Why does my AC clutch stop working in hot weather?

Why does my AC clutch stop working in hot weather?

The heat from a slipping clutch will damage the clutch coil making it too weak to pull the clutch plate against the pulley. If the compressor shaft isn’t leaking you can replace the clutch assembly, if it is leaking buy a compressor with clutch.

Why does my car AC keep blowing hot air?

The condenser is the part of the AC unit that’s responsible for radiating or dissipating the heat from the liquid refrigerant coming from the compressor. When this component works as expected, it allows the liquid refrigerant to cool down a bit so it can return to a gaseous state again as it flows back through the rest of the unit.

What happens to the engine when the AC is not on?

When the AC is working normally the engine revs slightly higher when AC clutch is engaged. Likewise, when the AC is blowing hot air and the clutch isn’t engaged the engine revs higher. And if I disconnect either the low or the high pressure switches the engine reduces to normal idling.

What causes a car clutch to stop working?

Take a close look at the clutch, if it looks burned or damaged it may have been slipping. Slipping is usually caused by oil leaking from the compressor shaft. The heat from a slipping clutch will damage the clutch coil making it too weak to pull the clutch plate against the pulley.

When does the AC clutch stop engaging in hot weather?

Then the cycle repeats. The AC seems to be dependent on outside temperature: on very hot days ~95 degrees the AC will only work for ~5 minutes before blowing hot, 80 degree days the AC works longer, limited testing in cooler weather (at night ~60 degrees) AC always blows cold. When it is blowing hot air, the clutch on the compressor hasn’t engaged.

What happens if you have a bad air conditioner clutch?

If the compressor clutch gets damaged, it will keep the air conditioning system permanently on or off. A faulty compressor clutch can be replaced but it is generally recommended to replace the whole compressor to save time and additional cost. How to Diagnose if the Car AC Compressor Has Failed?

What happens when the clutch on an AC compressor breaks?

When the compressor clutch breaks, the bearing inside the compressor can become damaged as well. While it’s not common to see fluid leaking through the front seal because of a failed AC compressor clutch, it’s not unheard of. Look at the compressor to see if there are any signs liquid is leaking out through the front seal.

What should I do if my air conditioner clutch is spinning?

The clutch allows the compressor pulley to engage or disengage from the motor, ensuring it is only running when it should. If the clutch seizes, normal action cannot continue. Look at the front of the compressor while the air conditioning is running to see if the clutch is spinning.