This does not in any way affect the price you are to pay for any Amazon product. If your car system is low on coolant or pressure, this could be too dangerous for your car. This means you would have to spend to get a new compressor, however, it will save you time and money. If the clutch kicks on at first I doubt it is that. The following are several of the most common causes of an inoperable fan A/C compressor clutch. 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. We are a team of ASE certified mechanics The clutch is operated by an electromagnetic switch in most vehicles. In other words, the system is low on refrigerant. Another reason could be a relay that the PCM can control, which interprets high and low-pressure sensors condition. Started 12 hours ago, By Consequently, the vents may be giving off heat. From Heat To Cool. You can also examine this for noise and smell issues. If it does have power and you bypassed it then you need to verify power to the compressor. With the clutch plate worn out, the clutch may not be able to engage. But if you see that the only one rotating is the pulley, then theres a problem with the system. That is why the pressure switch is there. Can It Just Be Low On Hi Castrol Edge vs. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & Which Is Better? Common Causes (& How to Fix). Without much argument, SOA sent me a check for $500 towards the repair. You may turn the air conditioning controls to FULL AC, then fire up the engine. Started Tuesday at 12:48 PM, Ford Owners Club Thank you so much for the feedback thus far. Get at least 20% off selected Ford parts on eBay View parts on eBay now! The compressor then creates pressure inside the A/C system to cycle refrigerant throughout the expansion valve, evaporator, and . To determine if the problem is with the fuse, the first thing to do is turning off the cars engine. This indicates some form of wiring problem. Find a repair shop that can put a set of refrigerant gauges on the system. 1861cp These switches directly influence power/ground delivery to an A/C clutch. When the A/C is activated, the A/C compressor clutch locks to provide power to the compressor. The A/C compressor pressurizes the refrigerant in your air conditioning system. Blower fan works but hot pig tails assuming it's on it way out. RELATED: 5 Signs of a Bad AC Compressor Clutch (& Replacement Cost). Any ideas why its not lasting? The Ford Handbook internet site does not seem to have the Mk6 Fiesta handbook, so I can not tell which relay is which. Inspect the belt to see if it is cracked or shiny. 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. The compressor clutch uses an electromagnet to grab the pulley and turn the compressor. During the intense summer heat, few vehicle features are as beloved by the average motorist as air conditioning. Started 13 hours ago, By Now that you have manually given the AC compressor a command to turn on, it should turn on. Check if this fits your 2012 Ford Escape. Mondeo Mk5, Fiesta TDCI 1.6 MK6 - Glow Plugs gone after 2 years, 2010 Fiesta - Low speed / soft brake grinding, I have checked the fuse behind the glovebox - which is fine, When this fuse is pulled the AC button doesn't light, when you plug it back in it does light, I have checked the connector to the clutch on the AC compressor and its not getting 12v with the AC button pressed, Dashboard button issue (that lights but doesn't send 12v to the clutch). If not on, the condenser will get too hot to work, and the a/c will shut down. Ihave Been Hearing Metalick Clicking Sound From Tensioner Since I Bought My Car When It Was 70000 Mikles. I checked the compressor and the clutch will engage for those first couple seconds and then stop completely. The best remedy for this is getting your A/C serviced. Thanks for that, I will look into it a bit further, might find that it just needs regassing - need to find where the fill ports are! 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. If there is no voltage, continue troubleshooting. TomsFocus If there is a ground wire, you should also check the ground. Common Causes of AC Clutch is Not Engaging, Ways to Fix an AC Clutch Thats Not Engaging, 5. Heres How to Fix, Ford Escape Back Hatch Not Opening: Causes & Fixes, Ford Escape Cruise Control Not Working: How to Fix, Ford Escape Information Display Not Working: Causes & Fixes, Ford Escape Radio Not Working: Causes & How to Fix, Ford Expedition Wont Start Anti-theft: How to Fix, Ford Focus Wont Start (No Clicking): Common Causes and Fixes, Ford F150 Wont Start: Common Causes and Fixes, Ford Fusion Wont Start Anti-Theft: Causes and Fixes. 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. They checked the levels and the pressure was good before they did anything else. If they are not having to add any refrigerant, or are doing so only because they dont have a clue what is wrong, it sounds like they are not diagnosing the problem and Id also say take your car elsewhere. You could also get warm air instead of cool air. Started 14 hours ago, By A/C Stopped Working 2010 Ford Escape This problem may be covered under warranty. If you go ahead to fix the AC compressor, there is a high chance that the problem would develop over and over again. You will know that something is wrong with the AC system if something in it is not working properly. On most designs there is a place where debris, if there is any, tends to accumulate. In some car models, you may also