Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) a/c compressor clutch woes

[ESchmidt]

does any body know what other dodge models share the same a/c compressor clutches that 12v trucks use. thanks

 

[WDimig]

the only other model that might use the same clutch is the V10, i dont know for sure that it uses the same clutch, what problem are you having with yours??



wes

 

[wcjp]

Not sure if you're looking at replacing the AC unit and/or compressor only? Friend recently started to replace the clutch pack on his 99'. The cost of clutch pack and specialized tools didn't pencil out. Easier and cheaper too buy a new/rebuilt AC unit complete. Don't forget to remove all air out of the system. He had to buy some R134 attachment to his air compressor to create a vaccuum.

 

[surfbeetle]

Before you get dead set on replacing it, check the A/C relay in the black box by the driver's side battery. Last summer, my A/C clutch stopped working, I swapped the Horn relay for the AC relay and it worked. New relay was 20 bucks. By the way, my A/C system is original untouched since new in 1995. Good Luck.

 

[Tinman]

My A/C quit on the 01 last year. Compressor wasn't turning on at all. It was the pressure switch on the accumulator. A few dollars and 5 minutes to replace. I diagnosed it by making a jumper wire to by-pass the switch and the compressor worked fine. A can of R134 and all was good.

 

[CumminsPower98]

I replaced my clutch without any problems or special tools (I did make little puller though) and much cheaper than a complete compressor replacement. Mine was still working but two of the little spring straps had broken causing the plate to drag on one side when not engaged. Sorry, I have no information as to what other models might work.

 

[rattle trap]

Before you get dead set on replacing it, check the A/C relay in the black box by the driver's side battery. Last summer, my A/C clutch stopped working, I swapped the Horn relay for the AC relay and it worked. New relay was 20 bucks. By the way, my A/C system is original untouched since new in 1995. Good Luck.

i also thought i had a bad clutch. but i tested the clutch connector for power, and i did not have a hot signal.



so i traced the wires. i found i had a blown fuse in the PDC. it still didnt work. i swapped my horn relay and it still didnt work. out of curiousity i used a new generic relay. come to find out both my a/c and horn relays were blown.



but the a/c wasnt working still. i found out i had a connector failure on the high pressure side.



once all of that mess was buttoned up i hooked up my manifold set and checked the pressures. in order to get the compressor spinning i shot a lil r134 and oil in there and then unplugged the 2 prong low pressure switch on the accumulator and inserted a small jumper wire between the 2 pins of the connector. viola spinning compressor and continued to charged it to specs.



the compressor which i had tried to jump earlier to no avail, suddenly works due to coincedental problems.





so if you have allready troubleshot the compressor with voltage and resistance test on the coils and its failed that or has voltage at the terminal, then i have nothing to contribute except to check rockauto.

 

[MHalloran]

My A/C quit on the 01 last year. Compressor wasn't turning on at all. It was the pressure switch on the accumulator. A few dollars and 5 minutes to replace. I diagnosed it by making a jumper wire to by-pass the switch and the compressor worked fine. A can of R134 and all was good.

Tinman, did you try adding the 134a first or did you jump the switch out first? I heard that if there was low 134a pressure the compressor would not turn. Mine does not turn at all (truck's a 1996) If I jump the switch before adding 134 will it turn? Anyone? This switch (accumulator) is closer to the firewall, right? Thanks for any input on this. Summer is close & I need it. Mike

 

[CumminsPower98]

If the system is low enough to trip the switch then yes jumping the low pressure switch wire should run the compressor.

 

[rattle trap]

Tinman, did you try adding the 134a first or did you jump the switch out first? I heard that if there was low 134a pressure the compressor would not turn. Mine does not turn at all (truck's a 1996) If I jump the switch before adding 134 will it turn? Anyone? This switch (accumulator) is closer to the firewall, right? Thanks for any input on this. Summer is close & I need it. Mike

just because you jump the switch and nothing happens, that doesnt mean serious problem.



you really NEED to do a few voltage tests.



if you read my post you will see i had 4 separate problems. basically every possible circuit in the hot side of the clutch connector. my low pressure switch was open due to low pressure. when i jumped it nothing happened because the high psi switch was open due to a bad connector. after fixing that the circuit was still open due to bad fuse and relay in the PDC.



your compressor is only bad if you unplug the harness and get 12v at the 2 pins. if the pins have power and the compressor is not moving... . time for new one.



if there is no power you have an open most likely in one of those 4 circuits i had mentioned.



there is also a resistance test on the clutch coils but i dont have the specs off the top of my head.



so check for voltage. use a pressure gauge and confirm your pressures. you re gonna need approx 25-27lbs to even get the low psi to click.



the only way to test the sensors that i know of is with the manifold gauge.



i did not know much of anything about the mopars a/c system until maybe 1 month ago. mine was blowing warm and i had to use my FSM for the first time. it was advised that i buy a dual gauge set so i did. as far as i am concerned it about makes its money up in 1 or 2 troubleshooting tests. after understanding more about accumulators low pressure switches high pressure switches and expansion valves this has become quite simple. 2 weeks ago a buddy had his ac fail. i used a thermocouple attached to a DMM to measure vent temps. 80*. about 15 minutes later he went for a road test and had 37* :-laf