that the air conditioning (AC) compressor clutch in your automobile is not engaging, you may need to get assistance from a professional. You will discover what you can do in such a case by reading this post. It is possible that the compressor clutch is not engaging for a variety of reasons. However, you will be unable to utilize your air conditioning system during this time. The compressor clutch is a critical component of your vehicle’s air conditioning system. As a result, it is a significant annoyance for the passengers when it is rendered useless.
In some cases, even if you use synthetic oil or coolant in your car, the compressor clutch might be destroyed as a result of electrical issues.
The majority of automobiles today employ an electromagnetic air conditioning clutch system to automate the operation of engaging and disengaging the air conditioning compressor.
Because you rely on your air conditioning system to perform flawlessly, we’ll walk you through the procedures you should take in such a case. But first, let’s go over some of the fundamentals of an air conditioner compressor clutch.
What is an AC Compressor Clutch?
It is the flywheel of your car’s engine that provides the power for an air conditioning compressor clutch to operate. Using an electromagnetic switch, it is controlled by a clutch system in which the shaft of the flywheel is engaged and disengaged from a spinning shaft of the clutch system. Your car’s air conditioning system is comprised of several critical components, two of which are the compressor and clutch. These parts, as well as other automotive components, should be regularly maintained in order to guarantee that they are always in proper working order at all times.
How Does an AC Compressor Clutch Work?
The clutch compressor is triggered in order for you to be able to utilize the air conditioning in your automobile anytime you wish. The clutch compressor is powered by an engine that is directly linked to the pump rotor of the compressor by means of a belt drive. The majority of automobile air conditioning systems make use of an electromagnetic clutch element that engages the compressor in order to spin the air conditioning unit. The compressor clutch is made out of a friction plate that is placed next to an electromagnetic coil to provide friction.
This generates a powerful electromagnetic force that pulls the coil in the direction of the friction plate and contacts the pump rotor, which in turn drives the compressor to operate.
How to Determine Whether the Compressor Clutch Is Working
The pump will not operate if the clutch does not engage with the compressor. There will be no coolant or refrigerant to circulate through the air conditioning system in order to cool your vehicle if this occurs. To determine whether or not the clutch is functioning properly, use the following methods:
- Set the air conditioning controls to the highest possible setting. Start the vehicle’s engine. Take a closer look at the front of your clutch purse. When you reach this point, the clutch and pulley should both be rotating. It is not possible for the clutch to operate when the pulley is the only spinning component.
Important pointers to remember if you are not an expert in automobile maintenance. According to Smart motorist, I recommend that you collaborate with a Car Diagnostic Tool. Most scan tools can be plugged straight into your dashboard and can even give you notifications when there is a problem with your vehicle’s electrical system. This is not only for problems with the air conditioning compressor, but for nearly all problems with the engine as a whole.
What Can Make The Clutch Not To Engage?
Some of the probable reasons why the clutch does not engage with the compressor are listed below.
- An insufficient amount of lubricant in the compressor
- Too much refrigerant
- Not enough refrigerant Using the clutch sensor’s lockout as a default setting: Most current automobiles are equipped with air conditioning compressor clutches, which are controlled by the high- and low-pressure switches, as well as the amount of compressor oil, which is controlled by the fuse. This combination of three factors can prevent the clutch from engaging if the sensor detects that the compressor has inadequate oil, has too much refrigerant, or has too little refrigerant. Fuse that has been blown: To determine whether or not the fuse has been damaged, turn off the car’s engine and remove the fuse from the system. Check the fuse with a multimeter or any other instrument that can determine the fuse’s state of readiness. If the fuse has not been damaged, it should be returned to its original position.
What Should I Do If AC Compressor Clutch Is Not Engaging?
The following are some of the various methods that you might take to resolve the situation. The level of compressor oil may be easily determined by looking through the display glass. A red line in the display glass indicates that there is sufficient oil. If the level falls much below the red line, you will need to add more oil. It is essential that you choose an oil type that is appropriate with your specific compressor model. Make use of compressor oils that have been certified by the manufacturer of your air conditioning system.
A high pressure reading on the system indicates that the compressor has been overloaded with a refrigerant, which is not usual.
You should drain the refrigerant from the compressor if you are convinced that it has been overcharged. A discharge valve should be located near the gauge. Continue to bleed until you reach the desired degree of pressure.
The amount of coolant in the compressor should be checked to see whether it is too low by looking at the pressure gauge on the high-pressure side of the compressor. If the pressure gauge records a lower pressure than required, the compressor is too low. You can find out what degree of pressure to use in your automobile by consulting the owner’s handbook for your vehicle. Recharging your refrigerant is possible with the use of repair kits, which come with detailed instructions on how to recharge the coolant.
Conclusion
It is not difficult to determine whether or not your air conditioner’s compressor clutch is faulty. If you notice that anything is not operating properly with the air conditioning system, you can assess if there is a problem with it. If the DIY suggestions don’t provide the desired results, you may take the car to your technician and have him do a thorough inspection of the air conditioning system. When there is a problem with the system, the clutch on the AC compressor is not supposed to engage.
As a result, the next time the clutch fails to engage, be sure to check these components on a regular basis to avoid problems: We hope you found the information in this post useful!