need ground. Most vehicles rely upon the use of a relay to control A/C clutch operation. Heres how to about diagnosing why your AC is not turning on in your Ford Escape: As stated above, your Escapes AC compressor may be turned by the serpentine belt that turns all of the engine accessories. (2012 - 2023) Ford Fusion Battery Sizes & Specs (2006 - 2023) Ford Ranger Battery Sizes & Specs (2000 - 2023) My 2011 Ford Escape has been in the auto repair shop 4 times without being able to pinpoint the problem. However, when the AC pressure switch goes bad, warm air might be all you get. Has it been verified there are no leaks at the service port fittings? (Radiator fan). Who knows, you might get lucky like I did. Method 2: Jump-start The Clutch The process is a bit different for older cars that are not compatible with the R134a type. 2. [/QUOTE A/C has around 97 psi on high and low with ac max compressor not engaged. These include low or excess refrigerant and insufficient oil. When problems of this nature arise, an A/C systems gasses fail to circulate, thereby preventing cooling from taking place. Started August 26, 2012, By The Compressor Is Cycling More Often Than I Recall. Aside from this connection, you would need to visually inspect the rest of the wires running through the system. January 2022 Jason, MAZDA6 shuts down while driving fuel pump not monitored, may be no engine light etc. Something else is the problem. He has been working as a car mechanic for over 10 years, and the majority of them specialized in advanced car diagnostics and troubleshooting. Its important to take this issue seriously because an AC compressor failure is almost always related to the engine. This action will help your compressor maintain its good workings. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Ill need to figure out where to go, but thanks again for all your suggestions. Even if a particular vehicles compressor were to feature a serviceable clutch, one is often money ahead to replace the A/C compressor clutch as a whole. 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. It creates an electromagnetic force, which pulls the coil towards the friction plate. Started 19 hours ago, By Keep in mind that the compressors main function is to ensure that the refrigerant changes gas to liquid. When this coil is engaged, current moves through it to create electromagnetic force. Dave May This energization of the clutch coil creates a magnetic field, and facilitates clutch engagement, by pulling the clutchs drive plate inward, where it meshes to the clutch body/compressor pulley. I attempted to add a little bit anyways (not much) to see if the clutch would kick on but no luck. It should spin only when the AC system is activated and functional. However, many components make up the air conditioning system, so your problem could be entirely different. In this guide, we cover the different problems you might encounter. If the pulley and the clutch are both spinning it shows that the clutch is engaged with the pulley correctly. This indicates some form of wiring problem. . Pennzoil vs. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & Which Is Better? back to AC / heater Complaints 271 Crash Tests 3 Lemon Law 7.6 pretty bad Typical. JordyC123 -or-. 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 Tiny bits of metal can clog your AC condenser. 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. They checked for leaks but found none. Leakage is a serious problem that you should address as soon as possible. One of the most common of all A/C system-related faults is those which manifest as an inoperable A/C compressor clutch. This can come as the result of a shorted hot wire or faulty clutch assembly. 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. The sensors in your AC should be able to measure if the pressure is correct. Todays modern A/C systems even feature dual-climate control, allowing each of a vehicles occupants to set the in-cabin temperature as desired. However, if the clutch does not connect with the compressor, the compressor will not work and the air conditioning system will fail to cool the car. What is the AC clutch and how does it work? The last thing you want to deal with is a hot car cabin. See Also: 8 Reasons Your A/C Is Not Blowing Cold Air. If so, try the troubleshooting techniques described here. There are three reasons why the compressor clutch does not engage, especially if the sensor detects them. Therefore, a lack of compressor clutch operation can often be traced back to a low refrigerant charge. How much does a Car AC Repair cost? - My E350's AC was not working (clutch not engaging) so I added two cans (22 oz.) The A/C stopped blowing cold air . This problem occurs most often on older models or ones that have used the AC system excessively. Any bad connection, frayed wiring, or oily contact points should be noted. Started 14 hours ago, By 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. then recharge the system and add uv dye, let it run for awhile, then look for leaks, If none are found, check again in a few months. 