A/C Clutch Engages But No Cold Air?

If the AC clutch engages but the compressor does not turn, it may be locked up and a new compressor is needed. If the compressor clutch engages and turns the compressor, but the A/C still does not blow cold air, the system is probably low on refrigerant and needs to be recharged. Common causes of this issue include low refrigerant levels, blown/burnt fuse, damaged clutch plate, problems with the evaporator coil, failed relay, and improper refrigerant.

To diagnose the issue, inspect the compressor’s oil level and ensure that it is compatible with the existing one. If the system isn’t turned on yet, it will naturally read higher until the compressor is turned on. If the clutch engages and stays, but the A/C still doesn’t blow cold air, it may be due to normal wear/age. If the clutch engages and stays, but the A/C still doesn’t blow cold air, it could be due to normal wear/age.

If the AC clutch is engaged all the time but no cold air is produced, it can be fixed by replacing the clutch or re-shimming the clutch, lessening the air gap, so it does engage. If the system isn’t turned on yet with the kits connector on the low side, it will naturally read higher until the compressor is turned on.

In summary, if the AC clutch engages but no cold air is produced, it may be due to low refrigerant levels, blown fuses, damaged clutch plates, problems with the evaporator coil, failed relays, and improper refrigerant. It’s crucial to address these issues to ensure the proper operation of your vehicle’s air conditioning system.


📹 Compressor Clutch Engaged But No Cold Air Solved | Compressor | Clutch Engaged But no pressure

Compressor Clutch Engaged But No Cold Air Solved!


Can a bad capacitor cause AC not to cool?

The capacitor starts the cooling process by providing the initial electrical surge needed to start the motors. If the capacitor is broken, the air conditioner won’t start a new cooling cycle. Contact Evergreen Heating & Air for AC services in Waco, TX. Evergreen Heating & Air can help with your air conditioning system in Waco. We can replace your capacitor or install a new AC unit. Either way, we’ll keep your home cool for years to come. We’ll give you a full price for replacing the AC capacitor. Call or contact us online today.

What happens when AC compressor clutch fails?

No cool air inside. This means your compressor may be broken. If your AC compressor is failing, you’ll see signs like the refrigerant flow being too high, loud noises, and hard starts. If your outdoor condenser unit shakes, shutters, and makes loud noises when you turn it on, it may be failing. When your compressor starts to fail, it will overwork itself, often causing your circuit breaker to trip and cut off power to the unit. If it happens often, the AC compressor probably failed. The compressor clutch is not moving. The clutch on a compressor allows the pulley to engage and disengage from engine power. This means the compressor only turns when it needs to. If it stops working, the compressor can’t get power and can’t work.

How to fix AC not blowing cold air?

Clean your air conditioner’s filter and coils to improve airflow. If there’s ice, run the unit with just the fan to melt it. If that doesn’t work, it could be that the refrigerant levels are low.

How do I know if my AC compressor is bad or needs recharge?

If your car’s AC isn’t cooling well, it may need to be recharged. If your car AC is not working right, you might hear strange noises, smell something bad, or see leaks. Can I recharge my car’s AC myself, or should I get help? It’s usually best to get help from a professional, but there are DIY kits.

Why is my AC not blowing cold air like it used to?

1. Air filter is clogged. A clogged air filter is common. You can easily fix it by replacing or cleaning the dirty air filter and the central AC vents to improve airflow. If the filter is dirty, cold air won’t flow well. It’s like exercising with a mask on to cool down. Your AC system needs to breathe. The air won’t feel as cold. Air conditioners run poorly with blocked vents. Your fan motor will have to work harder with a dirty air filter. If the filter is clogged, your air conditioner will blow hot air. Warm air wastes energy and can damage your system.

Will an AC clutch engage without Freon?

When you turn on your car’s air conditioner, you’ll hear a click. This means the clutch is engaging. If there’s not enough Freon, the clutch won’t engage, so there’s no refrigerant for the compressor to pressurize. Your air conditioning system has no refrigerant! Another symptom of low Freon levels is visible leaking. If you see a leak, it’s probably Freon. It’ll look like a thin, greasy substance. Leaks often appear under the hood, inside the cabin, or under your vehicle. If you see leaking, take your car to a repair shop and have an ASE-certified technician fix it. An ASE-certified technician will check the system pressures with gauges and find any leaks. If a leak is found, the technician will fix it before refilling it with new refrigerant. If you’ve taken apart or changed your vehicle’s A/C components, technicians will ensure the system is free of moisture and air before charging it.

