Repairing Guides

how to repair ac compressor clutch

by Yoshiko Schmitt Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How you can repair the ac compressor clutch: Remove the AC belt with a wrench. The compressor’s magnetic coil has a connector that you will need to disconnect. There should be a 6mm socket on the center of the AC clutch which you will need to remove. Disconnect and pull out the clutch.

Part of a video titled How To Fix Car AC - Compressor Not Working - YouTube
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Off 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.

Full Answer

How to rebuild an AC compressor clutch?

How to Repair the AC Clutch

  1. Remove the air conditioning accessory belt with the proper size wrench in your wrench set. Disconnect the connector on your compressor's magnetic coil.
  2. Pull the clutch off, and observe the spacers on the shaft behind it. ...
  3. Clean the shaft and other parts thoroughly before installation. ...

More items...

How do you replace AC compressor clutch?

Replace an AC clutch by removing the serpentine belt and the air conditioner belt, unplugging the electrical harness from the compressor, removing the clutch, changing the pulley, and installing the new clutch. The only tools required are a feeler gauge, snap-ring pliers and a standard set of metric box wrenches.

How much does it cost to replace AC compressor clutch?

The AC compressor clutch is a small part of your AC system, but it can cost a lot of money to replace it. On average, you’re going to have to pay somewhere between $600 and $670 to replace your AC compressor clutch.

Can I rebuild AC compressor?

The compressor is a major component of the AC system but can fail from seizure. Rebuilding the compressor is an option for a do-it-yourselfer. An AC compressor pressurizes internal refrigerant fluid for cooling the air that enters the vehicle interior.

Why won't my car AC compressor work?

What impact does a fuse and relay have on the car AC compressor?

Why won't my car AC turn on?

Why does my AC turn on but not turn off?

Is it normal for a clutch to engage and disengage?

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What causes AC compressor clutch failure?

The most common cause of compressor clutch circuit fuses blowing is a compressor clutch coil having a resistance value which is too low.

Can I replace AC clutch without removing compressor?

Yes, you can technically replace the clutch without removing the compressor. The reason people suggest doing them together is that when one fails, the other usually isn't too far behind it. It's just a matter of convenience to replace them both since you're already doing most of the same steps anyway.

How do you fix a seized AC compressor clutch?

1:163:08Fixing a Locked Up AC Compressor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe on both all the lines that go to the condenser. And pull it up yeah done with a bunch of wigglingMoreWe on both all the lines that go to the condenser. And pull it up yeah done with a bunch of wiggling the swing it comes. Then you slide the new condenser in and bolt everything up.

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)

Is it worth replacing AC compressor clutch?

The primary reason to replace an entire A/C compressor and clutch assembly is for better long-term reliability. The AC clutch pulley might be what needs replacement, but it's likely to have done some damage to the compressor on its way out.

How do you check a AC compressor 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.

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.

Can a locked compressor be fixed?

If your compressor seizes or gets locked up, it can sometimes be mechanically freed to get your unit cooling again right away. Soon the compressor may fail again or sometimes it will chug along for a good while which buys you a little time to stop sweating and make a plan to replace it.

How do I force 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.

Should AC clutch spin freely?

Most AC clutches are designed to spin freely when disengaged, and also with the pulley and compressor when those are engaged. If the clutch spins freely at all times, and the compressor never comes on, then it may not be engaging and therefore needs to be replaced.

How do I know if my AC clutch is working?

0:364:16How To Tell If An AC Compressor Clutch Is Engaging-Air Conditioning ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd if it is not spinning that means that it is not engaged now your AC compressor clutch may alsoMoreAnd if it is not spinning that means that it is not engaged now your AC compressor clutch may also cycle on and off so it may spin. And then stop spinning and then spin. And then stop spinning.

Can you replace just a compressor clutch?

Yes you can just replace the clutch pulley on the a/c compressor. The issue that you may have is the pulley bearing seized up and may have spun on the front of the compressor nose cone and will damage it.

When replacing car AC compressor what else should be replaced?

For the compressor that is seized, you will at the very least need to replace the compressor assembly and clutch, receiver drier, expansion valve, and flush out the system. I recommend having a mechanic diagnose your vehicle to see if any other components need replaced in order to fix your air conditioner.

Is my AC compressor or clutch bad?

With the AC off, the clutch does not spin. When you turn the AC on, the clutch can make a momentary click and starts spinning with the belt and pulley. If the clutch does not engage, or if it makes a screeching or whining sound when it does, the compressor needs to be serviced.

How much does it cost to replace AC compressor clutch?

The average AC compressor clutch replacement cost is between $700 and $1000. Labor costs tend to be about $150 to $250, with the new compressor costing $450 to $850. It's not normally recommended to replace the compressor clutch, but rather, install a whole new compressor.

Why won't my car AC compressor work?

Look for the AC compressor connector, it can get broken, corroded or sometimes the compressor ground connection gets corroded, as a result, the car AC compressor will not work.

What impact does a fuse and relay have on the car AC compressor?

Fuse and relay have a huge impact on the car AC compressor’s clutch not engaging.

Why won't my car AC turn on?

Sometimes the AC belt is loose, which cannot rotate the compressor pulley, as a result, the car AC compressor will not turn ON.

Why does my AC turn on but not turn off?

Sometimes AC turns ON but due to a clogged air filter, air can not bypass the air filter and you think that AC is OFF.

Is it normal for a clutch to engage and disengage?

Case in point that sometimes a clutch engages and disengages, often it is normal.

What happens when AC compressor clutch is not working?

When this component does not work properly, the engine does not get the cold air flow – leading to some major complications. Knowing how to manually engage AC compressor clutch will help you skip a visit to the mechanic.

How to manually engage AC compressor clutch when the system is low on antifreeze?