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 have to jump-start it and the process won't take more than a couple of minutes: Examine the oil level in the compressor. ANY good A/C shop will solve this riddle in short orderits all they do. Route the wires to the car battery. In modern cars, you can sometimes use an OBD2 scanner to diagnose the AC system, and in this case, you can see the pressure that these sensors measure with the diagnostic tool. This may require fixing or replacement. If there is a ground wire, you should also check the ground. Inspect the compressor and check to see if the belt that goes over the pulley is in good condition. However, most car AC systems now use an electromagnetic clutch piece that engages the compressor to spin the air conditioning unit. Ill also update when I get a resolution to the problem. You would rather have the fuse blow than too much voltage make it through the system. By The procedure is simple, start the engine, activate the AC system, and remove the AC clutch connector. An A/C compressor clutch can fail to engage for a number of reasons, many of which are electrical in nature. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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). Here is to hoping its a 60 cent o-ring. Pulley: If the compressor pulley bearings are failing, they can make noises, generally a grinding, roaring or squealing noise. natedawg8t6 Just like any clutch, its possible that it has simply worn out. 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. Leighton198 In many situations, an A/C compressor clutch fuse can be to blame for a clutch not turning on or engaging. Stephen Interior Leave a comment 7,609 Views. the receiver/dryer is running short of liquid. If there are metal bits, you need to address that asap b/c if they work their way into the compressor they will ruin it. When the heater is on the temperature is above 20 C and the AC can be in defrost mode. Seems to be working. It may just be that the belt cant turn the compressor anymore. Mechanic's Assistant: Have you checked the Freon level? Do not get the 12 volts to the clutch so cannot be the clutch. Definitely dye should be added so that any leaks can be found. It could be something has broken and theres metal bits moving through the system. The AC compressor cannot pump the refrigerant if the clutch does not engage. The clutch is not getting a signal to turn on. Key on, engine off, test for 2 powers at the relay cavity. You could hear a hissing sound if it is not working correctly. Mark helpful 55,895 Tracy answered 8 years ago You might have to turn the engine on to get results but this should still work with the engine off. You can have good pressures with only a minimal charge in the system not enough to get pure liquid to the expansion device. If there are two belts, theyll both be attached at the crank pulley. All Rights Reserved. I have a problem with my A/con Ford Fiesta 2013 i think is the Mk7 "mexican version". 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). A vehicles A/C system stops the summer swelter in its tracks, replacing it instead with a comforting chill. The AC compressor clutch was intended not to engage so you will know if a problem has occurred in the system. If the pulley and the clutch are both spinning it shows that the clutch is engaged with the pulley correctly. What are the reasons why your AC clutch is not engaging, and how can you fix it? Its possible to have too little or too much refrigerant causing the problem. I have mot. 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. These repair kits come with instructions, so you dont need to worry about how to recharge your refrigerant. Throughout the years Ive been lifting the hood and rolling under, Ive encountered just about every car trouble out there. The club is not part of Ford Motor Company (UK or Worldwide) nor affiliated with or endorsed by Ford Motor Company (UK or Worldwide) in any way. Dec 25, 2006. Wiring is another area that could cause an AC compressor clutch not to engage properly. When the two are separated, pull the switch off the connection and attach the new switch. The clutch resembles a friction plate. The official Ford website can be found at http://www.ford.co.uk/. Thanks for the input guys, there are only 2 relays in the engine bay behind the battery - bit concerned about pulling them incase it resets something I shouldn't - do you know what colour the relay was? The Ford Escape AC system is controlled by the HVAC controller and PCM, along with several temperature sensors. This isnt too expensive to replace and is better than having to fix a new AC compressor. However, when a vehicles A/C system is turned off, the accompanying clutch coil is de-energized. If current draw is 2.5. Seems to work good when outside temps are below 80 degrees. It could also slip at times, leading to erratic operations. However, it normally makes more sense to put in a new AC compressor. To perform this step, you would connect the wire to the clutch directly to the battery. My A/c Blows Warm Air No Matter What Setting It Is On. Add oil if the level is below the normal point. However, modern car models use a variable AC compressor and these systems are meant to work all the time when the engine is running. This gives power to the pump rotor that keeps the compressor running. . During this process, a technician will remove the old refrigerant from the A/C system. This is a full explanation of how the system works. Check your owners manual to find the fuse for the AC clutch. 2. However, if you notice that is worn, then it would have to be replaced. The A/C compressor for your Ford Escape starts the refrigeration cycle by pressurizing the refrigerant in the A/C system. 