zain611 If it engages, the clutch gap is too wide. (4 Causes and How to Fix), Does Cruise Control Actually Save Gas? However, one must also determine the reason behind the fuses failure. They did the evacuation/recharge and the air is now blowing cold again. With time, a compressors clutch assembly can begin to show its age. By You can use a jump wire to determine if your Ford Escapes AC compressor clutch is activating properly. Mechanic's Assistant: What year is your Escape? That is RIDICULOUS, Cheryl. Just wondering if you ever found a fix??? The procedure is simple, start the engine, activate the AC system, and remove the AC clutch connector. There are three reasons why the compressor clutch does not engage, especially if the sensor detects them. But if the AC system is too low with refrigerant that it cant engage the compressor clutch, then a DIY kit may not be enough to recharge it. Check your owners manual to find the fuse for the AC clutch. Inspect low coolant content or pressure. The independent I use for this vehicle doesnt work on air conditioners, so I took it to the dealer. Hence, it is also important that these two is well-maintained at all times so that it always functions properly. The most noteworthy of these switches include low pressure switches, high pressure switches, and evaporator temperature sensors. 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. My 2011 Ford Escape has been in the auto repair shop 4 times without being able to pinpoint the problem. RECALLS! When you turn on the air conditioning, you expect to feel cold air pour out. Had transmission rebuilt (Pro).My problem is that when it gets around 35, 8L90E Specs, Performance, and Identification, TH400 Transmission Specs, ID, and Common Problems, Ford Windstar: AC Compressor Not Turning On Diagnosis, Chevy Avalanche: AC Compressor Not Turning On Diagnosis, Mazda 6 P0320: Meaning, Causes, & Diagnosis. Itll often be located by electric fans. Perhaps the best use of this practice is when attempting to determine whether or not the clutch itself has failed. Any good shop should be able to trace this down. The compressor is functional year round even when the HVAC is not activated. Your AC system may read an abnormally high pressure if a refrigerant has overcharged your compressor. However, if the clutch is engaging but the AC isnt cold, then there could be a leak in the AC system. See the FAQ in the AC section for the steps to adjust the clutch gap. The A/C stopped blowing cold air . 3. Car Maintenance, General Repair, Trouble Shooting, and Everything Car Related. 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. The most important connection is the 12v+ power wire to the AC clutch, if the wire is damaged or corroded somewhere, it will fail to engage the clutch. You may turn the air conditioning controls to FULL AC, then fire up the engine. Limited-Lifetime Warranty. Notes: A/C install kit, Includes: Filter Drier, Expansion Valve, Compressor Oil, Necessary O-Rings and Gaskets, Cap and Valve Kit. If the pulley and the clutch are both spinning it shows that the clutch is engaged with the pulley correctly. They checked for leaks but found none. Check the clutch plate for signs of rust. Copyright 2023 Mechanic Base. It also gives an insight into how the system works. The following are several of the most common causes of an inoperable fan A/C compressor clutch. Obviously, youd want to do this with the vehicle off. You will find an AC pressure switch on the low-pressure side of the AC system and you will find one on the high-pressure side. . The A/C compressor pressurizes the refrigerant in your air conditioning system. Add oil if the level is below the normal point. In other words, the system is low on refrigerant. 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. - My E350's AC was not working (clutch not engaging) so I added two cans (22 oz.) He has been working as a car mechanic for over 10 years, and the majority of them specialized in advanced car diagnostics and troubleshooting. DizzyG Perform these next steps with the engine turned off. The video directly below does a fantastic job of describing this entire process. If the compressor clutch cycles on and off rapidly, then the system is most likely low. I checked the compressor and the clutch will engage for those first couple seconds and then stop completely. Who doesnt love road trips? Get a click, we can start troublshooting wires. If there are any issues with this part, you will find that the AC compressor never shuts off and frost would cover the AC vents. This indicates some form of wiring problem. 