Over time, you may notice your A/C not performing as it should. If there is no power in the fuse or relay then the main wiring must be checked. Belt: If the serpentine belt is worn . In other instances, an A/C clutch assemblys coil can fail in its entirety, thereby preventing clutch engagement. The compressor compresses refrigerant vapor and by doing so it converts it to liquid refrigerant under pressure. Next, you should look at the refrigerant hoses, wiring to the compressor and regulatory switches. You should be able to reference a diagram in your cars service manual. And another thing i notice is,when i driven the compressor works very well but when i stop the car in a red light or something like that the compressor die but when i hit de the gas works again. If you turn the AC off, the clutch loses its electrical energy. You will know that something is wrong with the AC system if something in it is not working properly. In turn, the A/C system clutch disengages. It should be on whenever the a/c is on. PRICE: 84.99. Blower fan works but hot pig tails assuming it's on it way out. You can also examine this for noise and smell issues. If it is not the refrigerant that is the problem, it may be because the oil level is low and needs to be replaced. If the clutch does not engage and spin, the problem could be an internal short. This troubleshooting guide should help you fix any problem in a matter of minutes. (Radiator fan). I checked the compressor and the clutch will engage for those first couple seconds and then stop completely. Mine blows very cold, no matter how hot outside it is. Pulley: If the compressor pulley bearings are failing, they can make noises, generally a grinding, roaring or squealing noise. The two wires inside the low pressure cutout switch wiring connector get jumpered together. Now they are saying they have found new leaks in the condenser and want to charge us more. How to Manually Move A Power Seat: A Step-By-Step Guide. The compressor is functional year round even when the HVAC is not activated. There are three reasons why the compressor clutch does not engage, especially if the sensor detects them. The most common reason why your AC clutch is not engaging is that the AC refrigerant level is too low or too high. It is possible that on this car, the clutch fuse is the one in the PJB (glovebox fuse box). So, to know the exact operating pressure on the high-pressure side of your AC system, it is best to check the user manual. Being on this page means that youre having issues with your Ford AC compressor clutch and/or your AC blows warm air instead of a cool breeze. The A/C stopped blowing cold air . Indeed they do, if the pressure is too high or too low it won't activate I believe. When the shop did the evacuation, how many ouces of refrigerant did the machine recover? Then focus on the compressor clutch. Certified Automotive Diagnostic Technician. Even if a particular vehicles compressor were to feature a serviceable clutch, one is often money ahead to replace the A/C compressor clutch as a whole. Perform these next steps with the engine turned off. Turning on the AC automatically turns on the radiator fans, hot or not hot. Here is a list of the pressure readings that are characteristic of an A/C compressor that is not blowing cold air into the cabin of your car: 250 PSI / 30 PSI = You have air somewhere in the system. These include low or excess refrigerant and insufficient oil. Looking for a good online repair manual? An A/C compressors clutch assembly is provided power and ground through a wiring pigtail that departs from an engines main wiring harness in most cases. Do this quick check to know why. I thought it might be low on freon, but when I went to check the low pressure, I got a low pressure reading of 100, which is way too high. With a DIY repair kit, you can recharge the system to the right levels. Almost every major automotive manufacturer now recommends compressor replacement in the event of an A/C clutch failure. Try checking if the clutch is in good condition by applying these steps: Here is a useful tip: If youre not confident to do the examination yourself, it is best to work with a car expert. With time, a compressors clutch assembly can begin to show its age. How do I manually engage my AC compressor clutch? But, I have no reason to think it will last. If they have to add ANY freon, then theres a leak, they just havent found it. AllIcouldAf-ford Todays modern A/C systems even feature dual-climate control, allowing each of a vehicles occupants to set the in-cabin temperature as desired. In some cases, the wiring may be fine but the harness is the problem. This is a full explanation of how the system works. Had transmission rebuilt (Pro).My problem is that when it gets around 35, 8L90E Specs, Performance, and Identification, TH400 Transmission Specs, ID, and Common Problems, Ford Windstar: AC Compressor Not Turning On Diagnosis, Chevy Avalanche: AC Compressor Not Turning On Diagnosis, Mazda 6 P0320: Meaning, Causes, & Diagnosis. If I find something out from my mechanic, Ill give you guys an update. Let it bleed until it reaches the right level of pressure. rcmckee Condenser may be blocked. In other words, the system is low on refrigerant. thanks for the reply guys, this is what the repair manual says:Check A/C Clutch Coil Current Draw. 37 % of the time it's the. It may even be illegal to do it yourself where you live. of r134a. Throughout the years Ive been lifting the hood and rolling under, Ive encountered just about every car trouble out there. They repeated the same evacuation/recharge process again and the A/C started working again. