Knowledge Builders

why wont my a c clutch engage

by Mr. Berry Simonis III Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Common reasons why the AC clutch doesn’t engage

  • Clutch sensor- default lockout. Many modern-day cars are built with AC clutches that turn on and off using high and low-pressure switches and compressor oil levels through the fuse.
  • Burnt fuse. ...
  • Clogged condenser. ...
  • Broken receiver/ drier. ...
  • Leaking evaporator coil. ...
  • Broken AC expansion valve. ...
  • Other reasons. ...

What's Preventing the A/C Compressor from Engaging? 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.

Full Answer

Why is my AC clutch not working on my car?

The ac clutch can fail when the electromagnetic features become damaged or overheated. The clutch plate also becomes worn over time, which then causes the ac clutch to slip or to fail. Symptoms of AC Clutch Not Engaging The first sign of trouble in the automotive ac system is no cold air.

What does it mean when the AC clutch is engaged?

If the car ac clutch is still engaged, it means it is seized. Otherwise, use a set of manifold gauges to check your refrigerant pressure. The low-pressure switch is designed to prevent the compressor from running all the time and tells the car when should the ac compressor clutch needs to engage and disengage.

What to do if your a/C clutch is seized?

If the a/c clutch stays engaged, there is a possibility that it may be seized. To check that, remove the A/C relay and see if the ac compressor clutch disengages. If the car ac clutch is still engaged, it means it is seized. Otherwise, use a set of manifold gauges to check your refrigerant pressure.

Should I replace my a/C compressor if my clutch engages when jumping?

If your A/C compressor’s clutch engages when jumped, further diagnosis will be required, as the underlying fault resides in the system’s control circuit. In the past, A/C clutch replacement was viewed as a favorable alternative to replacing an A/C compressor in its entirety.

Why is my AC clutch not working?

What does it mean when your AC clutch is not spinning?

What causes a compressor to rotate?

How to fix AC compressor clutch?

How to tighten ac belt?

What is AC clutch?

Why does my AC make a squeaky noise?

See 2 more

image

What should I do if AC compressor clutch is not engaging?

Check the wiring to the clutch - If wires aren't connected properly this could impact how the compressor is working. Wire need to be connected and in good condition to provide enough power. (In addition the high pressure switch and evaporator temperature sensor could be faulty or have loose wires)

How do I get my AC clutch to engage?

The best way to manually engage an AC compressor clutch is by connecting a jumper wire directly to the wire on the compressor. Be sure to fill the compressor with oil before doing this and check if you have enough refrigerant.

What would cause AC compressor not to kick on?

When your AC compressor won't turn on, check to see that it's receiving power. This may seem like a no-brainer, but one of the biggest catalysts of compressor problems is power—or the lack of power. It's always possible that a fuse has blown or the breaker has been tripped. Check for refrigerant leaks.

How do you troubleshoot an AC clutch?

1:233:18How To Fix Car AC - Compressor Not Working - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOff first check to make sure that the clutch turns freely by manually turning it with your. HandMoreOff first check to make sure that the clutch turns freely by manually turning it with your. Hand most ac clutches are designed to turn freely when disengaged. If the clutch will not turn freely.

Can I turn AC clutch by hand?

Yes, you should usually be able to rotate a car's air conditioner compressor clutch by hand. It won't spin around at the daintiest touch of a finger—you may need to put a modest amount of effort into it—but it should be spinning.

How do I know if my AC compressor relay is bad?

Common signs include inconsistent cooling, not hearing a click from the compressor turning on, and no cold air.

How do I reset my AC compressor?

How to Reset an Air ConditionerPower down your AC. Start at your circuit breaker panel and flip the breaker that powers your AC. ... Find the button. Most air conditioning units are equipped with a reset button. ... Hold down the reset button for 3 to 5 seconds and then release.Restore power to your AC.

Where is the reset button on AC compressor?

Look for it first around on the exterior of your machine, especially along the bottom edge near the ground. An AC's reset button is typically red and visible, so it should be easy to spot. If you don't see a reset button on the outside, it could be located inside the unit behind the service panel.

How do you check an AC clutch?

0:021:11How to test AC compressor clutch - easy trick. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn this case black wire is ground and yellow wire is positive using a pointy tip you can supply 12MoreIn this case black wire is ground and yellow wire is positive using a pointy tip you can supply 12 volts from the battery to the clutch. If the clutch is working properly you should hear and see it.