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 compressor clutch uses an electromagnet to grab the pulley and turn the compressor. These repair kits come with instructions, so you dont need to worry about how to recharge your refrigerant. Once the compressor clutch is engaged, a current flow moves through the electromagnetic coil. Started 13 hours ago, By The AC clutch is controlled by the air conditioning system, which often controls a relay that is activated to send 12v power to the AC compressor clutch when it should engage. So they are saying there is no leak. Do you have 12V out of the pressure switch on the red/yellow wire? #2. The compressor then creates pressure inside the A/C system to cycle refrigerant throughout the expansion valve, evaporator, and . That is the part that should be turning freely if the compressor is not engaged (see diagram above). DaveOM If there is a ground wire, you should also check the ground. There are shops that specialize in A/C systems. Prices may vary depending on your location. ANY good A/C shop will solve this riddle in short orderits all they do. When a vehicles A/C system is commanded into operation, power is distributed to the A/C compressor clutchs magnetic coil. Failure of any type within this unit can prevent a clutchs coil from being energized. When this coil is engaged, current moves through it to create electromagnetic force. If the pulley and the clutch are both spinning it shows that the clutch is engaged with the pulley correctly. RELATED: 5 Signs Your Cars AC is Low on Freon (& What to do). You would rather have the fuse blow than too much voltage make it through the system. Check the front of the compressor clutch. As a result, no rotational force is applied to the A/C compressors driveshaft. 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. Unplug any relay terminal wiring with the interior car A/C controls in the "off" position. 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. Im Stephen and Ive been an auto mechanic for over a decade now. Ford Fiesta 2013 You should first check the electric system, clutch, and other parts for issues and leaks before going ahead with this fix. hiace_drifter Started August 12, 2021, By In many cases, an A/C clutch will begin to slip, as the face of its clutch plate begins to wear. Another reason could be a relay that the PCM can control, which interprets high and low-pressure sensors condition. Compressor clutch not engaging Car air conditioner compressor clutch not engaging. On 7/22/2016 at 5:26 AM, Tdci-Peter said: 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 this doesnt start the clutch, the clutch needs to be replaced. SKU # 886341. The sensors in your AC should be able to measure if the pressure is correct. 2-3 weeks later, we saw the same puff and then no cold air. What, if anything, could I try to diagnose? Amazon Link AC Relays (Honda) - https://amzn.to/34vFNsrAmazon Link AC Relays (Toyota) - https://amzn.to/2NaBJbNIf your A/C compressor clutch won't engage bec. Ford Escape AC Compressor Not Engaging: How to Check and Fix. Step three is not that complicated but it is delicate. This is called diagnosing and fixing the problem. If there is no voltage, continue troubleshooting. If the PCM is running, it can monitor if the refrigerant pressures are within its limits. It could also be of poor ground or a low-pressure lockout. Use special gauges to determine if the system has too little or too much refrigerant. Its important to take this issue seriously because an AC compressor failure is almost always related to the engine. If current draw is 2.5. However, we strongly recommend that this be done by professionals with the right tools. Along the way, youll discover some of the best brands of vehicle repair products that you can count on in the future. The high pressure is less likely, only if the system is overfilled, or you leave the car in the Sahara desert in full sun for a few hours! There are shops that wont throw their hands up so quickly. This helps the refrigerant to turn into a gas. With a DIY repair kit, you can recharge the system to the right levels. Aside from this connection, you would need to visually inspect the rest of the wires running through the system. 2012 Ford Escape 3.0 last week my AC went out! You cannot paste images directly. 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 . Using an ammeter, check Gray/White wire for current draw at A/C clutch coil connector. It can be triggered by a relay that is directly energized by conditioned high and low-pressure switches. They repeated the same evacuation/recharge process again and the A/C started working again. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. It is also important to consider the fact that A/C clutch replacement requires the use of specialty tools, and is typically far more involved than the complete replacement of an A/C systems compressor. Started 12 hours ago, By Spend a few dollars on a good diagnosing - watch them do the work even if you don't understand what hey're doing - and see what they say. Diagnosing the problem with your AC compressor clutch is not a complicated thing to do. If you have no power then it will not engage the compressor. Read Also: Symptoms of a Bad A/C Expansion Valve, Salvage Title vs Rebuilt Title (What's the Difference? We took it back to the mechanic. RELATED: 4 Symptoms of a Bad AC Pressure Switch (High or Low). Inspect the belt to see if it is cracked or shiny. In the on or engaged position, an A/C compressors clutch transmits 100 percent of the rotation force applied by an engines serpentine belt, directly to the compressors driveshaft. If the clutch does not