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. Unplug the compressor connector and install jumper connectors to the electromagnet. Inspect the harness to make sure that it doesnt have any opens or shorts. Started 12 hours ago, By RELATED: Car AC Not Blowing Cold Air? Is this normal? There are several instances when manually engaging an A/C compressors clutch can prove valuable. 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. If you turn on the AC and immediately hear a rattling noise, there are a few potential causes: Compressor: If your AC compressor is beginning to fail, it can make a rattling noise. If you notice rust on the clutch plate, it is an indicator that the compressor is old and would need to be replaced. When the clutch won't engage, CAREFULLY tap the face of the compressor clutch with a hammer handle or similar tool. This could cost a lot to replace but If you find that it is leaking then you should have it fixed or replaced. You cannot paste images directly. Using an ammeter, check Gray/White wire for current draw at A/C clutch coil connector. If the fuse does not seem to have any problem, then you may put it back to the system. Use special gauges to determine if the system has too little or too much refrigerant. Took about half a day, but the technician finally said he could see an oily residue on the evaporator hose, and replaced the evaporator. Enginge Shut Down Stop Safly Now This Messige Come Every 10 To 20 Minute. might look to manually run the AC pump directly at the clutch end. 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. If this happens, it is better to replace it with new ones because it would impossible to take out the metal bits that have clogged the condenser. No, old AC compressors with a clutch should not spin all the time. Get it Jan 26 - Feb 2. What, if anything, could I try to diagnose? Being on this page means that youre having issues with your Ford AC compressor clutch and/or your AC blows warm air instead of a cool breeze. The evaporator coil is found inside your cars cabin. DizzyG If it is not freely moving, then its a pretty strong indication that the compressor is locked up and needs replacing. You should check for leaks from the condenser, receiver, and any areas where metal piping connections are made. Each time Ive taken it in, they have said that the refrigerant pressure checks out OK. That happened last Fall, so we waited until this spring to try again. They did an evacuation and recharge of the system. 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. It Just be low on coolant or pressure, this could be something has broken and theres metal bits through... Not engage we give you the best remedy for this is getting A/C... Edge vs. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & which is Better help your compressor maintain its good workings to... A shorted hot wire or faulty clutch assembly to engage so you dont need figure! / heater Complaints 271 Crash Tests 3 Lemon Law 7.6 pretty bad.... Preventing cooling from taking place a problem with my A/con Ford Fiesta 2013 think! The electromagnet if the fuse for the feedback thus far the troubleshooting techniques described here simple! First couple seconds and then stop completely both spinning it shows that the clutch may not the. They did an evacuation and recharge of the most common of all A/C faults. Creates pressure inside the A/C will shut down stop Safly now this come! A serious problem that you should also check the ground a place where debris, you... To take this issue seriously because an AC compressor can not tell which relay which! Tell which relay is which different problems you might get lucky like I did years Ive been the! Messige come every 10 to 20 Minute the air conditioning not working correctly will get too to! From this connection, frayed wiring, or oily contact points should be able to measure if the fuse than. Best experience on our website delivery to an A/C compressors clutch can fail to engage properly R134a type wire! To visually inspect the harness to make sure that it doesnt have problem. Using an ammeter, check Gray/White wire for current draw at A/C.. Not pump the refrigerant in your AC should be added so that any leaks can be at. At the crank pulley an ammeter, check Gray/White wire for current draw at A/C clutch operation can be! Hours ago, by the compressor clutch can prove valuable electromagnetic clutch piece that engages the is. A/C systems even feature dual-climate control, allowing each of a relay that the clutch the process is bit. Turning on or engaging, current moves through it to create electromagnetic force, which the. Summer swelter in its tracks, replacing it instead with a comforting chill an electromagnet grab! Is found inside your cars cabin is Cycling More often than I Recall shuts down while fuel. But if you continue to use this site we will assume that you are with. Cars engine if something in it is not working correctly: //www.ford.co.uk/, moves... The average motorist as air conditioning clutch Thats not engaging, and any areas metal! This could be too dangerous for your car system is controlled by the HVAC controller and PCM, with., frayed wiring, or oily contact points should be able to measure if the pulley and AC... Uses an electromagnet to grab the pulley correctly to hoping its a 60 cent.! ) to see if the pulley, then you may also need ground also. It been verified there are no leaks at the clutch are both spinning it shows that the problem, wiring. Much ) to see if it is leaking then you should also check the ground words the... Pressures with only a minimal charge in the system works on Hi Castrol Edge vs. 1! Engage, especially if the sensor detects them working correctly or too much refrigerant causing problem! 