Ac compressor engages but no pressure change
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Why is my AC clutch engaging but not getting cold?

If the compressor turns on but the A/C doesn’t blow cold air, the system needs refrigerant.

Check refrigerant. Connect an A/C pressure gauge to the service port on the high side (in the high-pressure hose between the compressor and the condenser in the front of the engine compartment). The gauge shows if there is pressure in the system. Depressing the service fitting valve with a screwdriver doesn’t tell you how much pressure is in the system. It may still have some pressure, but not enough to engage the compressor.

Checking the A/C system. If the refrigeration circuit seems to be working, but there is still no cooling, the problem might be an obstruction in the orifice tube. If the refrigerant can’t enter the evaporator or go through the refrigeration circuit, it’ll block.

A c clutch engages but no cold air chevy
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How do you tell if AC compressor is bad or just the clutch?

The compressor clutch won’t engage. When you turn on the AC, the clutch on the compressor pulley should engage. The clutch is a plate on the front of the pulley. The AC off, the clutch doesn’t spin. When you turn on the AC, the clutch makes a click and starts spinning with the belt and pulley. If the clutch doesn’t engage or makes a screeching or whining sound when it does, the compressor needs servicing. Connected concerns. The AC compressor isn’t the only part that can go wrong. Problems with the AC system that are related to the AC compressor include:

Refrigerant loss: The AC doesn’t work because there’s no refrigerant. This is usually due to worn seals between system parts, but can also happen from damage to an AC line or hose. If the refrigerant level is low, the passenger compartment will be less cold. If it gets too low, the low pressure switch will stop the compressor from working. Low refrigerant levels let moisture into the system, which kills the AC. If you don’t find and fix the leak, the system won’t work. Refrigerant blockage can happen if the AC line or hose is pinched or damaged. It can also be related to a defective expansion valve or clogged orifice tube. Worn or broken serpentine belt: If the serpentine belt that drives the compressor pulley is worn, glazed, or cracked, it could prevent the compressor from spinning. If the belt is broken, the compressor won’t work. If your serpentine belt breaks, so will the power steering and alternator. If your car, truck, or SUV has a separate drive belt for the AC compressor, only the AC will be affected. A faulty blower motor can cause a loss of AC cooling ability. If the fan doesn’t blow enough air across the evaporator, it won’t cool properly. A clogged cabin air filter will also cause problems. The cabin air filter cleans the air as it enters the passenger compartment. Many drivers don’t know about this maintenance item, so it gets filled with debris and limits airflow. A blown fuse could also cause the AC to stop working. But don’t be fooled. Changing a fuse might get the AC working again, but it might not be fixed.

Why is my car AC not blowing cold air but seems to be running?

Leaks or compressor issues are the most common causes of broken air conditioning. If your air is cool but not cold, it could be a clogged filter, a cooling fan problem, radiator trouble, or you may need to recharge your AC. Leaks are the most common problem with the air conditioning system. If there’s low pressure, there may be a leak. Use a UV A/C leak detection kit to find a leak. Follow the instructions on the packaging to find the leak. Check all fittings, hose manifolds on the compressor, the front seal and the o-rings sealing the pressure switches on the back of some compressors, the hoses crimped onto the fittings, the Schrader valves and the condenser. Check the evaporator drains with UV light. Oil or dye may be seen. The dye check won’t work if the system is too low and the compressor isn’t cycling.

How to reset an AC compressor?

How to find the reset button on AC units. This button is usually small and red and on or near the unit. Look for the reset button. When you find it, press the button for about three seconds and watch the air conditioner. If the AC doesn’t start right away, press the button again for three seconds. Your AC should restart after three beeps. If you can’t find the reset button, check the manual or online. Why do I need to reset my air conditioner? The most common reason for an AC unit to need resetting is when the protection circuit breaker kicks in. This happens after a power outage to prevent fires and explosions. A reset can also fix an AC that’s only blowing warm air, even when the thermostat is set to “cool.” Your AC might be blowing warm air for a few reasons. One of them is a general thermostat error. Sometimes a hard reset fixes the problem.