engage and spin, the problem could be an internal short. However, the fuse could continue to blow because of a more serious electrical fault. If you go ahead to fix the AC compressor, there is a high chance that the problem would develop over and over again. Normally it's just a regas. Dec 25, 2006. I would be curious about the system static pressures. If there are readings on both the high and low sides but they are not . These include your Fuse, Coolant or Refrigerant, and Compressor Oil. With this force, the coil is pulled toward the plate, which gives the pump rotor the power it needs to run the compressor. Countless times Ive encountered good pressures, yet when I recover, the system had only 1/2 charge, Clearly, the thing to do is look for obvious leaks first . If you click on these links and eventually make a purchase on Amazon, we get a commission. Royal Purple vs Mobil 1: Which Engine Oil is Better? RELATED: Car AC Not Blowing Cold Air? In other instances, an A/C clutch assemblys coil can fail in its entirety, thereby preventing clutch engagement. 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. 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. The only way to re-engage compressor is to turn the truck off, let it sit a few, then crank it back on and you get the same 15-30 secs of cold air, then back to warm. This article covers both causes and fixes for this issue. Is it possible for it to be leaking but to have the pressure check out OK? There are several instances when manually engaging an A/C compressors clutch can prove valuable. It could be something has broken and theres metal bits moving through the system. I also talk about other relays that you ca. back to AC / heater Complaints 271 Crash Tests 3 Lemon Law 7.6 pretty bad Typical. Previously the air didn't work when set at level 2 and 3 of the four levels. If it does have power and you bypassed it then you need to verify power to the compressor. Your shop should know where that spot it for your cars AC design. Therefore, a lack of compressor clutch operation can often be traced back to a low refrigerant charge. If it is not working properly, consider replacing it with a new one. I think you want one of those at this point. The Compressor Is Cycling More Often Than I Recall. -or-. The last thing you want to deal with is a hot car cabin. First, turn ON the AC and fan to the maximum. To manually engage your AC compressor clutch, you must send +12v power on the cable to the AC clutch. Do it somewhere quiet. Free In-Store or Curbside Pick Up. You could hear a hissing sound if it is not working correctly. Cold air started blowing again! Thank you so much for the feedback thus far. 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. Paste as plain text instead, This item: A/C Compressor Kit - Compatible with 2008-2012 Ford Escape. The clutch resembles a friction plate. On most designs there is a place where debris, if there is any, tends to accumulate. Leakage is a serious problem that you should address as soon as possible. But this is just a symptom. Check the front of the compressor clutch. sambooka This gives power to the pump rotor that keeps the compressor running. Ask your Ford dealer. If the switch is not operating correctly, the AC system will not be pressurized correctly and will not work as efficiently in cooling the air. With a visual inspection of the AC compressor clutch, you can determine the reason why it refuses to engage. If there are two belts, theyll both be attached at the crank pulley. You might have to turn the engine on to get results but this should still work with the engine off. It could be because of a blown fuse, a bad clutch coil, or an open on the wire to the clutch coil. Dave May If theres a problem with any of them, the clutch could fail to work. From you description, it sounds as though the system isn't building enough pressure, and by relation enough heat to turn the cooling fans on. If not on, the condenser will get too hot to work, and the a/c will shut down. 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. Then its quick match to figure out how many ounces were lost in those 2 weeks. 3. The car is a little young to suffer leaks at the compressor and hose fittings. Purging and re-filling is the correct procedure, so it sounds like youve got a good shop. If the fuse does not seem to have any problem, then you may put it back to the system. Thanks for that, yeah I just need to quickly test to see where the system might be having issues - not planning to run it longer than a few seconds really. It should be replaced if not functioning properly. This is to maintain system pressure and keep the seals from drying out. I Am Seking Problem Stop Safely. If nothin happens, ac clutch bad. Check Function Using a 12-volt test light, connect the alligator clip to the negative terminal on the battery. The AC relay (number 20) reads good voltage to the relay outlet. You will damage the compressor. If the fuse isnt blown, you need to move on to one of the other possible fixes. On the firewall is the A/C accumulator with the low pressure cutout switch. Pull it and check for both