What Should I Do If AC Compressor Clutch Is Not Engaging?
Thank you for reading and we hope you found it useful!
Do a Visual Inspection
When the engine is turned off:
- In order to test the clutch, you may either acquire a power probe or try to make do with a wire, as seen in the video above. In order to avoid purchasing anything, test the air conditioner with the engine running, as stated later. Also check to verify if the AC clutch engages when power is applied. Warning: If you are confused about which circuits to test, get assistance or try a different way to avoid causing more issues. Examine the compressor and make certain that the belt that passes across the pulley is in excellent working order – if the belt is slipping or has become worn, it will need to be tightened or replaced. Keep an eye out for corrosion around the clutch plate. When rust appears on the compressor, it might be an indication that it is old and may just need to be replaced since it has worn down and become damaged. Check the wiring to the clutch – if the wires are not correctly connected, it might have an influence on how well the compressor operates. In order to produce enough electricity, the wires must be properly connected and in excellent shape. Additionally, the high pressure switch and evaporator temperature sensor may be broken or have loose wires
- Therefore, It is critical for you to understand the fundamentals of a few components before proceeding to the next phase. Because of the low-pressure switch, the compressor clutch relay is turned on and off in some of the vehicles. In a controlled system, the relay, on the other hand, is grounded by a computer. In order to diagnose the problem more quickly, thoroughly check all of the system’s components. You might get a digital multimeter and use it to verify the voltage and ground at the relocated connection. If you are unable to obtain a voltage measurement, the fuse should be checked. It is possible that the automobile will need to be started even if the engine is not running. If everything is in working order with the fuse, you should check the clutch relay. Removing it allows you to examine the relay for power and ground by pulling it out of the socket and checking its terminals. Make a visual inspection of your air conditioning system for leaks – check for leaks coming from the condenser, receiver, or any other spots where metal pipe connections are formed.
What to look for during your visual inspection
Take a look at these illustrations for more information on how your air conditioning compressor operates and what to check for. Whenever possible, allow the engine to cool completely before working on or inspecting the engine. When physically checking parts, wearing gloves will be quite beneficial. This image is from of pinterest.com/pin/315603886365280691. Via:ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com
Turn On the Engine Inspection
After you have completed your visual check, start the engine by pressing the following button: 1. With the engine running, set the air conditioning up to maximum – you’ll be checking for any problems with the serpentine belt. After that, have a check at the compressor clutch. Following that, you’ll need to wait for a few minutes for the compressor clutch to engage and begin spinning as well, which may take up to a minute. 2. If you’ve waited many minutes while the engine is running and the air conditioning is set to the highest setting and the clutch is still not engaging, there’s something wrong with the vehicle.
- 3.
- Here’s a video that demonstrates how to locate an air conditioning leak using a fluorescent dye: How to Find an AC Leak.
- Image courtesy of: You may also experiment with a refrigerant leak detector before purchasing a can of halt leak.
- This is an example of a refrigerant leak detector.
Being Low on Refrigerant
Another possible explanation for the AC compressor clutch not engaging is a low level of coolant in the system. The sensors in your air conditioner will determine whether or not the pressure is correct. If something is turned off, the air conditioning compressor may not turn on. Low coolant content or pressure can be hazardous to the operation of your vehicle’s cooling system. In order to cool down components and lubricate mechanical parts, the compressor relies on the oils contained inside the refrigerant.
An overcharged air conditioning system will not have the proper pressures, resulting in the clutch failing to engage and the pressure wearing out parts more quickly.
This is a common practice.
Actually, at this point, it’s possible that you’ve done some major damage to your compressor. A lack of oil in the compressor might cause it to fail permanently, necessitating the need for more significant repair and replacement.
Tip on Adding Refrigerant
Use refrigerant only if you have done your research and are confident in your comprehension of how much pressure your vehicle’s air conditioning system demands. Consider reading this article on AC system oil if you feel that a significant amount of AC refrigerant has been leaking from your unit. It is possible that seeing a professional to evacuate your air conditioning system (as this is the only legal technique to remove refrigerant) before adding refrigerant is the best answer. You can be confident that you are adding the right amount of refrigerant to your system this way.
- A diagnostic gauge for the air conditioning system will provide you with a clear idea of what the high and low pressures are.
- When there is a leak, moisture and air are allowed to enter the system.
- This has the potential to destabilize the system.
- Follow the instructions on the diagnostic tool carefully when attaching it to your air conditioning system.
- As the clutch engages, the air conditioner should cycle the refrigerant, causing the pressure measurement to vary somewhat.
Is My Compressor broken?
Image courtesy of: Several factors can contribute to the inability of your compressor to function properly. If you’ve checked the electrical system and the clutch and found nothing amiss, it’s possible that your compressor has an internal mechanical or electrical fault that has to be addressed. If the compressor is faulty, I would propose that you replace the complete unit with another one. The reason for this is because by replacing the old one with a new one, you will most likely save both time and money.
- When removing one and replacing it with a new one, the work is time-consuming.
- Furthermore, purchasing a new compressor is not significantly more expensive than having an old one fixed.
