What happens when an AC compressor is not engaged?
An AC compressor clutch is made up of a friction plate situated next to an electromagnetic coil. Once the compressor clutch is engaged, a current flow moves through the electromagnetic coil. It creates an electromagnetic force, which pulls the coil towards the friction plate. This gives power to the pump rotor that keeps the compressor running.
Why is my a / C compressor not working on my Mercedes?
One other reason why the A/C compressor does not engage is the fact that the system may be low on R134 refrigerant. Typically older cars may have very slow leaks that may require top off with refrigerant every couple of years. You can use a R134a recharge kit to recharge your system if the A/C compressor is not working.
Why is the clutch not engaged on my gas compressor?
But if the system is low on refrigerant, the clutch will never engage. Some DIYers then hotwire the low pressure switch to force the compressor clutch to engage while they recharge. BAD MOVE. At that point you’re running the compressor with little to no oil.
When does the a / C compressor start to work?
Once you turn on the AC the center part of the compressor, the AC clutch should engage and start to rotate with the pulley. The serpentine belt rides the A/C compressor pulley every time the engine runs, but the A/C compressor is working only when the A/C clutch engages it.
What causes an AC compressor to not engage?
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. AC compressor clutches receive power in a number of ways. They can activate through a relay that’s energized directly by a proper condition of the low and high pressure switches.
How to manually engage AC compressor clutch, the easiest?
There is no need to switch on the air conditioning system for this method to work. Tips – You should route the jumper wire to avoid it getting tangled or interfering with other moving components. It is an ominous sign when the clutch engages but the compressor does not spin. Changing the compressor clutch could be the only solution in this case.
What does low side pressure on compressor mean?
Static low side pressure won’t give you any idea of system charge. You could have a low side target range of 50-psi and see that static pressure on your gauge. All that tells you is that there is some refrigerant in the system. But 1 ounce of refrigerant will provide a 50-psi reading the same as a full system.
Once you turn on the AC the center part of the compressor, the AC clutch should engage and start to rotate with the pulley. The serpentine belt rides the A/C compressor pulley every time the engine runs, but the A/C compressor is working only when the A/C clutch engages it.
How can I tell if my AC compressor is engaging?
In this video, I show you how to tell if a car’s AC compressor clutch is engaging. It is a simple process and only involves locating the compressor clutch, and then using your eyes to see if it is spinning. This is one of the first steps in diagnosing car air conditioning problems! https://youtube.com/subscription_cent…
What causes a compressor clutch to not engage?
There are three reasons why the compressor clutch does not engage, especially if the sensor detects them. These include low or excess refrigerant and insufficient oil. Burnt fuse
What should I do if my AC does not engage?
After that stops pulling, then the engine and AC are switched on and the remaining amount of refrigerant added. A system that is low enough that the compressor will not engage will usually accept refrigerant directly from the can without jumping the compressor, just from warming the can with your hands or warm water.
But if the system is low on refrigerant, the clutch will never engage. Some DIYers then hotwire the low pressure switch to force the compressor clutch to engage while they recharge. BAD MOVE. At that point you’re running the compressor with little to no oil.
How can I tell if my compressor is running or not?
Not really. DIY kits come with a low pressure side gauge and they’re designed to provide a static pressure (engine not running or AC off) and a running pressure. Static low side pressure won’t give you any idea of system charge. You could have a low side target range of 50-psi and see that static pressure on your gauge.
What happens if you run a compressor with no oil?
At that point you’re running the compressor with little to no oil. You may get it to accept a charge, but you may have already damaged the compressor before the system reaches full charge. NEVER try to bypass the low pressure switch. Doing so will force the compressor to run with inadequate oil and can destroy the compressor.
Why does my AC compressor clutch not engage?
Why AC clutch won’t engage 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. AC compressor clutches receive power in a number of ways.
What to do if your AC compressor is not spinning?
If it is lit but the compressor clutch is not spinning, try juming the two points on the relay socket closest to the headlight. If it now engages, you may have a bad relay or short between relay and compressor, or computer to relay. 3.b.
How does a de-energized clutch work on an AC compressor?
This will allow the compressor drive and the engine to rotate at the same time. Hence, the AC starts working. On the other hand, a “de-energized” clutch will “disengage” the compressor drive and the belt pulley. This will stop the AC compressor.