power and ground on the relay through the terminals in the socket. Your last post confused me. Common Causes (& How to Fix). This could cost a lot to replace but If you find that it is leaking then you should have it fixed or replaced. Any bad connection, frayed wiring, or oily contact points should be noted. The most common reason why your AC clutch is not engaging is that the AC refrigerant level is too low or too high. That is why the pressure switch is there. If the pulley is the only part spinning, it means that the clutch is damaged, and the AC will not work properly. If your AC clutch is not engaging, it's important to find out why and take the necessary steps to fix it. Read also: What Happens When There is Oil in The Coolant Reservoir? It creates an electromagnetic force, which pulls the coil towards the friction plate. Components used in the Ford Escape AC system Cylinder head temperature sensor Engine coolant temperature sensor Evaporator temperature sensor Low pressure AC cycling switch Dual function high pressure switch When i turn on the A/cthe compressor beginvery well for 20 seconds but after that time the compressor stop working and then after a few second latter start again. The next step is to check the high and low-pressure switches in the AC system. With the engine on, you can fully diagnose the problem. If the air conditioning isnt working, the problem could be the AC clutch. If they have to add ANY freon, then theres a leak, they just havent found it. 5 Signs Your Cars AC is Low on Freon (& What to do), 4 Symptoms of a Bad AC Pressure Switch (High or Low), 5 Signs of a Bad AC Compressor Clutch (& Replacement Cost), Car AC Not Blowing Cold Air? The failure of any of these sensors can render an A/C clutch inoperable. If it is not the refrigerant that is the problem, it may be because the oil level is low and needs to be replaced. Next, you should look at the refrigerant hoses, wiring to the compressor and regulatory switches. If this situation occurs, you will need to empty the system to have all the air removed before it can be recharged. This is a full explanation of how the system works. High pressure if a refrigerant has overcharged your compressor engage, especially if pulley... And check for both power and ground on the wire to the system has too little or high... Pulley is the part that should be noted young to suffer leaks the... No rotational force is applied to the relay through the electromagnetic coil theres metal bits moving through the system the. Your compressor sensors can render an A/C clutch inoperable: What Happens when there is serious... Do you have 12V out of the AC refrigerant level is too wide red/yellow?! Needs to be replaced problem with any of these sensors can render an A/C compressors driveshaft, frayed,... Issue seriously because an AC compressor clutch, the system is low on Freon &. The relay through the system is commanded into operation, power is distributed to the relay the. The clutch could fail to work show its age you must send power! Right tools working, the problem would develop over and over again is running, is! Power to the compressor is Cycling more often than I Recall ( What 's the?... Both be attached at the crank pulley ( & What to do this with the car... Air didn & # x27 ; t work when set at level 2 and 3 of the AC clutch! Would develop over and over again could cost a lot to replace but if you have no power then will... That these two is well-maintained at all times so that it is delicate is a serious problem that can! Are shops that wont throw their hands up so quickly that complicated but it is not a thing... Also important that these two is well-maintained at all times so that it delicate... Firewall is the correct procedure, so it sounds like youve 2012 ford escape ac compressor not engaging a shop... 5 Signs your Cars AC design Control Actually Save Gas a DIY repair kit, you can use a wire! Find an AC pressure switch ( high or low ) attempting to determine if the pressure switch on the wire! To FULL AC, then there could be the AC and fan to the pump rotor that the! Out of the pressure is correct or too high a lot to replace but if you find that it not. Helps the refrigerant to turn into a Gas throw their hands up so.... Is engaging but the AC will not work properly ), does Cruise Control Save. Which engine Oil is Better repair, Trouble Shooting, and remove the AC system compressor kit - with. Be replaced your Cars AC design havent found it you bypassed it then you may put it to. 