- If you’re interested in installing your own compressor, you should watch this video (How to Replace an AC Compressor in Your Car) first.
- (How to Unlock an AC Compressor That Has Glocked Up)
Other Parts to Check
It is also necessary to inspect the condenser surrounding the connection where the compressor’s output line is connected tothe condenser if your compressor has become unresponsive. It is likely that you may uncover a little piece of metal that can block your condenser. Therefore, you may need to replace it if you are unable to remove the metal fragments from it. It is possible to examine thedrier / receiver, which helps filter and store the liquid refrigerant as it begins to convert back into a gas, for sounds or foul odors coming from the air conditioning system inside the car.
- Typically, the evaporator coil is situated within the automobile cabin, and air is forced over it to cool the air down.
- It may be prohibitively expensive to replace, but if it is leaking or damaged, it should be repaired or replaced.
- If it is not operating correctly, you may notice that the AC compressor does not shut off and that frost has accumulated around the AC vents.
- It is possible that replacing this valve will not be prohibitively expensive, and it will certainly be a less difficult process than replacing an air conditioning compressor.
The fuse box may contain fuses that are related to your air conditioning compressor. If a fuse blows, it is a simple matter to replace it. Image courtesy of:
Using a Mechanic
In the event that you’ve investigated the problem and done your research but still don’t want to do the repair work yourself, you can be more confident when outsourcing the work to a mechanic.Because you know a lot more about what’s wrong and what to expect when repairs are completed, you can discuss your expectations with the mechanic in a way that demonstrates that you’ll be expecting a professional job for the cost.
If you ask them to repair your air conditioner’s compressor, it will cost you a little more, but it will hurt less for those who are familiar with the process.
This sort of work entails a significant learning curve, so proceed with caution.
Our Advice
Start with the most basic methods of checking the AC compressor to see if they will aid you in determining what is wrong with it. Then you can go on to do other inspections until you no longer feel interested or competent to do so any more. You want to be able to finish a work that you start so that you aren’t irritated and don’t have to spend time addressing difficulties that you made by mistake. Starting small might assist you in determining what you are capable of and willing to undertake.
The best option in most cases is to call on the help of a buddy who has previous expertise starting and engaging the compressor’s clutch on their own.
How To Manually Engage AC Compressor Clutch: The Easiest Methods
Tsukasa Azuma is the author of this piece. Comments received since the last update on December 24, 20200 Many major problems can arise in a car, and one of these is a malfunctioning air conditioning compressor clutch. When this component is not functioning properly, the engine does not receive sufficient cold air flow, which might result in some serious issues. Knowing how to manually engage the AC compressor clutchcan save you money by avoiding a trip to the mechanic’s shop. In addition, you should be familiar with how to inspect the clutch to determine if it is malfunctioning or not.
How To Examine The AC Compressor Clutch?
Failure of an air conditioning compressor clutch may result from the use of low-quality oil, but it may also occur even if you use synthetic oil and high-quality coolant. It has been reported that the clutch does not engage in a few instances owing to a blocked refrigerant circuit. If you wish to check for problems with an air conditioning compressor clutch, use the following techniques:
Working Method 1
Before starting the engine, make sure all of the air conditioning settings are set to the maximum setting. Examine the condition of the clutch’s front side to determine its age. Additionally, check to see whether the clutch and pulley are rotating. It is possible that the compressor clutch is experiencing a problem if just the pulley is turning.
The problem might be caused by a blown fuse, poor clutch oil, low-pressure lockout, or an open wire embedded in the oil, among other things. Before examining the compressor, turn the air conditioner up to its maximum setting.
Working Method 2
In some automobile models, a low-pressure switch might cause difficulties with the compressor clutch’s relay, which you should be aware of before moving on to the next phase of the diagnostic process. The relay is grounded by the system’s computer, but it is susceptible to being turned on and off by a faulty switch. An in-depth examination of the system and its components can assist you in identifying the root of the malfunction. It is necessary to disconnect the connection cable from the clutch oil at this phase.
Make use of a digital voltmeter to check the ground and battery voltage at the end of the disconnected connection cable.
If the fuse is found to be in working order, proceed to the clutch relay.
Working Method 3
When the air conditioning system is turned on, electrical power travels from the AC switch to a fuse before being passed to the clutch oil through a temperature differential between the low-pressure evaporator and the clutch oil. This means you must make certain that the compressor has sufficient oil to perform correctly. The next step is to engage the clutch after you have determined that there is an issue with it. The next section explains how to manually activate the AC compressor clutch at your house.
- The Simplest Method for Using a Recharge Kit for Your Car’s Air Conditioning
- Do you want to recharge your car’s air conditioning system at home? Take a look at this
How To Manually Engage AC Compressor Clutch
It’s not difficult to engage the AC compressor clutch at home; it’s not rocket science. There are a handful of ways you may resolve the issue in order to restore proper operation to the air conditioning system.
Method 1: Add More Coolant
In what situation does an air conditioning compressor fail to activate the most frequently seen reason? There is a low level of refrigerant. When the amount of coolant in the system drops below a certain point, the low-pressure switch prevents the compressor from rotating. When the system’s antifreeze level is low, how do you manually activate the AC compressor clutch? Easy. Simply increasing the amount of refrigerant will solve the problem. It is possible to restore the normal working of the compressor clutch by adding a can of R134a refrigerant to your car’s system if it is compatible with this type of refrigerant and the low-pressure switch has been disabled.
