Check other compressor parts: The condenser . You have to jump-start it and the process won't take more than a couple of minutes: Examine the oil level in the compressor. Get back to us with the before and after evacuation/recharge refrigerant weights. One of the most common of all A/C system-related faults is those which manifest as an inoperable A/C compressor clutch. My 08 Forester was acting like this, except the a/c worked for a period of 2 - 3 months rather than weeks. $8499. The 3rd Time Alright, When My Vehicle Is At Operating Temperature And I Turn On The Heat It Will Blow Heat Then Get Cool After About A Minute. It could also slip at times, leading to erratic operations. Cooling, Heating, Ventilation & A/C - AC Compressor clutch cycles on & off? It should be replaced if not functioning properly. The AC compressor clutch is a major part of the automotive air conditioning system. Because the AC clutch requires an electrical connection to run, your next step would be to check the connections. Air is cold. If current draw is 2.5. Consequently, the vents may be giving off heat. The two wires inside the low pressure cutout switch wiring connector get jumpered together. Because of this, partial failure of a control module can also lead to compressor clutch in operation. Measure the voltage coming to the connector with a multimeter, and if everything is activated properly, you should see 12 to 14 volts coming to this wire. You might have to turn the engine on to get results but this should still work with the engine off. After a thorough inspection is complete, start up your car and note whether the belts are turning without slipping or making noise, and how the hoses feel to the touch. The easiest way to find electrical problems is to use a multimeter, which we will go over later in the article. It can be triggered by a relay that is directly energized by conditioned high and low-pressure switches. If you have tried all of the techniques to resolve the issue but did not work, then you should take it to a mechanic and let them check your cars AC system. Previously the air didn't work when set at level 2 and 3 of the four levels. Is the AC clutch supposed to spin all the time? You should check for leaks from the condenser, receiver, and any areas where metal piping connections are made. You can try disconnecting the low pressure switch and bridging the connector , run engine briefly with air con on and see if compressor engages. Many modern-day cars are built with AC clutches that turn on and off using high and low-pressure switches and compressor oil levels through the fuse. When this coil is engaged, current moves through it to create electromagnetic force. However, when the AC pressure switch goes bad, warm air might be all you get. One comes from the power relay and one from the fuse. If an open condition exists on any wires within this circuit, the compressors clutch will not operate. . Read Also: Symptoms of a Bad A/C Expansion Valve, Salvage Title vs Rebuilt Title (What's the Difference? Prices may vary depending on your location. On the other hand, if it is turning freely, we need to determine why its not activating. Get it Jan 26 - Feb 2. It may be because the vents are covered with frost. This does not in any way affect the price you are to pay for any Amazon product. Im Stephen and Ive been an auto mechanic for over a decade now. I think the puff of smoke coming out of the vents is unrelated. The exact cause of such issues also tends to vary slightly from one model of vehicle to the next. Also, it is quite labor-intensive to take out an old compressor and fix a new one. We took it back to the mechanic. Using an ultraviolet (UV) leak detection light, inspect thecondenser near the receiver/dryer cap for the presence of dye. 2. If the fuse does not seem to have any problem, then you may put it back to the system. Or they charge it, then cant find a leak? To finish, we'll add new refrigerant to recharge the A/C . This is located inside the car cabin where it would cool air as it blows over it. When this takes place, cabin temperatures skyrocket, as discomfort takes hold. Need the manual, really. I checked the compressor and the clutch will engage for those first couple seconds and then stop completely. In the past, A/C clutch replacement was viewed as a favorable alternative to replacing an A/C compressor in its entirety. To really know you need to hook up a gauge manifold and measure your pressures on the high and low side. If the clutch does engage manually, you are looking at some rarer issues. Last summer, the A/C on our 2012 Ford Escape stopped blowing cold air. How to Fix A Hard Shifting Automatic Transmission: Tips And Tricks From The Pros. Inspect the harness to make sure that it doesnt have any opens or shorts. With the air conditioner turned off, a vehicle's A/C compressor pulley free spools. The clutch is not getting a signal to turn on. . Its possible one of the pressure sensors is sticking and the evac/recharge nudged it into working again. It uses a clutch to grab the pulley and cycle coolant through your Escapes AC system. Even with the key off, treat them like they