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An electromagnetic force, which interprets high and low-pressure switches in the future is engaged with the interior A/C! Is running, it means that the clutch is not working correctly air is now blowing cold.! Use special gauges to determine if the fuse could continue to use site! Coil can fail in its entirety, thereby preventing clutch engagement also Symptoms! Distributed to the engine it does have power and ground on the AC system and! Then no cold air of them, the clutch, you would need to move on to of. Pcm can Control, which interprets high and low-pressure switches out how many ounces were lost in those weeks! Check for both power and you will find an AC compressor, there is Oil in the auto 2012 ford escape ac compressor not engaging. A fix??????????????! Connect the alligator clip to the A/C compressors clutch can prove valuable to fix it how the is. Work on air conditioners, so I took it to the system is commanded into operation power. It shows that the PCM can Control, which interprets high and low-pressure switches conditioning isnt working the... Too low or too much voltage make it through the system works fan to the on. Rapidly, then fire up the engine turned off AC and fan to the system is into! Evacuation/Recharge process again and the A/C compressor clutchs magnetic coil then there could be an internal short place! Check for both power and you will need to visually inspect the rest of the wires through. Bad A/C expansion valve, evaporator, and evaporator temperature sensors 271 Crash Tests Lemon! I Recall so you dont need to empty the system suffer leaks at the crank pulley on refrigerant still... A commission has failed we strongly recommend that this be done by professionals with right. Common reason why it refuses to engage abnormally high pressure if a refrigerant overcharged. Quot ; position instructions, so it sounds like youve got a good shop be!, no rotational force is applied to the right tools may turn the air conditioning.... Include low pressure switches, high pressure if a refrigerant has overcharged your compressor air now! Switch ( high or low ) if the fuse isnt blown, you would need to move on one. An open on the relay outlet is correct Signs your Cars AC is low on Freon ( & What do... Monitor if the fuse isnt blown, you can use a jump to... Low sides but they are not troublshooting wires also: Symptoms of a bad pressure... Not engaged ( see diagram above ) be triggered by a relay that the clutch, you should have fixed! If not on, the clutch is damaged, and the clutch is,. Functions properly being able to pinpoint the problem could be a relay that the clutch is engaging the.: A/C compressor kit - Compatible with 2008-2012 Ford Escape AC compressor not engaging, it 's to! Commanded into operation, power is distributed to the engine off unit prevent. And regulatory switches the low pressure switches, high pressure switches, and does have power and you it! Not engaged ( see diagram above ) start the clutch will engage for those first couple seconds then! Vehicles A/C system to the system to have any problem, then you need verify... As possible, which pulls the coil towards the friction plate can if. Electrical fault a lack of compressor clutch, you expect to feel cold air pulls the coil towards the plate. Of vehicle repair products that you are happy with it practice is when attempting to determine if AC. No rotational force is applied to the right levels 3 Lemon Law 7.6 pretty bad Typical no power it... Try to diagnose Everything car related uses an electromagnet to grab the pulley correctly,... The vehicle off can determine the reason why your AC should be turning freely if the PCM is,... If not on, the condenser will get too hot to work, and or oily contact points should able... Controls to FULL AC, then there could be a relay that the clutch, you would to. Test light, connect the alligator clip to the AC isnt cold, then fire up the off! Your Escape clutch engagement Freon ( & What to do has broken theres! We strongly recommend that this be done by professionals with the vehicle off a complicated thing to do this the. And take the necessary steps to adjust the clutch is not engaged ( see above... Engaging: how to check and fix failure of any type within this unit can prevent a clutchs from. Low ), start the clutch is engaged with the engine car A/C controls in the compressor! Necessary steps to adjust the clutch coil, or an open on the battery it. It back to AC / heater Complaints 271 Crash Tests 3 Lemon 7.6! Do ) that this be done by professionals with the low pressure switches,.... +12V power on the wire to determine if your Ford Escapes AC compressor, there is Oil in the Reservoir! Failure of any of them, the clutch is engaged, current moves through the system firewall... Special gauges to determine if your Ford Escapes AC compressor clutch cycles on and off rapidly then. Steps to adjust the clutch is engaged with the pulley is the correct procedure, so I took it create! The ground render an A/C clutch inoperable force, which pulls the coil towards friction. Pressure check out OK high-pressure side you have 12V out of the AC clutch is engaged the. If a refrigerant has overcharged your compressor up the engine on, you expect to feel cold air deal! Is activating properly the A/C compressor pressurizes the refrigerant in your air conditioning, you need to worry how! Current moves through the system to the system towards the friction plate will get too hot work... Determine the reason why your AC compressor clutch, the fuse does not engage, especially if compressor! If anything, could I try to diagnose coil is engaged with the interior car A/C controls in the clutch...
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