AC Compressor Clutch Isn't Spining
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster, Pa.
AC Compressor Clutch Isn't Spining
Hello guys and gals, happy holidays to you all and your families. Just some things I've noticed in the past couple days, #1 AC compressor isn't engaging or disingaging. The clutch turns freely but looks like the clutch assembly is a bit closer in, not popped out like it used to be, or I think it should be. My heat works fine but if I remember correctly, it still used to cycle. It was cold this morning and I tried the AC and defrost and the compressor didn't turn on. Is this because its cold out it didn't cycle?? My defrost works, I used it last nite and it cleared the windows but I'm not seeing that clutch cycling like it used too. Question, does it cycle less during the winter months?? Any help is appreciated.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster, Pa.
I don't know Jay and thanks for the response. I pulled the number #10 fuse out of the panel for the clutch and it was OK. I'll just keep an eye on it, its too cold to do anything now unless it blows up.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 492
Likes: 2
Easy way to test the compressor is to wire a razor blade to a length of wire...attach the wire to the positive of the battery... Then use the edge of the razor blade to probe the connector of the compressor if the compressor clutch is good it should engage once you energize it...
If the clutch doesn't engage the clutch is toast... If it does engage I would then check the low pressure switch... Or borrow a set of gauges... As the system will not cycle if refrigerant is low...
Also if you were low in the summer when temp was high in the cold weather pressure in system will drop to the point the low pressure switch will not energize the clutch
Good luck
If the clutch doesn't engage the clutch is toast... If it does engage I would then check the low pressure switch... Or borrow a set of gauges... As the system will not cycle if refrigerant is low...
Also if you were low in the summer when temp was high in the cold weather pressure in system will drop to the point the low pressure switch will not energize the clutch
Good luck
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster, Pa.
I hope so brother, never noticed the clutch not clicking on sporadicly. I did some searching, love that feature but just wanted some input as if anybody elses does the same thing during these cold months. I know Pop and a few others here have info on checking the air gap like Jay mentioned but wanted to rule out any other little things before digging in. Its not siezed so thats a good thing.
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster, Pa.
Easy way to test the compressor is to wire a razor blade to a length of wire...attach the wire to the positive of the battery... Then use the edge of the razor blade to probe the connector of the compressor if the compressor clutch is good it should engage once you energize it...
If the clutch doesn't engage the clutch is toast... If it does engage I would then check the low pressure switch... Or borrow a set of gauges... As the system will not cycle if refrigerant is low...
Also if you were low in the summer when temp was high in the cold weather pressure in system will drop to the point the low pressure switch will not energize the clutch
Good luck
If the clutch doesn't engage the clutch is toast... If it does engage I would then check the low pressure switch... Or borrow a set of gauges... As the system will not cycle if refrigerant is low...
Also if you were low in the summer when temp was high in the cold weather pressure in system will drop to the point the low pressure switch will not energize the clutch
Good luck
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,530
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From: Montana
Mike, mess with that electrical connector on the High pressure side and see if it will engage. I had the same problem this summer, and replaced it with a new connector and pigtail, fixed my problem.
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Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster, Pa.
Will do Ken, I faintly remember someone mentioning that, thanks again.. bcaughhorn, I checked the freon level during this past summer and the levels were fine, high side anyway, not sure on the low side. I checked with a rinky dink freon tester, problably should get a set of those good gauges, thank you also..
Rather Be Floatin
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,468
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From: Marble Falls, Tx.
Mike if you dont have and feeler guages to check the air gap, start the truck, turn the ac to max, fan on high and bump the clutch plate with a hammer handle and see if it engages. Or withthe truck shut off, unplug the wires on the compressor and just hook a jumper wire up from you battery terminals to the terminals on the clutch compressor and see if it engages.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster, Pa.
I just checked it this morning. Ran a wire from the positive side battery to that connector, its not engaging at all, I think my compressor is shot. I'll take a closer look at it this weekend Sun and see where I'm at. I'm bummed, really bummed but my truck has been wonderfull since I bought it and I can't complain, just glad it didn't grenade or something..
Rather Be Floatin
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,468
Likes: 0
From: Marble Falls, Tx.
You can just get the clutch and they arent too expensive. Easy job just one bolt in the center of the clutch, then slip it off and slowly slide the clutch off. You can use a screwdriver on each side and slowly work it off being careful not to damage the compressor.
oops forgot ther might be a big snapring holding the clutch in.
oops forgot ther might be a big snapring holding the clutch in.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,329
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From: Grand Bay, Al
i would check the pressure on both high and low sides before buying anything. if theres a broke valve inside the compressor a clutch will not help. but the clutch is easy and cheaper if thats all you need