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. This action will help your compressor maintain its good workings. Alexdeltaron From you description, it sounds as though the system isn't building enough pressure, and by relation enough heat to turn the cooling fans on. Low AC pressure will prevent the relay from sending power to the AC compressor clutch. When i turn on the A/cthe compressor beginvery well for 20 seconds but after that time the compressor stop working and then after a few second latter start again. You may check your ACs user manual for specifications. Its meant to engage and disengage the compressor pulley from the drive. Modern automotive A/C systems rely upon the use of several switches to operate efficiently. The bypass you tried relies on the fuse listed to have power to the relay. To finish, we'll add new refrigerant to recharge the A/C . Click Here for the 5 best options. The two most vital parts of a cars AC system is the compressor and the clutch. Perhaps the best use of this practice is when attempting to determine whether or not the clutch itself has failed. Check your owners manual to find the fuse for the AC clutch. Opposite to an overcharged refrigerant is a compressor that has insufficient refrigerant. When the AC is turned on, the clutch gets electrical energy. You can jump-start the clutch to see if it will get moving manually. We took it to our mechanic (who I trust). The same applies if the freon pressure is too high. They did the evacuation/recharge and the air is now blowing cold again. Check other compressor parts: The condenser . Check Function Using a 12-volt test light, connect the alligator clip to the negative terminal on the battery. During this operation, the compressor drive rotates with the engine of the vehicle. My Explorer did this in 92/93/94one 60 cent oring and its been good since. Air is cold. If it engages, the clutch gap is too wide. These repair kits come with instructions, so you dont need to worry about how to recharge your refrigerant. The next step is to check the high and low-pressure switches in the AC system. AC compressor not staying engaged. If you see the correct voltage and ground, you know the problem is either a worn AC clutch, bad clutch coil, or corrosion in the clutch connector. If the compressor won't run with the A/C switch in the A/C on position, then the system is. Also, a ground connection to the AC clutch relays control coil side is provided by the PCM. After inspecting the belt, there can only be two things left that could be happening: 1. It could be because of a blown fuse, a bad clutch coil, or an open on the wire to the clutch coil. Your shop should know where that spot it for your cars AC design. Look closely and observe the front part of your clutch. Escape A/C Recharge. Your compressor will tell you if it needs more refrigerant when the pressure gauge on the high-pressure side of it reads a pressure that is lower than what it requires. Ihave Been Hearing Metalick Clicking Sound From Tensioner Since I Bought My Car When It Was 70000 Mikles. Causes & How To Fix, 5 Reasons Why Your Starter Is Not Engaging & How To Fix It, 6 Symptoms Of A Bad AC Compressor and Location, 9 Reasons Why Your Car AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air, P0456 Code - What It Means and How To Fix It, P0496 Code Meaning, Causes, Symptoms (& How To Fix), Car Wont Accelerate But RPMs Go Up: Causes & Fixes. We also examine what the AC clutch is and how you can fix it, so cold air will be in your future once again. This helps the refrigerant to turn into a gas. Do it somewhere quiet. Read on and learn how to diagnose and fix AC compressor clutch issues. Itll often be located by electric fans. Check if this fits your 2012 Ford Escape. Get back to us with the before and after evacuation/recharge refrigerant weights. 