ADVERTISEMENT

Car air conditioner problem.

SEPATOPTEN

Well-Known Member
Aug 21, 2010
5,138
938
1
The clutch will not engage on my air compressor. Would a leak in the system cause this to happen? How about a blown fuse? The condenser was replaced three years ago. Thanks in advance.
 
The clutch will not engage on my air compressor. Would a leak in the system cause this to happen? How about a blown fuse? The condenser was replaced three years ago. Thanks in advance.

If the clutch won't engage its worn out and needs to be replaced. Typically the entire unit gets replaced. If you're mechanically inclined replacing the clutch costs about $15, the compressor and clutch about $40, plus about $30 to recharge the system.
 
If the clutch won't engage its worn out and needs to be replaced. Typically the entire unit gets replaced. If you're mechanically inclined replacing the clutch costs about $15, the compressor and clutch about $40, plus about $30 to recharge the system.


He's got it.
 
Not sure about other makes - but on Volvos they use an electromagnetic clutch which, when current is sent through the gap - the clutch will engage.... With use, the gap may become greater than spec which will result in the compressor running in 10min increments until the voltage drops/disengages.... This I learned(experienced) first hand.... Get the checkbook out
 
I don't know if all systems have this but it is likely they would. if the pressure in the system is below a certain level, there is a switch that won't allow the clutch to engage. It is to protect the compressor. It is cheap to find out; just go to your local auto parts store and buy a self charging can. I think they are about $15 - $20.
 
Get the whole compressor replaced. I actually had one go bad the damn thing caught on fire when the clutch got stuck. It's pretty easy to do yourself, just make sure you take a picture before you tear it apart. That serpentine belt can be a bitch to reconnect if you don't know which goes where.
 
I don't know if all systems have this but it is likely they would. if the pressure in the system is below a certain level, there is a switch that won't allow the clutch to engage. It is to protect the compressor. It is cheap to find out; just go to your local auto parts store and buy a self charging can. I think they are about $15 - $20.

This info is spot-on. It could be a bad compressor clutch or a bad electrical connection to the clutch but I'd say the most likely problem is a refrigerant leak that has caused a low pressure fault preventing the system from operating.
 
I love this board.... Even though the new format tastes like ass... I am leaving tomorrow for Myrtle Beach and i went to charge my A/C cuz it wasn't screamin' cold when I took my motorhome out of winter storage last month (but i could tell the compressor was engaged) ... Started it up just now to run the charge and heard the compressor cycling on, then off, on... Then off.... So on.... Hooked up the can of ACPro 134a and as that bad boy began suckin' the cold stuff the compressor stopped cycling/stayed on... Guess there is indeed a relation between charge-level and compressor function... I stand correctedpbrstreetgang and 91joe95... I gave bad info above
 
The clutch will not engage on my air compressor. Would a leak in the system cause this to happen? How about a blown fuse? The condenser was replaced three years ago. Thanks in advance.

Its shot:

Call artic air or look them up. They are on Philmpnt Ave. in Huntingdon Valley right next to Philly. Super cheap with warranty
 
Its shot:

Call artic air or look them up. They are on Philmpnt Ave. in Huntingdon Valley right next to Philly. Super cheap with warranty

Oh God, please don't do this! Take your car to Auto Zone or Advance Auto Parts and have them check the pressure in your system. This could be as simple as the pressure in the system being too low and the pressure switch no allowing the clutch to engage. This is quite frequently the problem and quite frequently a way where the car owner is taken for a ride by a "repair" shop. I don't know why anyone would assume the worst when it is simple to check for the simple and very frequent problem with a cheap repair. You stand a good chance that this is a simple and cheap repair. You may have to have the system leak checked if the pressure is low but you would have to do this anyway if you have a "repair" shop work on your clutch and compressor.
 
If the clutch won't engage its worn out and needs to be replaced. Typically the entire unit gets replaced. If you're mechanically inclined replacing the clutch costs about $15, the compressor and clutch about $40, plus about $30 to recharge the system.

And I would assume, if he went to the dealer, it would cost about 2 grand?
 
Oh God, please don't do this! Take your car to Auto Zone or Advance Auto Parts and have them check the pressure in your system. This could be as simple as the pressure in the system being too low and the pressure switch no allowing the clutch to engage. This is quite frequently the problem and quite frequently a way where the car owner is taken for a ride by a "repair" shop. I don't know why anyone would assume the worst when it is simple to check for the simple and very frequent problem with a cheap repair. You stand a good chance that this is a simple and cheap repair. You may have to have the system leak checked if the pressure is low but you would have to do this anyway if you have a "repair" shop work on your clutch and compressor.
PSUKnocker TESTIFY! Just drove my motorhome 500 mi tonite with icy cold air following my $32 recharge can.... My compressor was not staying on until after I dumped the can in there :)
 
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT