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 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 are the symptoms of a bad air conditioner clutch?

One of the most obvious symptoms you notice is that the car’s air conditioning system stops blowing cold air. This is because the damaged compressor fails to distribute the refrigerant effectively, resulting in the air condition to blow hot air.

What should engine temperature be when AC is not engaged?

Engine temperature reading always in normal range <210 degrees. Heater is working normally. I’m pretty sure the clutch is getting the signals to engage. 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.

Why is my a / C blowing warm air?

A refrigerant leak is unique in the sense that refrigerant evaporates instantly into a gas once it isn’t under the pressure of your closed loop A/C system. A/C systems are sealed and therefore don’t require refrigerant top-off’s. If the refrigerant level is low then there is a leak that needs to be addressed.

Why is my air conditioner clutch not working?

If your Air Conditioning compressor isn’t working (the clutch won’t engage) then watch this video. The A/C switch on the dash switches the compressor on, with one exception. If the PCM (powertrain control module) senses low pressure in the low pressure fluid line, it will stop the compressor clutch from engaging to prevent any damage.

What does the clutch do on an AC unit?

What is an AC Compressor Clutch? The AC compressor clutch is the first thing that moves every time you turn on your AC. Think of it as a switch that is responsible for engaging and disengaging the AC compressor pulley from its compressor drive.

Why does the clutch on my car 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. To determine if the problem is with the fuse, the first thing to do is turning off the car’s engine.

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.