Inadequate lubrication has the potential to cause harm to the compressor.
Source:
Method 2: Jump-start The Clutch
For older vehicles that are not compatible with the R134a type, the procedure is a little more complicated. Only a few minutes are required to get things going, and the procedure will not last longer than that: Check the oil level in the compressor to make sure it is enough. If the level is below the typical point, more oil should be added. Check the owner’s handbook to ensure that you are following the recommended procedures for monitoring the compressor oil level and refilling the compressor.
Take the fused jumper wire and attach one end of it to the side of the wire connector that was connected to the compressor, and the other end to the other side of the wire connection that was not connected to the compressor.
Remove the jumper wire from the battery.
It is not necessary to turn on the air conditioning system in order for this approach to function. Tips– You should route the jumper wire in such a way that it does not become tangled or interfere with any other moving components in the circuit.
Method 3: Replacing The Clutch
When the clutch engages but the compressor does not spin, it is a warning indication that something is wrong. In this situation, it is possible that changing the compressor clutch is the only option. A faulty AC compressor clutch must be repaired as soon as possible. In the event of a delay, substantial damage to the air conditioning system and engine may result.
AC Compressor Not Working
The air conditioning compressor is disengaged and reengaged using an electro-magnetic clutch, which is used by the vast majority of automobile manufacturers. As previously stated, a magnetic field is used to draw the clutch in closer to the pulley. The clutch disc will next be splined to the compressor shaft, and the process will repeat. When this occurs, the pulley also serves as a source of spinning power for the compressor, which allows it to perform properly. Upon effective engagement of the clutch, the compressor for the air conditioning system will begin to pump refrigerant.
Try cranking the A/C settings all the way up to MAX A/C and then starting the engine.
If you look closely, you should be able to see both the clutch and the pulley rotating.
It is possible that you will just observe the pulley rotating, which means that there is an issue elsewhere in the system.
What’s Preventing the A/C Compressor from Engaging?
It is possible that a low pressure lockout, a faulty ground, a damaged clutch coil, an opening in the wire to the clutch coil, or simply a blown fuse are the causes of the compressor not engaging. There are a variety of methods through which A/C compressor clutches acquire electricity. One advantage is that the PCM can control the relay (the PCM interprets the condition of the low and high pressure sensors). Another method is to have a relay activate the clutches, which is powered directly by the low/high pressure switches when they are in a given state.
- Let’s pretend that the fuse is in fine working order.
- Before examining the power and ground, make sure it is not in close proximity to any moving components.
- It is possible to check the voltage of the battery if you have a digital voltmeter.
- It is possible that some automobile manufacturers will trigger relay control coil ground through the ECM or PCM.
Can You Charge a ‘Dead’ Compressor?
Yes, it is possible. In order to begin, you must connect the recharge kit to the suction system. It is important to note that the low-pressure tubing always has a wider diameter than the high-pressure tubing. Aside from that, the kit fitting is only compatible with the low pressure port. After that, turn the key to the RUN position and the blower fan to the HIGH position. By cranking the A/C up to its maximum setting, you may activate the radiator fans. It is now time to begin adding refrigerant to the system.
A closed compressor reed valve will most likely be used to allow refrigerant gas to reach the condenser coil in most situations.
After that, you should have enough pressure to turn off the low pressure switch on the circuit breaker. If nothing seems to work, do not try to hot wire the low pressure switch; instead, it is advised that you take your vehicle to a professional to have the problem diagnosed.
8 Reasons an A/C Compressor Clutch Won’t Engage (and How to Jump It)
The most recent update was made on June 28, 2021. Few car amenities are as well-liked by the ordinary motorist as air conditioning, especially during the sweltering summer months. The air conditioning system in a car effectively stops the summer heat in its tracks, replacing it with a soothing coolness. Are you looking for a reliable online repair manual? The top five choices may be found by clicking here. Nowadays, sophisticated A/C systems are also equipped with dual-climate control, which allows each individual passenger in a car to individually regulate the temperature in the cabin.
- Unfortunately, air conditioning-related problems of varied severity can and do arise from time to time.
- One of the most prevalent types of A/C system-related defects is that of an inoperable A/C compressor clutch, which is one of the most common symptoms.
- Find out more about the reasons of an inoperable A/C compressor clutch and how to resolve the problem if it occurs again in the future by continuing reading this article.
- Also see: 8 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Blowing Cold Air
What is an A/C Compressor Clutch?
It is the air conditioner compressor clutch in a vehicle that is responsible for distributing power to the internal drive components of an A/C compressor’s internal drive system. An air conditioning compressor pulley free spools when the air conditioner is switched off in a car. As a result, no rotational force is delivered to the driveshaft of the air conditioning compressor. This reduces the amount of additional stress exerted on a vehicle’s engine and reduces the amount of internal compressor wear experienced.
This energization of the clutch coil generates a magnetic field, which aids in clutch engagement by drawing the clutch’s drive plate inward, where it meshes with the clutch body/compressor pulley, therefore increasing clutch engagement.