How to manually engage AC compressor clutch when the system is low on antifreeze? Easy. Just adding refrigerant will solve this problem. If your car is compatible with R134a type of refrigerant, attaching a can to the system will override the low-pressure switch and restore the normal function of the compressor clutch.

How does AC flow in a car?

In a few car models, the power of the air conditioning system flows from the AC switch to the fuse before being transmitted to the clutch oil through the low-pressure evaporator temperature. You have to make sure that the compressor has enough oil to function properly.

Why is my compressor clutch rotating?

If only the pulley is rotating, the compressor clutch is having an issue, which could be stemming from several sources – a blown fuse, bad clutch oil, low-pressure lockout, or an open wire in the oil. Put the AC on MAX before checking the compressor.

How to check oil level on a compressor?

Check the owner’s manual to check the correct instructions for checking up the compressor oil and level and filling it up. Unplug the single wire connector on the front side of the compressor.

Why won't my air conditioner compressor engage?

When the coolant level in the system goes down, the low-pressure switch does not allow the compressor to rotate .

Can you add coolant to auto nags?

Adding a can of coolant is the easiest solution. Source: http://www.autonags.com

What Is an AC Compressor Clutch?

When you don’t have the air conditioning on inside of your car, the pulley that’s attached to your AC compressor spins freely at all times. It does this to free up some of the power that it would normally consume so that your car is able to get better fuel economy. But as soon as you turn your car’s air conditioning on, that all changes.

What If You Don’t Want to Fix a Bad AC Compressor Clutch in Your Car?

If you decide that you’re not going to shell out more than $600 to fix a bad AC compressor clutch, you might be stumped as far as what you should do with your car next. Is anyone going to want to buy a car that has a bad AC compressor clutch in it? Actually, yes. There are junk car buyers who would love to take your old car off your hands, bad AC compressor clutch and all.

Is It Possible to Replace a Bad AC Compressor Clutch on Your Own?

In the event that you find yourself with a bad AC compressor clutch in your car, you might be tempted to try and fix it yourself. How hard could it be to take a bad AC compressor clutch out and pop a new one into its place to get your AC system up and running like usual again?

How Much Does a New AC Compressor Clutch Cost?

If your car needs a new AC compressor clutch put into it, it’s not going to be particularly cheap to do it. The AC compressor clutch is a small part of your AC system, but it can cost a lot of money to replace it. On average, you’re going to have to pay somewhere between $600 and $670 to replace your AC compressor clutch. The AC compressor clutch will cost more than $400, while the labor associated with AC compressor clutch replacement will run you right around $200.

Is the AC Compressor Clutch Cost Worth It?

Are you going to be keeping your current car for at least another year or two? If you are, then it probably makes all the sense in the world to pay to have a bad AC compressor clutch replaced . The costs that come along with doing it are going to be well worth it since it’ll allow you to continue using your car’s AC system without fear.

What happens when you turn on your car's AC?

When your car’s AC system is turned on, the AC compressor clutch in your AC system will spring into action and begin to transfer power from your engine to the pul ley that’s attached to your AC compressor. That power is what makes it possible for your AC system ...

Why is the compressor important in a car?

The compressor is pretty much the heart of your entire system and the reason why the system is able to provide your car with the cool air that it needs in the summertime. But what people don’t always realize is that your car’s AC compressor ...

How to tell if AC compressor clutch is bad?

The most common symptom of a bad AC compressor clutch is a non-functional or intermittent air condition system. You can also notice loud noises coming from the engine when the clutch is engaging and disengaging all the time.

How to get a compressor clutch to kick on?

If your electromagnet is good, the compressor clutch will kick on. Remove the positive wire to release the clutch.

What happens when a compressor clutch breaks?

When the compressor clutch breaks, the bearing inside the compressor can become damaged as well. While it’s not common to see fluid leaking through the front seal because of a failed AC compressor clutch, it’s not unheard of. Look at the compressor to see if there are any signs liquid is leaking out through the front seal.

What causes a compressor to make a noise?

If the clutch or other moving part starts to fail or seize, noises are a common complaint. However, a worn-out or leaking bearing can also create a high-pitched squealing sound. On the other hand, a seized bearing is going to create a grinding noise.

Why does my compressor keep failing?

A damaged clutch causes the compressor to malfunction, as it becomes unable to regulate the refrigerant flow. Of course, the higher cabin temperature could also be related to a lack of refrigerant, so it’s important to properly diagnose the system.

What is the function of an AC compressor clutch?

The Function of an AC Compressor Clutch. The AC compressor clutch is responsible for converting energy from the engine and delivering it to the compressor. When you turn on the air conditioning, the clutch engages and begins spinning to transfer the power. The compressor clutch also keeps the air conditioning from running constantly.

How much does it cost to replace an AC compressor clutch?

The average AC compressor clutch replacement cost is between $700 and $1000. Labor costs tend to be about $150 to $250, with the new compressor costing $450 to $850. It’s not normally recommended to replace the compressor clutch, but rather, install a whole new compressor. Because the compressor is one of the main parts ...

Why won't my car AC compressor work?

Look for the AC compressor connector, it can get broken, corroded or sometimes the compressor ground connection gets corroded, as a result, the car AC compressor will not work.

What impact does a fuse and relay have on the car AC compressor?

Fuse and relay have a huge impact on the car AC compressor’s clutch not engaging.

Why won't my car AC turn on?

Sometimes the AC belt is loose, which cannot rotate the compressor pulley, as a result, the car AC compressor will not turn ON.

Why does my AC turn on but not turn off?

Sometimes AC turns ON but due to a clogged air filter, air can not bypass the air filter and you think that AC is OFF.

Is it normal for a clutch to engage and disengage?

Case in point that sometimes a clutch engages and disengages, often it is normal.

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