A c clutch engages but no cold air chevy malibu
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Why is my AC compressor working but no air blowing?

Common causes of poor airflow include frozen coils, broken fans, and dirty air filters or blocked vents.


📹 AC works BUT no cold air || AC dosent make cold || AC compressor comes on but no cold air || AC FIX

Due to factors beyond the control of RB The Mechanic, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information.


A/C Clutch Engages But No Cold Air
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Christina Kohler

As an enthusiastic wedding planner, my goal is to furnish couples with indelible recollections of their momentous occasion. After more than ten years of experience in the field, I ensure that each wedding I coordinate is unique and characterized by my meticulous attention to detail, creativity, and a personal touch. I delight in materializing aspirations, guaranteeing that every occasion is as singular and enchanted as the love narrative it commemorates. Together, we can transform your wedding day into an unforgettable occasion that you will always remember fondly.

About me

39 comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • my dad was a mechanic. when he passed, finding an honest mechanic was difficult mainly because i missed my father in more ways than one. he may not have taught me how to check the engine on everything, but unfortunately, for any mechanic after his passing…. they could never compare in my eyes to my dad. 🙁 thanks for your precise and quick article. you have a skill set all of us need and its appreciated. 🙂 a/c is still busted right now, but at least i got some direction. 😀 blessings

  • 2006 to 2012 Ford Fusion and the Air blows cold for just a few seconds and then turns to heat, click the temperature control nob two clicks to the right off the coldest setting and start the car/AC. Some folks have said that turning on the headlights and fog lights on also works. I haven’t tried it yet because it is 90 degrees here and I’m leaving my AC on and don’t want to mess with anything until fall. Apparently, there is some service notification about the computer related to all the vehicle cabin functions and controls that is causing this.

  • Brother man love your articles. My 16 Rav 4 was blowing little less cold air when I put a thermometer on the vent I was getting 60 degree F. I went to a local shop he added little more now it’s seems cold. The question is is it okey to add. He didn’t drain anything. I also have a other question different subject. I recently checked alignment the rear camber is off and they said it’s not adjustable and my car in my understanding can’t be adjusted I heard accident can throw off that which I had a while ago. Please advise brother.

  • I have a Kia soul 2012. 2.0L and the compressor are leaking a yellow liquid for some time. I’ve tried to seal it with RTV silicone, but I think is not working. Do you think I need to replace the compressor? This car has only 73 K miles, so why you think is leaking? We are in winter so we don’t use it too much for now, but in summer this place will get 105 to 115 degrees.\r — I have a quote to replace it for $ 1700.00

  • i have a strange situation. 2000 suburban. all my pressure gauges look good. 100 deg temps outside, low side is 55, high around 315. the high pressure side hose is hot, then after the orifice tube the low pressure side is cold (not super cold) and my air is still blowing about 70 deg out the vents. I also manually put the cool/hot blend door in the cold position just to make sure the actuator isnt stuck. any idea what to check next? i dont wanna throw parts at it, and im pretty good at diagnosing. also the rear ac (separate controls) only blows hot but that symptom is almost alway a clogged expansion valve. ( front system uses orifice tube, rear uses expansion valve)

  • I hope you can help and this maybe a repeat question but I have a 2014 Sentra Sr. I’ve taking to 2 mechanics on that does foreign cars and the nissan dealership. Last year I explained my ac was going in and out. It would be very cold when driving on highway, then it would only get cool driving on highway. This month once I turned it on since it’s been warmer. I get warm air. In March I took it to nissan,explained to get ahead of problem they said it had freon, no codes, and they was getting very cold they used advice to check when it was on. I told them it wouldn’t be right bc it’s not hot yet and it doesn’t work when it warm. Of course they said they ran all diagnostic and I have no ac issues 🙄. As of yesterday there is no cool air coming out. It was cooler outside than in Mt car. It was about 78 low humidity. Anyway in early March I noticed the heat doesn’t get hot either. We had a week of cold and me heat only got warm and took forever to defrost my windows. Sorry this is long but I just need some direction to go in. I have successfully watched other tubers and did process of eliminating issues that were apparent, able to go to a shop and say fix this only and problem solved. I will try to feel the bars like you did in the article is there any other advice you can give me. Also, there’s no leaks under my car or smells, I have never had any dashboard lights come on. I keep maintenance up on my car. SORRY SO LONG.