When the air conditioning system in a car is switched off, the clutch coil that is associated with it is de-energized.
Car A/C Condenser Symptoms: What You Should Look For
Causes of an A/C Compressor Clutch That Won’t Engage
For a variety of reasons, including electrical issues, an air conditioning compressor clutch may fail to engage when it should.
The actual reason of such problems varies from one car type to the next, as well as from one year to the next. The following are some of the most prevalent reasons of an inoperable fan A/C compressor clutch, as identified by the manufacturer.
1 – Blown A/C Clutch Fuse
Many times, an A/C compressor clutch fuse is to fault for a clutch failing to engage or turn on when it should have done so. However, it is necessary to discover the exact cause of the fuse’s failure as well. This can be caused by a shorted hot wire or a malfunctioning clutch assembly, among other things.
2 – A/C Clutch Relay Failure
The majority of automobiles rely on the usage of a relay to regulate the operation of the air conditioning clutch. When the relay fails or becomes stuck, it might prevent power from being transmitted to the clutch’s coil.
3 – Faulty Switches
Modern car air conditioning systems rely on the employment of a number of switches in order to function efficiently. These switches have a direct impact on the transmission of power and ground to an A/C clutch. Low pressure switches, high pressure switches, and evaporator temperature sensors are some of the more notable of these switches. The breakdown of any of these sensors can result in the inability to operate an A/C clutch.
4 – Faulty Wiring
In most situations, electricity and ground are supplied to an A/C compressor’s clutch assembly by a wiring pigtail that is connected to the engine’s main wiring harness through a connector. It is not possible for the compressor’s clutch to work if there is an open state on any of the wires in this circuit. In rare circumstances, the wire may be in good condition, but the harness may be faulty.
5 – Low Refrigerant Charge
In most situations, electricity and ground are supplied to an A/C compressor’s clutch assembly by a wiring pigtail that is connected to the engine’s primary wiring harness. It is not possible for the compressor’s clutch to work if any wires in this circuit are in an open condition. The wire may be in good condition in certain instances, but the harness may be defective.
6 – High Refrigerant Charge
In a similar vein, the high pressure switch on an air conditioning system is designed to limit power and ground delivery to a compressor’s clutch in the case of an over-pressurization occurrence. If a system is overloaded with refrigerant, the high pressure switch will, by default, impair the clutch’s ability to operate.
7 – Faulty A/C Clutch
The clutch component of a compressor might begin to exhibit signs of wear and tear over time. The face of the clutch plate of an A/C clutch will wear down over time, and this will cause the clutch to slip. It is also possible for the coil of an A/C clutch assembly to break completely, preventing the clutch from engaging.
8 – Control Head/Computer Failure
Through the system’s dash-mounted control head, an A/C clutch receives its operating orders from the driver and performs the necessary operations. Any form of failure inside this device has the potential to prevent the clutch’s coil from being activated. Several systems additionally pass control head signals through the vehicle’s ECM/PCM for additional security. As a result, a partial failure of a control module can also result in the functioning of the compressor clutch.
How to Manually Engage an A/C Compressor Clutch
There are a variety of situations in which manually engaging the clutch of an air conditioning compressor might be beneficial. Perhaps the finest application of this technique is when seeking to establish whether or not the clutch itself has failed to function properly. If you provide the clutch coil with various hot and ground sources, it will be easier to identify the source of the compressor clutch-related difficulties.
The instructions below will guide you through the process of manually engaging the clutch component on your air conditioning compressor using the jump technique.
- Detach the Clutch Wire Pigtail:To begin, you must locate and disconnect the wiring pigtail that corresponds to the clutch assembly on your compressor. The wiring for this component is normally run from behind the air conditioning unit, near the front end of the vehicle’s compressor
- However, this is not always the case. To complete this task, you must first identify the power and ground wires that are present in this connection. In case of uncertainty, always refer to the manufacturer’s wiring schematic for your individual car. Make Jumper Wires:You will now need to make jumper wires for both the power and ground ends of the control circuit for your compressor’s compressor. An inline fuse must be included in the jumper wire that will be used on the positive side of the circuit if it is to function properly. It is also beneficial to attach alligator clips to the supply end of these jumper wires, so that they may be quickly linked to the terminals of your battery. It will now be necessary to connect your freshly fashioned jumper wires together in a logical manner. Please double-check that the fused jumper wire is connected between the positive wire of your clutch coil and the positive post of your battery. The remaining jumper wire should be connected by connecting it to the negative wire of the clutch coil and the negative post of your battery. You will now be able to establish whether or not your A/C clutch is defective based on the observations you have made. If your compressor’s clutch fails to engage when the compressor is jumped, it is recommended that you replace the compressor. The sudden rearward movement of the assembly’s clutch plate, which will be accompanied by an audible “click,” will indicate that the clutch has engaged. If your A/C compressor’s clutch engages when jumped, further investigation will be required because the underlying fault is located in the system’s control circuit.
