A/C problem - Clutch not engaging on compressor
Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2011 2:42 am
A few days ago, my A/C suddenly stopped working. No gradual dropoff, it just produced uncooled air when I started my car and hasn't recovered. Things I have done:1. Checked fuse under dash (which was holy hell to get at) and it's fine. I verified that removing it makes the A/C switch no longer illuminate, so that's a troubleshooting step to consider for the future.2. Checked the vent door (accessible via the front passenger side under the dash) and verified that it's properly positioned and moves when I alter the temp knob.3. Checked fuses under the hood, didn't find an A/C one specifically but they all appear intact at quick glance.4. Checked system pressure (under the assumption that perhaps a low-press sensor cut off the system) while running w/ A/C on and it came up green (color coded checker, not PSI so no #s)5. Observed the compressor while turning A/C on and off and noticed something important: The clutch is not engaging.My expectation is that the end of the pulley that the serpentine belt goes through would start moving when I turn on A/C, but it remains motionless. I can spin it freely, it doesn't appear to be binding.What are some likely failure points, and what do y'all suggest I check next? I'm thinking the clutch relay is a possibility, I haven't figured out how to safely bypass it yet to energize the clutch manually, but that's mostly because that damn plug just won't come off. Ideas?