AC compressor clutch: definition, function, location, cost ‐ studentlesson

When an AC compressor clutch engages, a vehicle may occasionally run poorly, which is usually caused by the additional load the pump places on the engine. A compressor clutch will often stop engaging when it breaks. Although compressor clutches can be replaced independently from the rest of the compressor, this is generally not advised due to the possibility that other parts will break down.

Understanding the AC compressor clutch

A clutch may alternately engage and disengage if the refrigerant in an air conditioning system is low. If the cost of genuinely fixing the system is too high, this situation can typically be fixed by simply disconnecting the wire that leads to the clutch.

Well, in this article, you’ll be provided with the answers to the following questions:

What is the AC compressor clutch?
What is the function of an AC compressor clutch?
Where is the AC compressor clutch located?
What causes the AC compressor clutch to fail?
What are the symptoms of a bad AC compressor clutch?
How much does it cost to replace an AC compressor clutch?

Contents

What is the AC compressor clutch?

The AC compressor clutch is a device that connects and disconnects the AC compressor from the engine. The air conditioning system’s compressor is responsible for compressing and circulating the refrigerant. When the air conditioning system is turned on, the compressor clutch engages, and when the system is turned off, it disengages.

The AC compressor clutch relay and the AC compressor clutch cycling pressure switch are used to control the compressor clutch. When the air conditioning system is turned on, the relay sends power to the compressor clutch, and the cycling pressure switch monitors the refrigerant pressure and sends a signal to the relay to turn off the compressor if the pressure rises too high.

One of the most vital parts of a car’s air conditioning system is the compressor clutch. This mechanical component pushes the cooled air through the system and pressurizes the entire A/C system to make sure everything functions properly. But because it goes on and off frequently, it begins to deteriorate and break.

Your air conditioner won’t blow cool air for very long if the compressor clutch is damaged. The flow of refrigerant in the A/C system cannot be properly controlled by a damaged, malfunctioning, or worn compressor to provide the appropriate levels of cooling.

What is the function of an AC compressor clutch?

Energy from the engine is transformed by the AC compressor clutch and sent to the compressor. The clutch engages and starts spinning to transfer power when the air conditioner is turned on.

Additionally, the compressor clutch prevents the air conditioner from running nonstop. You would experience a drop in fuel economy and more frequently worn-out air conditioning parts if it operated continuously. The engine would be put under too much stress as a result.

AC compressor clutch size

Where is the AC compressor clutch located?

The AC compressor clutch is generally located at the front of the AC compressor. The AC compressor is typically connected to the engine by a belt and is located at the front of the engine, near the bottom of the engine compartment.

AC compressor clutch not engaging

The compressor clutch is a small, circular device positioned on the front of the compressor that is normally about the size of a silver dollar. When the compressor belt is taken off, the front of the compressor can be seen, where a single bolt or snap ring typically holds it in place.

The clutch engages and starts spinning when the air conditioner is turned on. However, depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the exact location of the compressor clutch may vary. It is advised that you refer to the vehicle’s service manual for detailed instructions on where to find the compressor clutch on your particular vehicle.

What causes the AC compressor clutch to fail?

There can be a variety of reasons at play when a car’s AC isn’t functioning properly. However, it’s critical to consider the chance that your AC compressor clutch may be faulty.

The compressor has a lot of moving parts, making it challenging to pinpoint which one is damaged, but it is possible to narrow it down to the clutch. However, here are some of the things that can cause your air conditioning compressor clutch to fail:

When the refrigerant charge is low
Electrical problems
Too much refrigerant
Dirt on the coil
Incorrect suction line size

When the refrigerant charge is low

Your air conditioner will unavoidably leak refrigerant everywhere if the lines carrying the refrigerant have holes or cracks. Your fluid will eventually stop functioning since the compressor will have to work twice as hard to push enough refrigerant through the system to cool your space after a while if the level gets critically low due to leakage. The compressor may eventually fail as a result of the strain.

Electrical problems

Sometimes electrical failure cannot be avoided. This may lead to an accumulation of acids, which can seriously harm other components in addition to the compressor. Make sure your G2 Motorsport technician performs a test for the presence of these corrosive acids if your compressor has failed. It might not be worth fixing if they discover an electrical burnout that has damaged the entire system. Instead, they might want to replace it.

Too much refrigerant

Your compressor may stop working if a “not quite fully certified” technician, a friend, or another person working on your air conditioner mistakenly adds too much refrigerant or an inappropriate amount of refrigerant to your system.

Dirt on the coil

It makes sense that some dust and grime will accumulate on the condenser coil while you are living life and driving your car. When enough grime accumulates, the air conditioner can no longer remove enough heat from the system and switches to running continuously in an effort to cool your car. The compressor may overheat and stop working as a result of the elevated pressure and temperature.

Incorrect suction line size

This can be a straightforward but serious issue. An untimely breakdown of the A/C compressor can result from a line that is too big or too small for your system.

What are the symptoms of a bad AC compressor clutch?

Here are some signs you will notice if your AC compressor clutch is bad:

loud and weird noises.
Increase in cabin temperature.
Clutch seizes to move.
Refrigerant leakage.
Unable to turn on or off the AC.

loud and weird noises

If the AC makes a loud noise when you turn it on, a compressor might be faulty. The compressor has multiple moving parts, just like the engine. Noises are a common complaint when the clutch or another moving component starts to fail or seize. But a high-pitched screeching sound might also be caused by a component that is damaged or leaking.

A seized bearing, on the other hand, will make a grinding noise. It’s frequently preferable to replace the complete compressor rather than attempt a repair because it can be so difficult to identify which component inside the compressor is damaged.

