![]() ![]() Some car makers trigger the relay control coil ground through the PCM or ECM. If the fuse is good, pull the compressor clutch relay and check for power and ground on the relay control coil terminals in the socket. If you’re not getting battery voltage, check the fuse. With engine running and the AC set to MAX, use a digital voltmeter to check for battery voltage and good ground at the connector. Move it away from moving parts so you can safely check for power and ground. In a computer controlled system, the compressor clutch relay is grounded by the computer.ĭisconnect the electrical connector from the clutch coil. In some vehicles the compressor clutch relay is turned on and off by the low pressure switch and the evaporator temperature sensor. If the clutch doesn’t engage, the problem could be a blown fuse, an open in the wire to the clutch coil, a bad clutch coil, a poor ground, or a low pressure lockout. If only the pulley is turning, there’s a problem somewhere in the system. Both the pulley and the clutch should be spinning. Then look at the front of the compressor clutch. Turn the air conditioning controls to MAX AC and start the engine. So start your diagnosis by determining if the compressor clutch works. If the clutch doesn’t engage, the air conditioning compressor can’t pump refrigerant. When power energizes the clutch coil, the magnetic field pulls the clutch in to engage the compressor shaft. ![]() The three components of a car’s air conditioning compressor clutch One disc stays still while the other rotates to create pressure inside the compressor.Īlso called a reciprocating compressor, this uses pistons to compress and move refrigerant just like your car's engine uses pistons to compress and ignite fuel.If you have a situation where your car’s air conditioner compressor clutch doesn’t engage, try the troubleshooting techniques described here.Ĭar makers use an electro-magnetic clutch to engage and disengage the air conditioning compressor. This uses two discs to compress and move refrigerant. This is not too different from how a rotary engine works (like ones used in certain Mazda cars). As pressure builds on one side of the rotary, the cooled gas moves out the other. This uses a cylinder system to compress and move refrigerant. Look in your owner's manual for information you're unsure of. By simply entering your year, make, model, and engine information into our website, we'll be able to tell you exactly which parts fit your car. Luckily you won't need to know exactly which of these is in your vehicle. They all have different working parts but accomplish the same task. There are three types of A/C compressors. A professional will need to remove and replace the refrigerant, but anyone with basic mechanical skills can tackle the rest of the steps with good instructions.īuy A/C compressors online or visit your local Advance Auto Parts store and have one of our knowledgable Team Members help you. And don't be intimidated at the thought of replacing your own A/C compressor. Ask your mechanic to check the A/C system during routine oil changes and maintenance. No one wants to be that car we see on the side of the road with the hood propped open. How can we prevent these breakdowns from happening? The moving parts in your compressor need to be well-oiled like anything else in your vehicle. The compressor can't pump refrigerant if the lines are blocked and that will cause the system to overheat.Įlectrical issues, such as faulty wiring and shortages, are usually a death sentence for your compressor and require replacement. Too much or too little could cause issues. Your compressor needs just the right amount. If too much accumulates, the compressor could fail. If your A/C compressor ever breaks down, chances are it is because of one of these five reasons:ĭirt and grime build up on the condenser coils over time. What causes an A/C compressor to malfunction? ![]()
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