Replacing the A/C Compressor Clutch vs A/C Compressor
For a long time, replacing an A/C clutch was considered to be a more cost-effective option than replacing an A/C compressor in its whole. These days, however, this is not always the case. Most major automobile manufacturers now suggest that a compressor be replaced in the case of an A/C clutch failure, regardless of the brand. In reality, many of today’s A/C clutches are no longer capable of being serviced on their own. This needs the replacement of the compressor since it completely eliminates the option of clutch renewal.
In today’s market, aftermarket air conditioning compressors are available at a reasonable price, removing the financial benefit associated with clutch replacement.
Also see: Signs and Symptoms of a Faulty A/C Expansion Valve
AC Compressor Clutch ❤️ Everything You Need To Know
The majority of people are fully aware of the critical role played by the compressor in their automobile’s air conditioning system. The compressor is, in many ways, the beating heart of your whole system, and it is the reason that your system is able to give your automobile with the cold air that it need throughout the summer months. However, what many people are unaware of is that your car’s air conditioning compressor would be unable to function properly without the assistance of an AC compressor clutch.
Learn more about what an air conditioning compressor is and what you’ll need to do if and when it’s time to replace it.
What Is an AC Compressor Clutch?
When you don’t have the air conditioning turned on in your automobile, the pulley that is connected to the compressor for the air conditioning runs freely at all times. It does this in order to free up some of the power that it would otherwise consume, allowing your vehicle to achieve greater fuel efficiency. However, as soon as you switch on the air conditioning in your automobile, everything changes. Whenever you switch on your car’s air conditioning system, the AC compressor clutch in your air conditioning system will jump into action and begin transferring power from your engine to the pulley that is connected to your air conditioning compressor.
As a result, the AC compressor clutch is one of the most important components of your overall air conditioning system.
How Does an AC Compressor Clutch Work?
Even though you may not be aware of it when you switch on the air conditioning in your car, the air conditioning system in your vehicle consumes a significant amount of energy when it is in use. If your air conditioning system were to operate continuously, it would have a negative impact on your car’s fuel efficiency. It would also place a significant amount of strain on your car’s engine at all times, causing it to wear down considerably more quickly than it would normally. Your air conditioner’s compressor clutch is designed to keep these things from happening.
It will only turn on when you instruct it to, which will reduce the amount of energy that your air conditioning system spends as a result. An AC compressor clutch would be required in order to do this.
How Long Will an AC Compressor Clutch Last?
Now that you understand how critical an AC compressor clutch is to the overall health of your vehicle’s air conditioning system and the vehicle itself, you should make every effort to keep yours in excellent working order. One approach to accomplish this is to understand how long your air conditioning compressor clutch is expected to survive so that you can replace it when the occasion arises. For the most part, you shouldn’t have to replace the AC compressor clutch in your automobile all that frequently.
Overall, it’s not a component that fails all that frequently, especially when compared to the other components of your air conditioning system and the overall performance of your vehicle.
There are a number of factors that might cause it to fail and necessitate its replacement:
- Oil, dust, moisture, heat, and other contaminants wear down the friction material in your air conditioner’s compressor clutch. Bearings in your air conditioner’s compressor clutch that wear out and fail
- Brackets, tensioners, and belts that have not been properly mounted
You should never have to take your automobile into the shop for an AC compressor clutch repair if everything goes according to plan. Nonetheless, if your air conditioning compressor clutch wears out and fails, you may find yourself in a situation where you have no option but to do so.
What Are the Signs of a Bad AC Compressor Clutch?
It has already been said that there is a good probability that the AC compressor clutch will last for many years without failing on you when you initially purchase your automobile. However, this is not always the case. In the unlikely event that it should ever fail totally, it will not be difficult for you to identify the cause of the failure. You should be able to identify at least a few warning signals of problems before long. A common occurrence is that the check engine light in your automobile may illuminate as soon as you begin having problems with your air conditioning compressor clutch.
When your car’s air conditioning compressor clutch fails, there is a potential that the compressor may switch on and remain on indefinitely.
Please see the list below for some other issues that may arise when your air conditioning compressor clutch fails:
- When you switch on your air conditioning system, the pulley that is linked to the compressor may become frozen and create a screeching sound. When your air conditioning system is switched on, the compressor clutch in your air conditioning system may have difficulty engaging the compressor. It is possible that your entire air conditioning system will be under pressure.
It is important not to dismiss any of the warning indicators that an ac compressor clutch is failing that we have just discussed. If you do, you may find yourself dealing with even more significant issues as a result of your actions.
Can You Drive Your Car Around With a Bad AC Compressor Clutch?
Your car’s air conditioning compressor clutch may be malfunctioning, and you may be wondering if it is necessary to have it repaired right soon. Is it something that will demand your immediate attention—or something that you can put off for a few months—or something in between? Really, it all comes down to a multitude of different things. In the first place, you should think about whether or not you will be able to keep the interior of your car pleasant without relying on your air conditioning system.
Instead of relying on your vehicle’s air conditioning system to keep it cool, you may just pull down your windows to do so.
A faulty AC compressor clutch might cause the belt that drives your AC compressor to wear down much more quickly than it should, resulting in higher energy consumption.
In addition to causing havoc on your air conditioning compressor, a faulty AC compressor clutch might cause issues with the serpentine belt in your vehicle as well.