How to manually engage AC compressor clutch, an easy guide?
Since our main goal here is to engage the clutch manually, we must know what causes an AC compressor clutch to be faulty. Here are three reasons why: By far, this is the most common. You must use a multimeter to check for this. To check this, unplug the connector at the clutch coil and turn on your AC. Then, examine its battery voltage.
How can I tell if my compressor clutch is working?
So start your diagnosis by determining if the compressor clutch works. Turn the air conditioning controls to MAX AC and start the engine. Then look at the front of the compressor clutch. Both the pulley and the clutch should be spinning. That means the clutch has properly engaged with the pulley.
What should you do if your AC clutch is not engaging?
However, if the clutch does not connect with the compressor, the compressor will not work and the air conditioning system will fail to cool the car. Try checking if the clutch is in good condition by applying these steps: Turn the AC controls to maximum air conditioning.
How to tell if your a / C compressor clutch is working / engaging?
If there are error codes on the A/C Control Unit the compressor will not engage and you will need to reset the fault codes using a diagnostic scanner such as the Launch Creader or iCarsoft MB II. How to tell if your air conditioner AC compressor clutch is working / engaging?
How to troubleshoot a / C compressor clutch problems on your Mercedes?
This video is helpful if you are trying to troubleshoot air conditioner problems, the A/C compressor clutch in particular. This opens in a new window. Start by turning the engine on. Set the AC to maximum cold setting. Open the hood and look at the serpentine belt to locate the AC compressor.
How can I tell if my AC compressor is engaged?
You will see a “legend” on the inside of the black panel that shows what each relay is. Pull the compressor relay, then jump the two points closest to the headlight then see if the clutch is engaged. If it isn’t]
If there are error codes on the A/C Control Unit the compressor will not engage and you will need to reset the fault codes using a diagnostic scanner such as the Launch Creader or iCarsoft MB II. How to tell if your air conditioner AC compressor clutch is working / engaging?
What causes the AC compressor to not engage?
The AC is blowin hot air only and the compressor won’t kick on. I had the freon checked today and its full. Blower is blowing like it should. Any advise is appreciated. Thanks guys. Does anybody know what might cause the AC compressor to not engage. The AC is blowin hot air only and the compressor won’t kick on.
Which is the running amperage of the compressor?
The amp draw will, to a great extent, assist us in that determination. RLA is not the running amperage of the compressor; it is a mathematical formula and is used for such things as sizing fuses, wires, and contactors. The published RLA value does not change as the motor load changes.
Why do you need a fuse ahead of an AC unit?
Large motors and air conditioners separate these overcurrent functions. The breaker or fuse ahead of the air conditioner only protects against short circuits and ground faults. Overload protection is built into the compressor itself. The wire to a condensing unit must be large enough to allow the equipment to start.
Where do I find the fuse on my air conditioner?
To examine your fuses, look for a switch near the compressor of your unit. Before you open the compartment, turn off the electricity source of your entire air conditioning unit. Turn off the circuit breaker that controls your air conditioner. Once the circuit breaker has been turned off, turn off the switch in your unit.
Is there a fuse or relay for the compressor clutch?
There is no fuse or relay for the compressor clutch. Power for the compressor clutch comes from one of the TIPM circuit boards, through connector C1, pin 50. However, the A/C control panel, among other things, gets power from fuse M34. That may be related. Check for power at the connector on the compressor clutch.
Where is the fuse on an A / C compressor?
Go to connector 3 of your PCM (third connector in from driver fender). Pull dust cover off and using a wire tap or backprobe (sharpened paper clip) connect to the blu/org wire in cavity 11 and ground it while running. If the compressor turns on the TIPM, fuses, etc are ok.
Where is the 10 Amp Fuse under the hood?
The A/C keeps blowing a 10 amp fuse in the fuse compartment under the hood. When I replace the fuse, it blows in about 5 Keeps blowing..the fuse compartment under the hood..gauge reads…
What to do if your a / C compressor won’t engage?
HOWEVER, if you cannot turn the compressor on, you cannot recharge your AC levels (grrrr). So you need to use a paper clip to bypass the relay switch and force the clutch to engage. You can then recharge the freon and re install the relay switch and it will sense more pressure and the clutch will engage by itself. Loading…