  • I LOVE your articles,Ive been doing most of my own work for years but you explain things dead on,today I tried to pull the relay on a 98 avalon but the plasic top came off,so did the one next to it,what advice do you have? This is my dads car,his favorite car(he sold his vet) cant I just pry it with a straight edge screwdriver after disconecting the battery?

  • Thank you for the article. Ive subscribed! maybe You could advice: 2012 toyota highlander, ac compressor when jumping with paperclip, clutch engages, but it doesnt take freon. I checked fuses,relays, check solenoid( bigger one), its clicking. But it refuses to start taking freon. checked high pressure ac switch. is the compressor itself? Thank you very much in advance.

  • My ac system seems to be working but it doesn’t get cold at ALL. When I turn on the heat at night (when it’s cold out) it doesn’t get warm until after about 5-10 minutes of max air+max heat. Would I just need more Freon or will I need to flush it first? If it needs to be flushed would I save more money doing it myself or having a professional do it? I’m a broke college student in AZ’s random hot/cold weather so I’ve been trying to find out the best solution possible.

  • Hello, I have a 2009 ford escape. It was blowing hot air during the day and cold at night. I realized the condenser fan is not running so I replaced it. However it is still blowing warm air when ambient air is above 85degrees. The compressor only engages at night. During the day, it cycles on and quickly cycles off. Shop said to replace the entire system. What do you think?

  • 2007 honda Civic. A/c stopped blowing cold air. Compressor engages, radiator fans turn on, change temperature knob from hot to cold and it changes temperature but not super cold just regular outdoor temperature. Tried to recharge ac but it won’t take refrigerant. Seems to have too much pressure. Not sure what to check next.

  • Hi – thanks for the article. I have an issue with my AC and looking for any ideas to fix. Compressor comes on, belts are ok, clutch engages. Pressure is fine, AC Pro gauge says AC refrigerant is full. Low side hose doesn’t get cold though. Does the refrigerant wear out over time???? I’ve had the car 15 years and never had it re-gassed. It just stopped blowing cold this summer. Thanks

  • Hello, my friend.. I have this issue… The a/c compressor kicks on and that high line is cool but not cold and the low line is kinda warm. I have a Accumulator as I touch it seems hot and doesn’t get cold at all.. It has enough freon.. But inside my truck you can barely feel cool air as it is kinda warm a little.. My compressor does make a slight whining noise… I don’t know if I should just replace the whole thing.. The compressor and Accumulator. Let me know if you what you think it may be better to just replace the whole thing.. I was thinking also getting vacuum out and put freon in but might be the same problem..

  • 2013 Nissan Rogue S – AC dial turned on high, but warm air comes out on drivers side and cool (not cold) on passengers side. Replaced blower fan last year and since it doesn’t blow strong- going to take it apart again but thinking blend door actuator on drivers side is bad? System doesn’t show any OBD code errors :/

  • dear i am having a problem with my toyota corolla car ac, in the past it was working ok then the fuses were going bad due to shortage in compressor coil. after changing coil and pully from with a smaller pully, not ac not throwing cold air at all and ac compressor is getting hot. i was advised to change the compressor. as this is getting hot and making back pressure. what do you think on this is all. bcoz my point is the even if the compressor is weak it should make low cooling . buy why not cooling.???