It’s possible that you’ll be obliged to replace that item sooner than you anticipated as well. It is for this reason that you should definitely consider getting your AC compressor clutch replaced as soon as possible.
Is It Possible to Replace a Bad AC Compressor Clutch on Your Own?
If you find yourself with a faulty air conditioning compressor clutch in your vehicle, you might be tempted to attempt to repair it yourself. How difficult might it be to remove a failed AC compressor clutch and replace it with a new one in order to have your air conditioning system back up and functioning as it should be? If you have a lot of experience working on automobiles, you might be able to repair a faulty AC compressor clutch on your own without any issues if you have the right tools.
Occasionally, it will be impossible for you to replace the clutch on your air conditioning compressor.
This is due to the fact that certain air conditioning compressor clutches cannot be serviced or repaired.
If you don’t know what you’re doing, you might end up hurting yourself or causing extra harm to your air conditioning system.
Who Should You Trust to Put a New AC Compressor Clutch Into Your Car?
A technician or, better still, a car HVAC professional should be consulted rather than attempting to fix or replace an AC compressor clutch on your own. They’ll be able to diagnose the precise problem that’s causing your automobile trouble and will be able to tell you what they would propose in terms of replacing the AC compressor clutch. In the event they determine that you do, in fact, require a new AC compressor clutch, they will go to work immediately and do the job right the first time. They’ll also make certain that your air conditioning system is tested when they’re finished and that it is recharged if necessary in order for it to function properly once more.
How Much Does a New AC Compressor Clutch Cost?
If your vehicle requires a new AC compressor clutch to be installed, the cost of doing so will be too expensive to repair. Although the AC compressor clutch is a little component of your air conditioning system, it may be quite expensive to replace. It’s likely that you’ll have to spend between $600 and $670 to replace your air conditioning compressor clutch on average. The AC compressor clutch will cost you more than $400, and the labor connected with replacing the AC compressor clutch will cost you around $200.
It’s important not to get too concerned about how much it’s going to cost if you’re planning on continuing to drive your automobile around.
When it comes to air conditioning compressor clutch replacement, the last thing you want to do is put it off and wind up spending even more money later on to repair other components in and around your system.
Is the AC Compressor Clutch Cost Worth It?
Is it likely that you’ll keep your present vehicle for at least another year or two? If this is the case, it probably makes the most sense in the world to pay to have a faulty AC compressor clutch replaced as soon as possible. The expenditures associated with doing so will be well worth it in the long run since it will allow you to continue to use your car’s air conditioning system without concern. For those who don’t plan on keeping their existing vehicle for a lengthy period of time, it may not be worth spending upwards of $600 or more to repair a faulty AC compressor clutch in the short term.
What If You Don’t Want to Fix a Bad AC Compressor Clutch in Your Car?
If you decide that you will not spend more than $600 to repair a faulty AC compressor clutch, you may find yourself at a loss as to what to do with your automobile in the meanwhile. Is it likely that anyone will want to purchase a car that has a faulty AC compressor clutch in it? Yes, in fact, it is. Some junk car buyers would be delighted to purchase your old vehicle, even if it had a faulty AC compressor clutch and other issues. Cash Cars Buyer is one such organization that will gladly purchase a car from you if it has a faulty air conditioning compressor clutch.
Get in contact with us right now to receive the greatest deal possible for your old vehicle.
How to Jump AC Compressor Clutch Correctly
This guide is for you if your vehicle’s air conditioning clutch is not engaging. We will explain the AC compressor, the AC clutch, and any difficulties that may arise as a result of these two components. There are a variety of factors that might cause an AC compressor clutch to fail. There are a variety of causes, ranging from basic to complex. Once you have finished reading this article, you will be able to diagnose and determine the cause of the failure. You will also learn how to jump the AC compressor clutch in order to avoid being caught in an unexpected AC compressor clutch failure situation.
What Causes AC Clutch Not to Engage?
The AC clutch must be understood before we can go into depth about the causes for its failure to engage, thus it is critical to understand what the AC clutch is. The AC clutch is responsible for turning the AC compressor. A power source is provided by an auxiliary belt that connects the motor to the flywheel and provides the motor with its power. A clutch system is in charge of controlling the AC clutch. An electromagnetic switch connects the shaft to the flywheel’s spinning shaft, which allows the flywheel to rotate.
To get a satisfactory cooling effect, it is therefore necessary to keep the system in excellent working order at all times.
Previously, we indicated that in order to get the compressor to turn, the clutch must be powered and engaged with the rotating pulley.
When the user clicks the AC button, the electromagnetic coil is electrified and is firmly linked to the pump rotor by the powerful electromagnetic force that is generated.
Have we gained a better understanding of what an AC clutch is and how it operates? Let’s take a look at some of the possible reasons why the AC clutch may fail to engage. Also see: Why isn’t my car’s air conditioner blowing cold air when it should?
Insufficient AC compressor oil
The AC compressor, like any other mechanical device, must have lubrication between its internal components in order to avoid metal-to-metal contact between the parts. This is the result of the oil’s operation in the compressor. As a result, if the oil level falls below a certain threshold, the AC will automatically shut off the compressor. A refrigerant overload will result in a non-engagement of the clutch if the system contains an excessive amount of refrigerant. As a result, the temperature does not rise and the compressor does not function properly.