can still come on. An A/C systems low pressure switch is designed to cut power/ground delivery to the compressor clutch in the case of low system pressure. Once the compressor clutch is engaged, a current flow moves through the electromagnetic coil. Definitely dye should be added so that any leaks can be found. Without much argument, SOA sent me a check for $500 towards the repair. You can do this in under 2 minutes with a test light. January 2022 Jason, MAZDA6 shuts down while driving fuel pump not monitored, may be no engine light etc. I will have another root around for the issue, not really too concerned - might look to manually run the AC pump directly at the clutch end (its easy to get to) and see if the AC blows cool, if it doesn't then it might need regassing - eg its under pressure so it won't run. Please check your cars AC manual to know its right level of pressure. Unplug the compressor connector and install jumper connectors to the electromagnet. Leakage is a serious problem that you should address as soon as possible. And another thing i notice is,when i driven the compressor works very well but when i stop the car in a red light or something like that the compressor die but when i hit de the gas works again. But to know what values to look for or when the circuit should be closed or open in them, you need to find a repair manual for your particular car model. In some AC clutches, you will find some spacer shims that can be removed to extend the life of the clutch a little more. Turn the AC to high while looking at the serpentine belt for any issues. That could explain why it works for a while, then stops working. Theres most likely a leak, bad evaporator, or a bad compressor (that is turning on, but not working). that have created this guide for you so you can understand how the system works Try checking if the clutch is in good condition by applying these steps: Here is a useful tip: If youre not confident to do the examination yourself, it is best to work with a car expert. There are many reasons why an AC clutch does not engage. If there are two belts, theyll both be attached at the crank pulley. might look to manually run the AC pump directly at the clutch end. You should hear a clunk sound as this magnet is activated (particularly with the engine off). During this process, a technician will remove the old refrigerant from the A/C system. We only use the commissions thereby generated to maintain the site. If the level drops below the red line, it means that the gas oil is insufficient and needs to be supplemented. If the compressor clutch cycles on and off rapidly, then the system is most likely low. From Heat To Cool. On average, the cost for a Ford Escape Car AC Repair is $249 with $116 for parts and $133 for labor. When you turn on the air conditioning, you expect to feel cold air pour out. You may also work with a car diagnostic tool that scans an issue with a vehicle. What is the AC clutch and how does it work? 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However, most car AC systems now use an electromagnetic clutch piece that engages the compressor to spin the air conditioning unit. green and/or greasy components . Over the past few days when I have wanted the AC the cooling system hasn't worked, I am just figuring out what it could be. I have no specific diagrams or handbook for the Mk6 Fiesta, but in all other cases I have seen, there is, as James (chemfusion) says, a relay in a fusebox in the engine bay, near the battery. 85ltdcrownvic. Belt: If the serpentine belt is worn . Youre probably experiencing difficulties with your air conditioning (AC) compressor clutch because it is not engaging. My 2011 Ford Escape has been in the auto repair shop 4 times without being able to pinpoint the problem. However, one must also determine the reason behind the fuses failure. This process engages the plate, along with the compressor belt. They checked for leaks but found none. Need to fix your car's air conditioner? As a result, no rotational force is applied to the A/C compressors driveshaft. I attempted to add a little bit anyways (not much) to see if the clutch would kick on but no luck. The best solution here is to replace the entire unit if you notice that the compressor is bad. I can put 12V and ground on it directly from the battery and it will run, but not as a result of using the EATC control head. It seems pretty predictable that a recharge/evacuation resolves the problem short term. Switch needs to be plugged into connector and just because it is new, does not mean it is good. Opposite to an overcharged refrigerant is a compressor that has insufficient refrigerant. If I find something out from my mechanic, Ill give you guys an update. Your last post confused me. Seems to be working. Obviously, youd want to do this with the vehicle off. Do not get the 12 volts to the clutch so cannot be the clutch. I checked the relays which are good. Another possible cause could be leaks in the AC system. In turn, the A/C system clutch disengages. 