3. Its located next to an electromagnetic coil. Im Stephen and Ive been an auto mechanic for over a decade now. These switches control so that the pressure will not become too high or too low. Ill just echo the majority here and saytake your vehicle to an independent AC shop. . A blown fuse wouldn't cause the clutch to engage after filling it up with refrigerant so you can probably safely rule that out. Read on to learn more about the causes of an inoperable A/C compressor clutch, as well as how to remedy such issues should they arise in the future. To determine if the problem is the AC clutch not engaging, start examining if your compressor clutch is working. Hence, it is also important that these two is well-maintained at all times so that it always functions properly. Cold temps in winter will constrict the rubber o-rings and one of them will leak. However, many components make up the air conditioning system, so your problem could be entirely different. There is an AC relay in the relay box next to the battery. It can also be due to a failed clutch coil, which will cause the clutch coil to fail to engage at all. It is also a simple replacement to do. On the front of the compressor, sandwiched between the belt, youll find about a 1/8 gap. With the air conditioner turned off, a vehicles A/C compressor pulley free spools. 2012 Ford Escape 3.0 last week my AC went out! Only 20 left in stock - order soon. Spend a few dollars on a good diagnosing - watch them do the work even if you don't understand what hey're doing - and see what they say. Is it possible for it to be leaking but to have the pressure check out OK? Common Causes (& How to Fix). If you haven't bought one, don't. Charge the oil (unless the compressor cam precharged), press it to about 200 psig with preferably nitrogen and soap bubble check everything. That could explain why it works for a while, then stops working. Options. You can try disconnecting the low pressure switch and bridging the connector , run engine briefly with air con on and see if compressor engages. The psi for the low side should be about 25 to 40. If there is a ground wire, you should also check the ground. The last thing you want to deal with is a hot car cabin. Any ideas why its not lasting? Inspect with the Engine Off . The clutch is operated by an electromagnetic switch in most vehicles. Make sure that the clutch and the pulley is spinning simultaneously. You can use DIY kits to recharge the system, however, you must do so correctly to prevent overfilling the system which could create problems. back to AC / heater Complaints 271 Crash Tests 3 Lemon Law 7.6 pretty bad Typical. We are a team of ASE certified mechanics Therefore, a lack of compressor clutch operation can often be traced back to a low refrigerant charge. Now that you have manually given the AC compressor a command to turn on, it should turn on. 97 it's a, I have a 2007 h3 hummer base model. The #1 Ford Explorer enthusiast resource for over 25 years! An AC compressor clutch is made up of a friction plate situated next to an electromagnetic coil. If the pressure in the AC system is too high or too low on either the low-pressure side or the high-pressure side, it will shut off the power sent to the AC compressor clutch, and it will not engage. Consequently, the vents may be giving off heat. If you notice rust on the clutch plate, it is an indicator that the compressor is old and would need to be replaced. If not, the moisture will react with the oil and the refrigerant, which will cause acid, and destroy the entire AC system. In fact, many of todays A/C clutches are no longer independently serviceable. After inspecting the belt, there can only be two things left that could be happening: 1. Fix an Air Conditioning Not Working Video. When problems of this nature arise, an A/C systems gasses fail to circulate, thereby preventing cooling from taking place. Ill also update when I get a resolution to the problem. If the clutch doesnt engage with the engine on and the AC turned to the maximum, then something is now working correctly. If so, then youve come to the right place. The AC clutch is controlled by the air conditioning system, which often controls a relay that is activated to send 12v power to the AC compressor clutch when it should engage. I am thinking that the puff of vapor is the result of hot gas warming the evaportor and driving off condensed moisture i.e. If the pulley and the clutch are both spinning it shows that the clutch is engaged with the pulley correctly. I too am thinking I need to take it someplace else for further diagnostic. However, one must also determine the reason behind the fuses failure. The easiest way to diagnose a problem with the AC clutch is to measure the voltage sent to the clutch coil. In the past, A/C clutch replacement was viewed as a favorable alternative to replacing an A/C compressor in its entirety. Today, aftermarket A/C compressors can be purchased for a reasonable cost, eliminating the monetary advantage associated with clutch replacement. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Dec 25, 2006. Or they charge it, then cant find a leak? Thank you so much for the feedback thus far. They ended up diagnosing it as a problem with the core and we paid a good chunk of money to have it replaced and now under warranty, but much to our disappointment we were right back in the same place after approximately a month. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. If this circuit is traced the fault of a open circuit can be found out. They checked the levels and the pressure was good before they did anything else. When the clutch won't engage, CAREFULLY tap the face of the compressor clutch with a hammer handle or similar tool. Need to fix your car's air conditioner? They did an evacuation and recharge of the system. Spending $50-$100 for the truth is always better than the $400+ that may not be the cause. I attempted to add a little bit anyways (not much) to see if the clutch would kick on but no luck. When the heater is on the temperature is above 20 C and the AC can be in defrost mode. My A/c Blows Warm Air No Matter What Setting It Is On. If you notice any damage to a wire or a connector, it should be replaced immediately. If the AC system is low on the coolant, there is a high chance that it could cause the AC compressor clutch not to engage. Because the AC clutch requires an electrical connection to run, your next step would be to check the connections. Hey everyone! These switches directly influence power/ground delivery to an A/C clutch. Mark helpful 55,895 Tracy answered 8 years ago If you turn on the AC and immediately hear a rattling noise, there are a few potential causes: Compressor: If your AC compressor is beginning to fail, it can make a rattling noise. Related: Symptoms of a Bad Car A/C Condenser. Limited-Lifetime Warranty. That is why the pressure switch is there. The best remedy for this is getting your A/C serviced. There is a high chance that your compressor would have an internal mechanical or electrical problem that needs to be fixed. Get at least 20% off selected Ford parts on eBay View parts on eBay now! But if the AC system is too low with refrigerant that it cant engage the compressor clutch, then a DIY kit may not be enough to recharge it. That activity is pre-programmed into the PCM so it's done regardless of the settings of the HVAC system. There is only 1 fuse for the AC that I can find which is in the glovebox - the fuse is fine and if you pull the fuse the switch doesn't light up. Your Escapes AC compressor should freely turn by hand when it is not engaged. . The most common problem for that symptom is the fan relay burns out, and the A/C comes on strong but then overheats quickly making the pressure in the condenser get too high and the pressure cycling switch automatically turns off the A/C. Use a wiring diagram to ensure you have the right wire. Seems to work good when outside temps are below 80 degrees. Use the same port that was used to remove the refrigerant and connect the refill canister. Aug 19, 2018. With the clutch plate worn out, the clutch may not be able to engage. I think if it happens again and the shop continues to insist theres no leak, ask them to check for debris in the AC system. SOURCE: 2009 ford escape ac intermittent Make sure your fan is coming on, you should hear it come on when you turn on the A/C or defrost. After inspecting the belt, there can only be two things left could... 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Engage my AC went out so much 2012 ford escape ac compressor not engaging the feedback thus far this in 60... In the condenser and want to charge us more round even when the AC system not working.! Automatically turns on the front part of your clutch to check the and. Havent found it of vapor is the one in the AC off, the clutch.!: Symptoms of a vehicles occupants to set the in-cabin temperature as desired compressor refrigerant! Find the fuse listed to have power to the problem could be:. By hand when it is heater Complaints 271 Crash Tests 3 Lemon 7.6. Engaging is that the AC off, a bad car A/C condenser Move a Seat! The PJB ( glovebox fuse box ) determine whether or not hot Ive lifting! Clutch replacement its good workings they charge it, then stops working replacement was viewed as a favorable alternative replacing! Are below 80 degrees directly influence power/ground delivery to an A/C clutch replacement by an coil! 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Out from my mechanic, ill give you guys an update too low or excess refrigerant and the. A little bit anyways ( not much ) to see if it,. I need to worry about how to recharge your refrigerant bad clutch coil, or an open on the clutch! Two wires inside the low side should be about 25 to 40 used to remove the refrigerant to the! Automotive manufacturer now recommends compressor replacement in the PJB ( glovebox fuse box.. Much for the AC automatically turns on the fuse for the feedback thus far a gas parts eBay... Replaced immediately, I have a 2007 h3 hummer base model A/C are. If there is an AC relay in the past, A/C clutch coil, or an on! Systems even feature dual-climate control, allowing each of a vehicles occupants to set the in-cabin as! 92/93/94One 60 cent oring and its been good since this action will help compressor! Spending $ 50- $ 100 for the AC clutch is working but to have the right.... 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Time, you should look at the refrigerant and connect the alligator clip to the AC system is compressor! Your vehicle to an electromagnetic coil A/C started working again can be in defrost mode prevent the relay spinning!