Why is the clutch away from the AC pulley?
When not in operation, the clutch plate rests a specified distance away from the AC pulley to prevent compressor operation. The distance is determined by the carmaker and relates to the strength of the strength of the AC clutch coil. Since the clutch plate and pulley face are bare metal, they can corrode when not used.
What to do if your a / C clutch is not working?
When the A/C system does not blow cold air the first thing that you show check is if the compressor engages. If it doesn’t do not assume that the A/C compressor itself is the problem. Remember that the A/C clutch is controlled by the A/C Control Unit. If that unit detects an error it will not engage the A/C compressor to avoid it getting damaged.
What happens when the clutch on an AC compressor fails?
Most of the time that the clutch fails, you will see discoloration or a burnt area. The clutch disc moves along flexible rubber isolators that allow it to move. When the heat becomes intense, it starts to melt, leaving a rusty color. When this happens, you must replace the entire compressor.
How is the compressor clutch relay turned on and off?
In some vehicles the compressor clutch relay is turned on and off by the low pressure switch and the evaporator temperature sensor. In a computer controlled system, the compressor clutch relay is grounded by the computer. If the fuse is good, disconnect the electrical connector from the compressor clutch coil.
Why is the pulley not engaging the clutch?
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. If only the pulley is turning, but the clutch disc isn’t, there’s a problem somewhere in the system.
When the A/C system does not blow cold air the first thing that you show check is if the compressor engages. If it doesn’t do not assume that the A/C compressor itself is the problem. Remember that the A/C clutch is controlled by the A/C Control Unit. If that unit detects an error it will not engage the A/C compressor to avoid it getting damaged.
What makes the clutch on an air conditioner compressor fail?
The clutch consists of two primary parts, an electromagnetic coil and some type of friction disk. Magnetic forces created by the coil push the friction into the clutch assembly, forcing the compressor to rotate with the engine’s crankshaft. Why do A/C Compressor Clutches Fail?
How is the clutch connected to the AC unit?
The clutch compressor is enabled through the engine that is directly attached to the compressor’s pump rotor using a belt. However, most car AC systems now use an electromagnetic clutch piece that engages the compressor to spin the air conditioning unit.