Low refrigerant levels, also known as low on freon, can cause the AC clutch not to engage as a safety measure. This can indicate a leak that needs to be repaired. Common causes of AC clutch not engaging include low refrigerant charge, a blown fuse to the clutch coil, a bad low-pressure switch, or a bad clutch coil.
A damaged clutch assembly or faulty clutch coil can cause the AC compressor clutch to not engage when the system is in low pressure. The low-pressure switch will not allow the compressor to turn on if there is not enough refrigerant in the system. Electrical faults in the AC system can also cause the clutch to fail to engage or turn on.
Faulty clutch coils are another possible cause, as they are an electromagnet that is activated when the AC is turned on. If the coil is damaged or has failed, it won’t engage the clutch, leading to the AC compressor not working. Low refrigerant levels can also cause the AC compressor clutch to engage and disengage more frequently than normal.
In some cases, the AC compressor may not even try if the refigerant pressure is too low. Low refrigerant can cause an AC compressor to not work, and some models may not even try if the refigerant pressure is too low.
If the compressor clutch doesn’t engage, it usually means there’s an electrical or mechanical problem with the compressor. If the AC is not working, it should be vacuumed out to remove non-condensables and moisture. In reality, if the system was zero pressure, it should have been vacuumed out to remove non-condensables and moisture.
📹 Engage AC Compressor Clutch with a Paperclip on Relay | How to Fix Bypass Won’t Engage | Jump Relay
If your A/C compressor clutch won’t engage because the refrigerant is too low, then you can jump the 30 and 87 pins to get the …
What controls the AC compressor clutch?
On a clutch-only system, the compressor clutch is activated by low pressure. It is an on/off system. It’s either on or off. When the clutch engages, you’ll hear a distinct click. Your clutch will cycle on and off all the time, usually with an interval of 20-60 seconds. We’ll look at how the variable compressor works in more detail. A variable compressor runs continuously but pumps less refrigerant than a fixed compressor. The problem with this approach is that your variable compressor runs as soon as the engine starts, even if you don’t use the AC. It wears out and uses a little power from the engine. (Negative impact on fuel efficiency)
Some variable compressors did not last long when not in use. If they run without pumping the lubrication can become a problem. This is especially true if you run out of refrigerant. The refrigerant also circulates the oil.
How to tell if an AC clutch is engaging?
If the clutch seizes up, you can keep the compressor on or off. You may not be able to turn on or off the air conditioning.
How to confirm compressor clutch is engaged?
If the clutch seizes up, you can keep the compressor on or off. You may not be able to turn on or off the air conditioning.
What causes the AC clutch to not engage?
The compressor could be broken. If the compressor clutch doesn’t engage, there’s likely an electrical or mechanical problem with the compressor. If the AC isn’t blowing cool air, check the AC compressor clutch for problems. If the AC compressor can’t operate correctly, you’ll get warm air even if you’ve filled the AC system with refrigerant. You may also check the engine coolant and oil to rule out other issues, but the clutch is the most important part for the AC to work.
Can you drive without AC compressor clutch?
Call us if your A/C compressor is broken. Driving with a broken A/C compressor is unsafe and can damage your vehicle. Call 909-6127 to schedule an appointment with the car A/C compressor mechanics at AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning.
Will AC clutch engage if compressor is bad?
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 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.
How to know if an AC clutch relay is bad?
If your horn works, remove the horn relay. Reinstall the magnetic clutch relay. It works. Start the vehicle. Turn the air conditioner back on if it’s off.
How do you force an AC compressor clutch to engage?
Unplug the connector on the front of the compressor. Connect the jumper wire to the wire connector side that was connected to the compressor. Attach the other end of the jumper wire to the battery’s positive terminal. It will give the battery voltage to the compressor clutch, so it can engage manually. You don’t need to turn on the air conditioning for this to work.
Tips: Avoid tangling or interfering with moving components by routing the jumper wire properly.
Method 3: Replace the clutch. If the clutch engages but the compressor doesn’t spin, it’s a bad sign. Changing the compressor clutch might be the only solution. If the AC compressor clutch is bad, fix it right away. If you wait too long, the air conditioning system and engine will be damaged.
How to check if an AC clutch is working?
Use a regular wire with alligator clips and a needle. Test. I hope this helps.
How long should an AC clutch last?
A car AC compressor can last 10 to 12 years, but the compressor clutch might fail sooner. If the clutch fails, you need a new compressor. They’re inseparable.
Leaking refrigerant shortens the compressor’s lifespan. If your car’s AC compressor handles refrigerant, you’ll probably notice leaks if it’s broken. If the AC system needs to be recharged often, it could mean the compressor is failing. You’ll need repair services to fix the AC. Contact Repair One for car AC repair in The Woodlands, TX. If you see any of these signs, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with Repair One in The Woodlands, TX.
📹 Easy A/C Clutch Coil Test A/C Clutch Not Engaging
Ac clutch not engaging? ac compressor not engaging? How to test your A/C clutch and coil using only a paper clip or piece of …
Thanks again for the informative article. So I put the ignition key to on and used the jumper wire from pins 87 and 30 and the clutch clicked and I could see the clutch move in or out when using the jumper wire. Also the clutch couldn’t be turned when it clicked or was engaged by use of the jumper. Doing this that way the ac clutch mini fuse didn’t blow. The outcome to me suggests the possibility that the clutch wiring is ok or operating/ sending power to the clutch when the jumper is used. So I am going to replace the relay in hopes a relay fault is contributing to the 10 amp mini fuse blowing. I know the relay was quite warm when I first removed it.
Your diagnostic method is not 100 % complete. Your method can confirm an operational clutch, however it cannot confirm wiring integrity from the AC relay to the AC compressor connector. In other words if your your test method does NOT ENGAGE the clutch, it doesn’t confirm 100% the clutch is bad. An additional test is required to complete the AC compressor wiring integrity, place a 12 volt test light with its alligator clip attached to battery 12 volts, place the point of the 12 volt test light at the load side of the AC relay pin 30 on the AC junction box. The test light should light indicating a complete wiring circuit from the 12 volt test light, through the clutch coil wiring to the ground side of the AC compressor connector. If test light lights during this test and AC relay is providing 12 volts at pin 30 and the clutch is not engaging then you have a bad mechanical clutch (its stuck). If the test light does not light up during this test you have a bad connection at the AC connector or open coil in the clutch. Thanks for your article.