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    #1

    Compressor clutch not engaging

    Guys, I have done some searching and found muddy water on this subject. I traced the wires from my compressor clutch to the relays on the front quarter panel behind the drivers headlight. I cannot get my compressor clutch to engage, i cleaned the contacts and swapped relays and still nothing. Is there another way to diagnose the clutch or is it a loss? If it is a loss does anyone know the part number? Also is there an easier way to get at it without removing the P/S pump and alternator? I already tried jumping the relay and pulling a vacuum to check for leaks then adding enough freon to trip the relay. I'm just smacking my head into the wall, would it be even worth it to repair the clutch or just get a whole other A/C compressor? Am I missing something? Grrr, not looking to drop $$ into A/C parts just yet but it is so damn hot out.
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    #2
    If you had a power probe you could apply 12 volts to the clutch to see if it operates. If not you have a bad clutch. If it works you have low freon, relay, fuse, or wiring issues. If the clutch is bad I would recommend replacing the compressor, especially if you don't have the right tools. The easiest way to get the compressor off is the route you said, remove PS and alternator. Its only 4 bolts.

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      #3
      Originally posted by cincy90h22 View Post
      If you had a power probe you could apply 12 volts to the clutch to see if it operates. If not you have a bad clutch. If it works you have low freon, relay, fuse, or wiring issues. If the clutch is bad I would recommend replacing the compressor, especially if you don't have the right tools. The easiest way to get the compressor off is the route you said, remove PS and alternator. Its only 4 bolts.

      I followed this diagram ^

      So my clutch is dead, well shit time to drop money on a drier, orings, and other parts now... :SMDH

      Fuse, relay, and freon are not the problems. I swapped the a/c fan relay with the a/c clutch relay no change both relays powered fan and neither powered the compressor clutch.

      EDIT:Now if I only had page 15-60 of that manual!
      Last edited by wildBill83; 08-17-2012, 09:23 PM.

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        #4
        My clutch went out earlier this year. Engine bay had a smell to it, like burned clutch stuff, Hard to describe.
        I replaced the compressor then couldn't get it to engage. It ended up being the fuse was bad as well as the clutch. So when I replaced the compressor it wouldn't engage. I changed the fuse and it worked. Then a little later It would work intermitently, that ended up being the high low switch was not making contact. So I had to solder a new connection on.
        If you have freon in the system, and you jumped the high/low switch. I think it is the clutch. There is a way to check the clutch. But I found a rebuilt compressor from somebody in kentucky on ebay. $115 shipped. I couldn't find a clutch kit for that cheap.


        steve

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          #5
          Yep. Your diagnosis is correct. Do make sure you get new o rings on any line you disconnect. Don't forget pag oil, you will need to put it in the new compressor and spin it several times before installing the lines. I forget how much oil the system should have, generally you should let it drain out of the compressor into a measuring cup, and put the same amount of new oil in the new compressor. You should do the same in the dryer too if you replace it.

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            #6
            Thanks guys, I was really hoping for a magical fix and this would be the place to find it. I guess it's time to rip off the front ... again ... and take the whole thing apart and follow this DIY http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=165508 and just do it right the next time. There goes more of my funding away from my new suspension and wheels. Maybe I'll go to a junk yard and see if I can replace my mangled front clip while I'm at it.

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              #7
              Page 15-60 of that manual tells you to check on presence of battery voltage on single wire leading to clutch when ignition switch and a/c switch "on".
              A&P-IA

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                #8
                I never updated this thread, I replaced the compressor and bypassed the cabin temp sensor and the clutch works on the new compressor.

                The problem was two fold, a bad clutch and a bad cabin temp sensor.

                I decided to come back and update the thread for others that may have the same problem.

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