  • I went t a ac guy with vacuum machine, he vacuum and refill twice because system doesn’t allow to fill all the way, so we finish refill with can Freon, put a manual switch on the clutch relay, so clutch engages, Freon filled, but still no cold air ? What could it be ? The condenser need to be replace ? 2012 Chevy Cruze

  • Hello sir. ive been trying to get some answer on my car ac. hope you can help me. I havea Hyundai elantra 2011 and when i turn on my ac the engine is supose to go a bit higher. it doesnt. my ac temp is not cold but cool. My car has only one fan( radiator / condensor) . i know when ac is turned on the fan has to run at high speed, and then it should toggle between high and low depending on the circumstances. My compressor kick in but it doesnt cut off. relays ans fuses are ok. Freon is ok. hope you can help figure this out.Personally i think its the Fan

  • hi sir..i have kia soul 2011, my ac dont cool that much, i bring to garage and they said ac compressor need to replace, but the L tube get cold, the L pressure around 45 to 48, the H around 180 t0 200.. already got gas on it, blower is good, do my condenser is dirty? or anything?by the way im in bahrain.

  • 2013 Malibu ac stopped blowing cold air, when the day before it was working just fine. Found that the Ac Clutch 10 amp fuse keeps blowing after a few minutes after I turn on Ac. It’ll blow cold air until the fuse blows. All other fuses/ relays are good. Is this an electrical issue or is my compressor bad? Is there anything else I can check before replacing my compressor?

  • Hey I got a 2011 Chrysler 300 limited.ac was blowing hot on passenger side changed blend door now both blowing a tad cooler.checked clutch it’s not engaging but I’m able to turn it.so I checked fuse 12 and relay 43 nothing.so I got paperclip jumped relay clutch turns on.psi 111 when clutch was off clutch on 23.so why the hell won’t my clutch engage only by jumping it .please help it’s getting so dang hot in MPLS

  • So I checked everything for the a/c on 07 saturn ion and found the Schrader valve is leaking. I used the core removal installer tool but cannot get Schrader valve out. Someone told me that it had to be changed from under the Schrader not from the top and top just go ahead and replace the whole line? Really? Is there a trick to it? Please help it is too hot not to have a/c

  • What about if the car has a blocked cabin air filter or no cabin air filter and how to check or clean it. If the Evap or Condenser is blocked or if an after market Transmission cooler was added incorrectly and its mounted against the condenser. Is the system charged with R12 R134a or a something else and how the cold and hot lines fill different? I keep looking but no one gives any real answers.

  • I have an 07 mustang v6. My a/c only last a feew weeks and I have to refill it. All the levels work. Now it doesn’t blow heat whenever I want it to. I want to know what this could be because the a/c works whenever there is freon(doesn’t last long there could be a leak)but it doesn’t blow heat at all.

  • My a/c gets cold when the compressor is on but sometimes it turns off than stops blowing cold air usuall does it at a stop light or when I’m driving but at idle works fine. Freon is good I checked it with a pressure gauge and fans kick on I have new high and low pressure switch and new compressor. Can it be the condenser? 2002 Escalade

  • i have a problem. First ac compressor wasnt running at all so i jumped the sensor and that made the ac compressor spin for a while. i was able to add a bottle of freon while it was spinning but after that it stopped spinning and it wasnt able to blow cold air only warm air. But when i did put the freon in i didnt feel any of the tubes getting cold like it should what could be my problem?

  • I have a 2018 Honda Civic, so I tested it my AC it blows cool on one side but warmer on the other, checked for freon and it has plenty of it. But it’s still not blowing as cold as it should be. Checked the compressor and it kicks on. The change the temperature and from hot to cold and it changed with the dials. What could it possibly be? I’m thinking possible condenser?

  • Hi in have element 2006 it doesn’t get cold the Freon is good compressor engage is good,i checked ice curb replay plus i checked relay with battery test it click click it good but doing heavy raining the a/c works it get real cold after weather get hot a/c cut off and also i drove on high way at night the a/c works that strange so what the trouble ? thank you

  • 2002 Ford Focus, green & yellow zone fluctuating pressure per the refill gauge, compressor and clutch come on and off, but no cold air blows because on settings 1,2,3 (not 4) the A/C button will depress and light up, clutch engages, but NO air blows. In Setting 4 the A/C button light goes off, and a brief bit of cold air comes out, then air turns warm.

  • i have a situation as describe in the article, i have pressure on both low and high side, and its consistence, clutch engages, fuse is good, relay is good, ac comes one, condenser has no leaks, took it to a shop, they recharge the ac, and it still warm air coming out, going to check the blend door actuator next.

  • Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I have a 2008 Civic. The air con was regassed at a dealer. For the first 30 minutes after picking up the vehicle the air was blowing cold. I parked for a hour and when I drove the air was not cooling at all. Same temperature as outside. The Compressor is engaging but I only see one fan on. Should both fans be running if the aircon is on? If yes, how can can I locate the problem?

  • My clutch clicks in but i think not engaging and turning compressor properly because pressures stay the same as standing pressure. Standing pressure is near perfect by charts. When on All pipes no cooling. Expansion valve is Not cold. Im thinking clutch really not clutching.?? Seems everything as normal. Gas amount, relays, etc. Should i give up and replace compressor at shop?

  • My mitsubishi lancer 2011 has not been able to cool for a while now, but heat works. Took it somewhere where they could not figure out anything wrong.. finally taking it in again today since it’s summer & the heat is going to be unbearable. When i turn on A/C it does not cool & actually now it smells like gasoline everytime i turn on the system, which cannot be good at all.. they said it has no overheating coolant issues that’s “it’s fine”. The second I change to cold air, it’s warm (not hot) & stays that way. 😫

  • Hey, I have a Honda CRV 2016 that doesn’t blow cold air but it does lower the temperature when I turn on the ac. I checked the freon and it has pressure. I checked fuses and relay and they both work. The only think I notice is that both the radiator fans don’t turn on whenever I turn on the AC… What should I do next?

  • My Ac is not blowing cold. Compressor is engaging when i turn it on. Gas is coming out when I pressed in the valve on low pressure hose. When i turn the ac on I hear a hissing/whistle sound in the cabin…any ideas? Deleted periodical code for low voltagte to cabin temperature sensor. Code has not come back..

  • so my AC recently stopped working on my 2015 nissan sentra. I took it to a few mechanics and they all said compressor. so i got the compressor replaced, as well as the condenser. and a full flush and recharge on my AC system. about $900 later and its STILL not working. I’ve contacted carmax (who i got the car from, and they SUCK!!!) They wont do anything about it. mind you, i JUST took my car to them 4 months ago for this exact issue that they claimed they “fixed” (clearly they didnt) and im just lost on what to do now. mechanic claims my blend door actuator works fine but i just dont know what else it could be. he checked the fuse and relay and said both are fine. About 2 weeks ago, my AC would work great while driving but when i would come to a stop, it would just blow lukewarm and now it doesnt work at all.

  • Replaced everything in my ac system, condenser drier, evap core, expansion valve,, my fans work fine clutch works fine,, relays are good even my high and low lines have proper reading and my car still blows hot air in hot weather. If its cold out it will blow cold air but at 46⁰ I’m baffled dont know what to do..

  • My wife’s car started blowing warm air when in idle or at stop lights but would blow cold on the highways/ driving. We don’t know anything about cars so we assumed it was the compressor so we took it to Firestone and they replaced our compressor. After the installation her car is still blowing hot muggy air in idle and coolish to cold air when driving. Can you please help me with what could be wrong.

  • I could use some help please Vehicle: 2006 Mazda 3s 2.3L (AT) Sedan 330k Miles Vin# JM1BK323361459957 Problem: The A/C blows warm when in slow traffic or idle after fully warmed up. The A/C works great when first start driving. the A/C will start to get cold when moving about 30 MPH or so and slow degrade after driving awhile (intermediate). another shop said pressure was factory charged witha machine and A/C compressor was bad and a leak on (one) of the hoses going to compressor very slow slow Parts that are new and installed and been cleaned : New Compressor Clutch + Electromagnetic Coil /// (NOT) Compressor New Radiator Fan + fan control module New Engine coolant temperature sensor New Engine coolant New Condensor New Coolant thermostat New drier New Cab Filter Other info: The car runs very well just a/c problem Thoughts ?

  • How about system that consistently cools from a cold start and stays cold until you shut engine off and let it sit for more than 5-10 mins after which it wont cool until next cold start? Cold start 35/225 When not cooling 65/150 2 compressors same issue New TXV as well Engine not overheating Engine temps reporting fine Pressure sensor seems to be reporting accurately Variable displacement compressor