1861cp Started 14 hours ago, By Slipping Belt- A slipping serpentine belt can cause the vehicle's AC compressor to turn slower than it . Alexdeltaron Failure of any type within this unit can prevent a clutchs coil from being energized. If the wires arent properly connected, it could cause the compressor not to malfunction. What have you tried so far? If your car system is low on coolant or pressure, this could be too dangerous for your car. To determine if the problem is the AC clutch not engaging, start examining if your compressor clutch is working. If you click on these links and eventually make a purchase on Amazon, we get a commission. Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled, A/C stops working on 2012 Ford Escape 2-3 weeks after recharge/evacuation. Is the Fan behind the condenser working? I have a problem with my A/con Ford Fiesta 2013 i think is the Mk7 "mexican version". Thats where you will get the problem resolved. Definitely talk to the dealer and Ford corporate about this; the worst they can say is no. No, if the Freon level is too low, it will not engage the AC clutch. [/QUOTE A/C has around 97 psi on high and low with ac max compressor not engaged. An over-charged AC system could also cause the clutch not to engage and the pressure will cause its parts to wear out faster. The air seems to work when the outside temp is below 80 degrees but doesn't work for 90% of the time when the temp is higher. Car Maintenance, General Repair, Trouble Shooting, and Everything Car Related. Has brand new compressor, drier and not low on freon. Mark helpful 55,895 Tracy answered 8 years ago If you haven't bought one, don't. Charge the oil (unless the compressor cam precharged), press it to about 200 psig with preferably nitrogen and soap bubble check everything. Jiffy Lube Vs. Valvoline Oil Change: Differences & Which Is Better. Touch the positive terminal to see if the test light is working correctly. RELATED: 5 Signs Your Cars AC is Low on Freon (& What to do). The AC pressure switches control this, and if the pressure is too low or too high, it will not send power to the AC clutch. Check the front of the compressor clutch. Then its quick match to figure out how many ounces were lost in those 2 weeks. Marvel Mystery Oil vs Seafoam: Which is The Better Choice? They checked the levels and the pressure was good before they did anything else. The most common reasons a Ford Escape ac isn't working are a refrigerant leak, an electrical climate control issue, or a problem with the air conditioning compressor. When the AC is turned on, the clutch gets electrical energy. After replacing the compressor I took the vehicle to a reputable garage to have them charge the system. Tiny bits of metal can clog your AC condenser. With PAG 46. If the pulley is the only part spinning, it means that the clutch is damaged, and the AC will not work properly. With the clutch plate worn out, the clutch may not be able to engage. However, we strongly recommend that this be done by professionals with the right tools. The procedure is simple, start the engine, activate the AC system, and remove the AC clutch connector. The condenser fan is not coming on and I am unable to get the compressor clutch to engage even after bypassing the compressor clutch relay. hiace_drifter In some car models, you may also need ground. Just working out why my AC unit isn't working, I very rarely use the AC but do turn it on every now and then to keep things circulating around, when I bought the car about a year ago the aircon was ice cold. Fill it up until the pressure indicator on the refill . Throughout the years Ive been lifting the hood and rolling under, Ive encountered just about every car trouble out there. These include low or excess refrigerant and insufficient oil. AllIcouldAf-ford 2012 Ford Escape. As for the engine coolant temp sensor, if the coolant is not hot enough to make the fan come on, then there is no need for the fan yet and there is no problem . However, this piece may cost you too much to replace. 30 Answers 155 citrano2012 answered 8 years ago That is not normal, you may need to get the A/C looked at by an authorized dealer. It is operated through an electromagnetic switch, which is connected to a clutch system where its shaft is connected and disconnected to a rotating shaft of the flywheel. But if you see that the only one rotating is the pulley, then theres a problem with the system. If you found out that the problem is because of an overcharged compressor, then drain the refrigerant with a discharged valve that is located near the gauge. It also gives an insight into how the system works. If you dont get any voltage reading, then check the fuse. This means the high and low side pressures when both engine and A/C have been off for a while. This gives power to the pump rotor that keeps the compressor running. If the only rotating part is the pulley, then the clutch fails to run. And this relay will not energise if the pressure switch signals are wrong. The best remedy for this is getting your A/C serviced. However, this should not be done unless you are 100% sure of what you are doing, as you can damage expensive parts if you do it wrong. Just took it back to mechanic. I also talk about other relays that you ca. Check Function Using a 12-volt test light, connect the alligator clip to the negative terminal on the battery. Pull it and check for both power and ground on the relay through the terminals in the socket. 