Increase in cabin temperature

The most typical symptom of a bad AC compressor clutch is an increased cabin temperature on hot days when you really need the A/C. Whenever the cabin temperature increases unexpectedly, you should frequently check for a broken compressor.

The compressor fails as a result of the clutch being damaged since it is unable to control the refrigerant flow. Naturally, a lack of refrigerant could also be the cause of the increased cabin temperature, so a full system assessment is required.

Clutch seizes to move

The compressor pulley can connect to or disconnect from the motor using the clutch, ensuring that it only runs when it should. Action cannot proceed normally if the clutch seizes. While the air conditioning is on, check the front of the compressor to determine if the clutch is spinning.

Rrefrigerant leakage

The compressor’s bearing may sustain damage when the compressor clutch fails. Although it’s uncommon, it does happen occasionally to see fluid leaking through the front seal as a result of a broken AC compressor clutch. Check the compressor for any signs that liquid is leaking through the front seal.

Unable to turn on or off the AC

The compressor might continue to run if the clutch is damaged, making it difficult or impossible to switch the air conditioning off. This could cause more serious issues and be bad for the other AC parts.

However, it happens much more frequently that the clutch may fail and prevent you from turning on the air. You are left without air conditioning since the compressor would not receive any power from the engine without the clutch.

How much does it cost to replace an AC compressor clutch?

The compressor is one of the most essential components of the air conditioning system, making it one of the most expensive parts overall. But replacing it is not difficult. A number of factors, including the vehicle’s make and model, the repair shop location, and the cost of labor in your area, can affect the cost of replacing an AC compressor clutch.

An AC compressor clutch replacement can cost anywhere between $300 and $800 on average.
However, the price may be higher if you need to replace the entire AC compressor and other related parts, as well as if you drive a luxury or high-performance vehicle. A technician’s experience and the repair shop’s location can both affect how much labor costs.

Before having the work done, it is suggested that you get a few estimates from several repair shops to be sure you are getting a fair price. You can also see if the replacement of the compressor clutch is covered by the vehicle’s warranty or service contract.
Remember that this is only an estimate, so actual costs may differ. A competent mechanic should always be consulted before making any decisions.

You can purchase parts of an AC compressor clutch

FAQs

How do I know if my AC compressor clutch is bad?

The clutch may briefly click when the air conditioner is turned on before the belt and pulley begin to rotate. The compressor has to be serviced if the clutch does not engage or if it does so with a shrieking or whining sound.

Here are some other signs you will notice if your AC compressor clutch is bad:

loud and weird noises.
An increase in cabin temperature.
Clutch seizes to move.
Refrigerant leakage.
Unable to turn on or off the AC.

Is it worth replacing the AC compressor clutch?

Better long-term durability is the main justification for replacing a full A/C compressor and clutch system. The AC clutch pulley may need to be replaced, but on the way out, it most likely damaged the compressor.

What does the AC compressor clutch do?

One of the most crucial components of a car’s air conditioning system is the compressor clutch. This mechanical component pushes the cool air through the system and pressurizes the entire A/C system to make sure everything functions properly.

What causes AC compressor clutch failure?

The internal A/C system will overheat from consuming too much power, which will cause the clutch to slip against the pulley. Slipping can result in clutch failure if the compressor lacks lubrication or is overused under extremely hot conditions.

Can I drive with a bad AC compressor clutch?

Driving while your A/C compressor is broken is not a smart idea. It’s not advisable to drive your car with a damaged A/C compressor, yet occasionally you can do so without needing to have pricey repairs.

When these crucial components of your car’s air conditioning system malfunction, your engine, and even your health may suffer more harm.

Can I drive with a bad AC clutch?

Yes, you can in most cases. Remove the belt if you can if the compressor clutch assembly has frozen up.

What does a bad AC clutch sound like?

Therefore, if you turn on your air conditioner and hear rattling, your AC compressor may be faulty or damaged. Both rattling and loud humming noises from your car’s air conditioner that get louder as you accelerate can be signs that your AC compressor needs to be replaced.

Does the AC compressor affect the transmission?

The engine and transmission should continue to function normally as long as the A/C compressor is not physically damaged (broken or seized).

Can a bad AC compressor affect engine performance?

Yes, a malfunctioning AC compressor will have a significant impact on the engine. Through the provision of an air conditioning system, the AC compressor performs a very important role in the car. The engine will be impacted if the a/c compressor is compromised because when the compressor’s pulley bearing fails, the engine will stall as a result of the stuck compressor.

Can I unplug my AC compressor and still drive?

Due to an internal issue, the compressor may jam up. You can only drive if the clutch is in working order. If the pulley turns when the clutch is disengaged, then disconnecting the clutch activation wire will allow you to drive.

How long should an AC compressor last in a car?

An air conditioning compressor can last between eight and ten years, according to estimates. Then, many drivers will claim that they won’t ever need to replace their A/C compressor because this figure represents the lifespan of the vehicle.

Can a car run without an AC compressor?

As long as you don’t want or need AC in your vehicle, you’ll be OK. Your AC pulley is a clutch-equipped free-spinning pulley. But until the air conditioning is turned on, it will spin at will. Even if the clutch isn’t functioning properly, you can still use your car.

That is all for this article, where the answers to the following questions have been discussed:

What is the AC compressor clutch?
What is the function of an AC compressor clutch?
Where is the AC compressor clutch located?
What causes the AC compressor clutch to fail?
What are the symptoms of a bad AC compressor clutch?
How much does it cost to replace an AC compressor clutch?

I hope you learn a lot from reading this article. If you do, kindly share it with other students, friends, or families. Thanks for reading, see you around!

Understanding the AC compressor clutch

What is the AC compressor clutch?