Will AC clutch engage without 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!

Where is the AC clutch relay?

0:592:35Car AC Not Cooling - How To Easily Check AC Relay Switch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis will usually be located in the engine compartment. Simply remove the fuse and relay box coverMoreThis will usually be located in the engine compartment. Simply remove the fuse and relay box cover on the inside of the cover.

How do I manually engage 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.

Will AC clutch engage without 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!

How do I know if my AC clutch is engaging?

0:184:16How To Tell If An AC Compressor Clutch Is Engaging-Air Conditioning ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf it's engaging or not is if just to look if it to look at whether or not it is spinning if it'sMoreIf it's engaging or not is if just to look if it to look at whether or not it is spinning if it's spinning that means that it is engaged.

How do you reset a low pressure lockout?

A low pressure alarm indicates the controller has received an open signal from the normally closed low pressure switch circuit. Three active alarms within one hour will trigger a compressor lockout to protect the refrigerant circuit. The lockout can be cleared by power cycling the controller.

AC Clutch Not Engaging – What To Do? - Motor Verso

When your car’s AC clutch not engaging or suddenly stops working, it could indicate a significant problem because the cool air is not blown into the cabin. It is critical to have your vehicle evaluated by a skilled mechanic as soon as possible in these circumstances.

SOLVED: Compressor clutch engages when I jump the relay, - Fixya

SOURCE: My ac is not working on my 2000 mustang 3.8L. I'm. You were close! Most Fords have a CCRM (Continuous Control Relay Module) thats on the passenger side fenderwell.It has 4 relays: one for the AC compressor cluth, one for the fuel pump, and two for the electric fan (high- and low-speed.)

Why won't my AC clutch engage?

There are many reasons why an AC clutch does not engage. It could be because of a blown fuse, a bad clutch coil, or an open on the wire to the clutch coil. It could also be of poor ground or a low-pressure lockout.

Why is my AC compressor clutch not engaging?

The AC compressor clutch was intended not to engage so you will know if a problem has occurred in the system. Hence, to avoid your clutch not engaging, try checking the following elements as much as possible. These include your Fuse, Coolant or Refrigerant, and Compressor Oil.

Why is the PCM running?

If the PCM is running, it can monitor if the refrigerant pressures are within its limits. Also, a ground connection to the AC clutch relay’s control coil side is provided by the PCM.

What is an AC compressor clutch?

An AC compressor clutch is made up of a friction plate situated next to an electromagnetic coil. Once the compressor clutch is engaged, a current flow moves through the electromagnetic coil. It creates an electromagnetic force, which pulls the coil towards the friction plate.

How to check if clutch is working?

Try checking if the clutch is in good condition by applying these steps: 1 Turn the AC controls to maximum air conditioning. 2 Start the car engine. 3 Look closely and observe the front part of your clutch. 4 Make sure that the clutch and the pulley is spinning simultaneously. 5 If the only rotating part is the pulley, then the clutch fails to run.

How to fix clutch that is not running?

Turn the AC controls to maximum air conditioning. Start the car engine. Look closely and observe the front part of your clutch. Make sure that the clutch and the pulley is spinning simultaneously. If the only rotating part is the pulley, then the clutch fails to run.

Why is my AC expansion valve not working?

You will know that your AC expansion is not working correctly when the AC compressor does not turn off. It may be because the vents are covered with frost.

What is the only thing left in the system with that pressure/ no clutch?

The only thing left in the system with that pressure/ no clutch was gas - no liquid freon. The weight of the gas in the system is a rounding error it is so small. The "pressure" is dependent on some liquid in the system and varies by temperature.

Can you put the AC clutch on when the blower is on high?

With the blower on high engine at idle the clutch should not cycle or on cool days 30 seconds plus. When you first started by the pressure reading and the fact your AC clutch would not turn on, yes - put the entire charge in the system.

What prevents A/C clutch engagement?

The high- and low-pressure switches prevent A/C clutch engagement under certain conditions, by opening the electrical circuit. Finally, the mechanical expansion valve prevents the evaporator from icing, but has no electrical effect on the compressor (or anything else) - mechanical only.

Why is my Valeo compressor so loud?

because that means the clutch likely wasn't faulty . If it was the clutch bearing it would be noisy all the time, so your fault is inside the compressor.#N#Again, check the gas pressures. These Valeo compressors get very noisy when low on gas.

