Testing Air Conditioner Clutch

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Apr 17, 2011 | 10:39 PM

nitroracer

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From: Erie/Nottingham, Pa

Testing Air Conditioner Clutch

I went to give my a/c a workout yesterday and found out that it hasn't survived through the winter. Both settings on the dash did not engage the clutch on the a/c compressor, and the fuse for a/c & cruise was good. I swapped a relay for the air con and fuel pump but that did not make a difference either.

How can I test the clutch to see if it is functional?
Are they a bear to replace?

Apr 18, 2011 | 12:12 AM

rbaksi

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You can jump the relay connections. You may be out of refrigerant. When refrigerant is low, the car will prevent the clutch from engaging unless you jump the relay. Its in the fusebox under the hood on the right side.

Apr 18, 2011 | 08:05 AM

nitroracer

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From: Erie/Nottingham, Pa

Do you know which two terminals I should jump?
Haven't had a chance to put a gauge on the lines yet, but I did have cold air last summer.

May 14, 2011 | 03:21 PM

GARAGE_BUILT_Z28

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From: Moreno Valley,Ca

Quote:

Originally Posted by nitroracer

Do you know which two terminals I should jump?
Haven't had a chance to put a gauge on the lines yet, but I did have cold air last summer.

sorry to bring this from the dead but did you ever figure it out my car is doing the same thing now and i need a soloution before the summer heat gets here lol

May 15, 2011 | 08:34 AM

nitroracer

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From: Erie/Nottingham, Pa

I wasn't able to get leads on the compressor itself so I cut the wires going to the compressor up by the egr valve and tested from there with a spare battery. The clutch engaged just fine, so I was low on R134a. Added in a 10oz can and the compressor kicked on but unfortunately still no cold air, must have a larger problem.

May 15, 2011 | 09:11 AM

01ssreda4

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From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005

Low on freon is the classic cause for this behavior.

May 16, 2011 | 06:04 PM

nitroracer

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From: Erie/Nottingham, Pa

I understand that, but if I need more than one can I assume the leak I have is quite large. One can a year I could understand. The total capacity is only 24oz.