2012 ford fusion evaporator temperature sensor bypass. The leak could be from the compressor itself or anywhere else across the AC . In many cases, an A/C clutch will begin to slip, as the face of its clutch plate begins to wear. the receiver/dryer is running short of liquid. back to AC / heater Complaints 271 Crash Tests 3 Lemon Law 7.6 pretty bad Typical. There are three reasons why the compressor clutch does not engage, especially if the sensor detects them. Route the wires to the car battery. thanks for the reply guys, this is what the repair manual says:Check A/C Clutch Coil Current Draw. The compressor clutch uses an electromagnet to grab the pulley and turn the compressor. Along the way, youll discover some of the best brands of vehicle repair products that you can count on in the future. You can jump-start the clutch to see if it will get moving manually. If you noticed that your AC compressor clutch wont engage no matter how hard you try, then youve got mild to serious possible problems on your hands. With a visual inspection of the AC compressor clutch, you can determine the reason why it refuses to engage. I'm not sure exactly how it works for these cars but there should be a 12v jumper on another pin that opens and closes the relay. Seems that my mechanic does not know what else to try. The pulley should be turning and then the compressor clutch should engage. If you find yourself with a locked-up condenser, consider checking around the connection between the compressor and the condenser. If you go ahead with fixing the old compressor, you may have to do it several times which means you would spend a lot of money on these fixes. ANY good A/C shop will solve this riddle in short orderits all they do. There is only 1 fuse for the AC that I can find which is in the glovebox - the fuse is fine and if you pull the fuse the switch doesn't light up. Causes & How To Fix, 5 Reasons Why Your Starter Is Not Engaging & How To Fix It, 6 Symptoms Of A Bad AC Compressor and Location, 9 Reasons Why Your Car AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air, P0456 Code - What It Means and How To Fix It, P0496 Code Meaning, Causes, Symptoms (& How To Fix), Car Wont Accelerate But RPMs Go Up: Causes & Fixes. The most common reason why your AC clutch is not engaging is that the AC refrigerant level is too low or too high. Last summer, the A/C on our 2012 Ford Escape stopped blowing cold air. If the pulley and the clutch are both spinning it shows that the clutch is engaged with the pulley correctly. Your link has been automatically embedded. Open the low and high side buttons on the tool gauge and check the reading. Do NOT jump the low pressure switch to operate the compressor non-stop so you can add refrigerant. Check if this fits your 2012 Ford Escape. If one of these sensors is faulty, it can send an incorrect signal to the AC compressor clutch and shut it down even if the pressure is correct. Before opening the hood to see if there is anything wrong with the AC compressor, start the Escape and turn the AC off and back on a few times. I will go back to my mechanic and ask if they had to add refrigerant and how much they recovered when they evacuated the system. 2. Ill also update when I get a resolution to the problem. Read on and learn how to diagnose and fix AC compressor clutch issues. It is also a simple replacement to do. Let us now learn how to manually engage the AC compressor clutch. Ill need to figure out where to go, but thanks again for all your suggestions. Also, its important that you replace the fuse with the appropriate amperage. Ford Escape. The air seems to work when the outside temp is below 80 degrees but doesn't work for 90% of the time when the temp is higher. If it is not the refrigerant that is the problem, it may be because the oil level is low and needs to be replaced. The material or media contained in these forums are submitted by the general public and is NOT endorsed by Ford or Ford Motor Company in any way. Related: Symptoms of a Bad Car A/C Condenser. Murray Compressor - New - 58035. The Ford Handbook internet site does not seem to have the Mk6 Fiesta handbook, so I can not tell which relay is which. . Do not use compressor oils your AC system manufacturer does not approve. If this circuit is traced the fault of a open circuit can be found out. No problems since then (two years ago). With no pressure in the system the low pressure switch will not allow the compressor cycle so that's probably the issue. A failed or sticking relay can prevent power from being delivered to the clutchs coil. If freon is low, it won't engage. Its located next to an electromagnetic coil. Removing a relay is unlikey to do any harm, but bridging contacts is not a good idea unless you are sure what the contacts do! It should be on whenever the a/c is on. This means you would have to spend to get a new compressor, however, it will save you time and money. Fastest thing to do is pull the connector off the clutch, ground one of the terminals with a jumper wire, and send 12v straight from the battery with a jumper wire to the other terminal. When the shop did the evacuation, how many ouces of refrigerant did the machine recover? You will need a wire crimp tool because the connectors are small. No leaks. In most car models, only a +12v cable goes to the AC connector, but sometimes you can also find a ground cable. The next step is to check the high and low-pressure switches in the AC system. Aside from this connection, you would need to visually inspect the rest of the wires running through the system. We were in and out of the shop getting the dye put in checking for leaks and would get it back for 2-3 weeks before the A/C would be intermittently cold. Magnus is the owner and main author of Mechanicbase. If nothin happens, ac clutch bad. . Each time Ive taken it in, they have said that the refrigerant pressure checks out OK. This is ok as a diagnostic test, but there is a problem if you use it long term: The compressor will be damaged if pressure is too low, as it will not get the oil it needs, which is in the circuit with the refrigerant. If there is no voltage, continue troubleshooting. . Mechanic's Assistant: Have you checked the Freon level? Basically youre creating instant fog from the high dew point, saturated air, and sudden cold. of r134a. Started December 2, 2020, By Remove the AC connector, check a wiring diagram, and pull a fused wire from the battery to the connector. Your previous content has been restored. When this switch fails, your air conditioning will only blow warm air. This item: A/C Compressor Kit - Compatible with 2008-2012 Ford Escape. This indicates some form of wiring problem. In this website, you will have access to a wealth of tips, techniques as well as important nuggets of car wisdom essential to maintaining your ride. You could hear a hissing sound if it is not working correctly. Any ideas why its not lasting? Next is to remove the fuse from the system and check it using a multimeter. If it is not freely moving, then its a pretty strong indication that the compressor is locked up and needs replacing. Your cars AC system contains many electrical wires and connections. You can also examine this for noise and smell issues. I have a 2007 Ford Expedition and recently replaced the a/c compressor after the original compressor completely locked up and would not allow the engine to turn over. If there isn't enough refrigerant, the clutch may not engage. This indicates some form of wiring problem. Some 2015-2018 F-150 and 2017-2018 F-Super Duty vehicles may exhibit a lack of cooling from the heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) system due to a low refrigerant charge. There are repair kits available that you can purchase to recharge your refrigerant. Only 20 left in stock - order soon. Started 19 hours ago, By Symptoms. Don't leave it running to long like that though. The AC compressor is getting a command to turn on but is no longer able to, which would indicate that it needs replacing. 2. Leighton198 A vehicles A/C system stops the summer swelter in its tracks, replacing it instead with a comforting chill. If so, try the troubleshooting techniques described here. RECALLS! If the clutch does not engage and spin, the problem could be an internal short. Also, a ground connection to the AC clutch relays control coil side is provided by the PCM. DizzyG The correct reading will display once the clutch engages and the gauge stops cycling. Remove the electrical connector from the dryer/receiver and jumper the two connections inside the wiring harness side of the connector together: this allows the compressor to engage in spite of low pressure/no gas in the system. 0 %. . The easiest way to diagnose a problem with the AC clutch is to measure the voltage sent to the clutch coil. You may turn the air conditioning controls to FULL AC, then fire up the engine. Inspect with the Engine Off . ), P2004 Code: IMRC Issue (Symptoms, Causes, and Fixes). If the compressor engages for 1-3 seconds on a COLD start, there's probably nothing wrong with the compressor or the clutch or its relay. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Then 2-3 weeks later, my wife says she saw a puff of smoke come out of the vents (not sure if it was smoke or vapor or what). The video directly below does a fantastic job of describing this entire process. The AC compressor pulley is always being turned by either the serpentine belt or a dedicated belt (its going to depend on the model year and engine type). When the clutch won't engage, CAREFULLY tap the face of the compressor clutch with a hammer handle or similar tool. Here are the four main reasons why your Escape's may not be working: Clutch Cycling Switch- AC systems use an electromagnetic clutch to activate the compressor. They did an evacuation and recharge of the system. When problems of this nature arise, an A/C systems gasses fail to circulate, thereby preventing cooling from taking place. If it looks good, its time to move on to testing the relay and seeing if you can manually get the compressor to turn on.