Why is my AC clutch not working?

4 Reasons Why Your AC Clutch is Not Engaging. You turn on the air conditioning in your car so you can feel an icy cold breeze, only to find your ac won’t come on. Many times, this scenario means the ac compressor clutch is not engaging. Well, the summer heat can be blazing in some places where it is certainly no time for the ac to stop working.

What does it mean when your AC clutch is not spinning?

Watch whether the ac clutch is engaging and spinning. If you hear the noise coming from the ac clutch, but the clutch is not engaging and spinning, most likely there is a short in the internal clutch. If you see a lot of movement in the clutch pulley, that means the shaft bearings could be worn out.

What causes a compressor to rotate?

The compressor belt and the armature plate of the compressor drive are engaged, which causes the compressor drive to rotate along with the engine. When the ac is turned off, the clutch is de-energized and the compressor belt and the armature plate of the compressor drive are disengaged.

How to fix AC compressor clutch?

Besides that, here are the most common steps to fixing the ac compressor clutch problem before taking your car to a professional: Use a mechanic’s stethoscope probe (view on Amazon) to listen to your clutch – To use the stethoscope, turn your engine ON. Place the probe on the ac clutch in an area that is still.

How to tighten ac belt?

The pulley connects the ac compressor clutch to the engine crankshaft so the ac compressor will come on when you turn your car on. To tighten the belt, turn your engine OFF. Examine the pulley belt for any contamination or cracks. Also, be sure to check for the correct tension. There should not be more than one quarter inch of play in the belt. If you feel play, then loosen the mount bolts at the base of the ac compressor. Then, loosen the top adjusting bolt. Pull the ac compressor against the belt until there is no longer slack. Retighten all the bolts. You can also diagnose a belt that needs replacing when you cannot defrost the windshield.

What is AC clutch?

The ac compressor clutch is a part that is electromagnetic and designed for the purpose of engaging and disengaging the ac compressor pulley from the ac compressor drive. The clutch becomes energized when the ac is turned on.

Why does my AC make a squeaky noise?

Grinding and squeaking noises – When the ac clutch is in ill repair, you may hear loud grinding or squealing noises seemingly coming from the ac compressor. There may be a worn bearing in the middle of the problem. It may be a rattling noise if the problem is in the pulley bearings.

image

1.Videos of Why Wont My a C Clutch Engage

Url:/videos/search?q=why+wont+my+a+c+clutch+engage&qpvt=why+wont+my+a+c+clutch+engage&FORM=VDRE

26 hours ago  · If the PCM (powertrain control module) senses low pressure in the low pressure fluid line, it will stop the compressor clutch from engaging to prevent any damage. This is …

2.4 Reasons Why Your AC Clutch is Not Engaging

Url:https://motorsrun.com/ac-clutch-not-engaging/

17 hours ago As a result, the AC clutch not engaging will occur because the electric current from the battery to the AC compressor clutch coil does not flow. 1.3. The AC Clutch Coil Is Broken. Your …

3.FIXED! Car A/C Compressor Clutch Won't Engage

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se6qv98vCpQ

2 hours ago Being Low on Refrigerant. Being low on the coolant might be another reason why you will find the AC compressor clutch not engaging. The sensors in your AC will measure if the pressure is …

4.What You Should Do if Your AC Clutch is Not Engaging

Url:https://automobileremedy.com/interior/ac-clutch-is-not-engaging/

9 hours ago  · If the a/c clutch stays engaged, there is a possibility that it may be seized. To check that, remove the A/C relay and see if the ac compressor clutch disengages. If the car …

5.Easy A/C Clutch Coil Test A/C Clutch Not Engaging

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NVGB-LulKg

29 hours ago  · Just unplug the connectors and jumper them with a short piece of wire and see if the clutch engages. It does you have a switych problem, if it doesn't you have a wiring problem. …

6.A/C Clutch not engaging | The Truck Stop

Url:https://www.thetruckstop.us/forum/threads/a-c-clutch-not-engaging.29900/

36 hours ago  · Checking the system pressure is THE basic step on flaky A/C systems. Either too high or too low pressure will prevent the clutch from engaging (which is exactly how the …

7.A/C clutch does not engage - Subaru Forester Owners …

Url:https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/a-c-clutch-does-not-engage.590458/

28 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9