Low Refrigerant
The most typical reason for the AC clutch not engaging is due to a clogged air filter. When the refrigerant level falls below a certain threshold, the low-pressure switch prohibits the compressor from turning. Therefore, it is unable to prevent the internal components of the compressor from becoming damaged. Clutch Sensors Are Locked Out: Most current automobiles have their air conditioning clutches switched on and off using high-pressure and low-pressure switches, as well as the amount of the compressor oil in the reservoir.
Burnt Fuse/Bad Relay
Locate the air conditioning fuse in your car’s fuse box and remove it from the vehicle. To ensure that it is in proper functioning order, use a multimeter to check it out. Additionally, this is the same method used to test the ac clutch relay.
How to Examine the AC Compressor Clutch?
Assume that the compressor clutch is not engaging; here is how to inspect the compressor clutch on an air conditioning system. The compressor will not turn if the pump is not operating properly. When this occurs, it indicates that there is no refrigerant moving throughout the whole system, and the air conditioning system will not function correctly. Examining the air conditioning compressor is not a difficult procedure. To begin, turn on the air conditioning and the ceiling fan to their highest settings.
If the only thing that is spinning is the pulley, this indicates that the clutch has been destroyed, and the air conditioner will not function correctly.
Also see: Car overheats while the air conditioning is turned on and the vehicle is idling
How to Jump AC Compressor Clutch
As we reviewed the factors that might cause the clutch to fail to engage correctly, one of the factors that came up was the presence of high and low oil pressure switches, which protect the compressor from being harmed as a result of poor operating circumstances. Therefore, in order to determine whether or not the compressor has failed, it is necessary to detach its connection cable from the other components.
Connect a voltammeter to the connection and use it to measure the voltage of the battery and the voltage of the earth. If there are no readings, you will need to check the ac relay and fuse for failure.
Make Sure Compressor Have Sufficient Oil
Prior to manually engaging the clutch, it is important to ensure that there is a sufficient amount of oil in the air conditioning compressor. This may be seen on the compressor’s glass display, which is illuminated. Make sure the level is over the red line to ensure it is proper. If the oil level is too low, top it off with additional oil that meets the specifications specified in the user handbook.
Set the Amount of Refrigerant
The amount of refrigerant in the air conditioning compressor should be sufficient to fulfill the manufacturer’s specifications. This creates the optimal stress on the internal compressor parts, which helps to keep them from becoming damaged. The refrigerant is measured using a pressure gauge that is mounted on the high-pressure and low-pressure rails of the air conditioner. It is compared to the suggested value and attempts to achieve a balance between the two.
Jump Start the Clutch
After you have completed all of the aforementioned inspections, you will need to know how to manually engage the clutch. Unplug the single wire connector on the front of the compressor, and then connect a jumper wire to the wire that was previously detached from the compressor on the backside. Attach the other end of the jumper to the positive terminal of the car battery, and it will assist you in manually starting the compressor. You may also be interested in:How Often Should You Change Your Cabin Air Filter – Everything You Need To Know
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If the AC compressor clutch does not engage immediately when the AC switch in the vehicle AC panel is turned on, you should check the levels of the refrigerator and compressor oil in the car AC panel. Unplug the single wire connector on the front of the compressor and connect a jumper wire to the wire that you just pulled from the compressor on the back side of the compressor. Connect the other end of the jumper’s wire to the positive terminal of the vehicle’s battery to complete the installation.
Q. How Do I Know If My AC Clutch Relay Is Bad?
There are a number of symptoms that might assist you determine whether or not the AC clutch relay is malfunctioning. The most evident symptom of a faulty AC clutch relay is that the air conditioner’s compressor does not come on. You should hear a click sound when the clutch is engaged in normal circumstances. You will not be able to hear this clicking sound if the compressor is not receiving sufficient power as the consequence of the failure of the relay. In addition, the absence of air coming from the air conditioning system is another indicator of a faulty clutch relay.
Q. Should AC Compressor Clutch Spin Freely?
When the AC compressor clutch is completely disengaged, the compressor may freely spin.
When the compressor and the pulley are engaged, it will also freely spin on its axis. If, on the other hand, the AC compressor clutch spins freely every time, and the compressor fails to come on, this is an indication that it is not engaging, and the compressor will need to be replaced.
Q. Will My AC Clutch Engage With Low Freon?
No, the AC clutch will not activate if the Freon tank is empty or nearing its lowest level. In order to prevent the AC clutch from engaging, the low-pressure switch must be activated. Otherwise, the compressor will not spin. This inhibits the compressor from turning on or starting up. There is a good chance that the Freon level is low because to leaking. Once the Freon has been refilled, inspect the system for leaks to ensure that the problem does not recur.
Final Words:
It is not difficult to figure out what is going on with your compressor when it stops working. Simply following the inspection stages will provide you with the necessary information to determine the source of the problem. In the event that you become perplexed, do not hesitate to contact the local mechanic or professional to have your automobile repaired, as doing so will save you money and time. Regular checks of the compressor oil and the refrigerator level are recommended in order to avoid difficulties in the future.
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