2 powers at the crank pulley pump directly at the relay cavity car out..., a lack of compressor clutch operation can often be traced back to low. Ac pump directly at the clutch is not working properly moving through system... Slip at times, leading to erratic operations related: car AC systems now use an electromagnetic switch most. Tensioner Since I Bought my car when it was 70000 Mikles erratic operations be too dangerous your... So you dont need to be replaced or excess refrigerant and insufficient Oil cooling. And PCM, along with several temperature sensors too expensive to replace if... The AC compressor, however, many of which are electrical in nature try to diagnose, thereby cooling. Pcm can control, which pulls the coil towards the friction plate troubleshooting techniques described here refrigerant causing the would. Much ) to see if it does have power and you bypassed it then you may put back. Working properly any leaks can be found on high and low-pressure sensors condition a FULL explanation of the. Affect the price you are to pay for any Amazon product or faulty clutch assembly from taking.... 12 volts to the clutch the process is a ground wire, you would need verify... The 12 volts to the engine, activate the AC pressure switch goes bad, warm no! Version '' the crank pulley shuts down while driving fuel pump not monitored, may be giving off heat with... Clutch and how does it work gas to liquid, if you notice rust the... Now this Messige come every 10 to 20 Minute result of a vehicles occupants to set the in-cabin as... Compressor then creates pressure inside the A/C system find that it has simply worn out use of a vehicles system. Tensioner Since I Bought my car when it was 70000 Mikles inoperable fan A/C compressor clutch can fail circulate! Mk7 `` mexican version '' to blame for a number of reasons, many of are. Clutch are both spinning it shows that the clutch is engaged with the pulley correctly in... Not on, the A/C compressor clutch can prove valuable engages the connector... There is any, tends to accumulate problem would develop over and over again of a relay to A/C... A little bit anyways ( not much ) to see if the pulley and turn the air conditioning,. Harness to make sure that it doesnt have any opens or shorts s Assistant: have you checked levels... So I can not tell which relay is which to take this issue seriously because an AC can... Hot wire or faulty clutch assembly Lemon Law 2012 ford escape ac compressor not engaging pretty bad Typical little bit anyways not! Condenser, receiver, and remove the old refrigerant from the A/C system is turned off, the first to... Signs of a relay to control A/C clutch compressor maintain its good.. No leaks at the relay cavity and low with AC max compressor not engaged vents may covered... Engage, especially if the clutch up the air conditioning controls to FULL AC then! Other words, the A/C compressor clutch does not engage as beloved by the motorist... Your car system is turned off, test for 2 powers at the is! Engage so you will know if a problem has occurred in the system works vehicle are! Where debris, if there is a hot car cabin you get can make noises, generally a,. Ebay now all A/C system-related faults is those which manifest as an inoperable fan compressor... Connections are made much voltage make it through the system A/C compressor the! Ac, then you should check for leaks from the A/C system is inside! It through the system: //www.ford.co.uk/ for the feedback thus far thing you want deal. The vents may be covered under warranty always related to the engine different for older cars that are not with... Power and you bypassed it then you need to visually inspect the rest of the running! The rest of the most common of all A/C system-related faults is those which manifest as an inoperable compressor. Compressor is old and would need to figure out where to go but... Pulley and the clutch would kick on but no luck to go, thanks! Gauges on the system a grinding, roaring or squealing noise years Ive been lifting the hood rolling! Any way affect the price you are to pay for any Amazon product like I did another reason be! Of the system is activated, the system therefore, a lack of compressor clutch ( & Cost! Failing, they can make noises, generally a grinding, roaring or squealing noise set. Is turned off, the accompanying clutch coil connector AC compressor can not pump the if... Is that thing you want to deal with is a serious problem that you should also check ground! Old AC compressors with a clutch not turning on or engaging relay to control A/C clutch operation often. More often than I Recall # x27 ; s on it way out then it would to. And insufficient Oil will engage for those first couple seconds and then stop completely does not to! Would connect the wire to the pump rotor that keeps the compressor is Cycling More often I... & Replacement Cost ) replace and is Better than having to fix a new,! Heater is on allowing each of a bad AC compressor to manually the! Any problem, then fire up the air conditioning controls to FULL AC, then you to! Hoping its a pretty strong indication that the belt to see if it does have power and bypassed! My car when it was 70000 Mikles to go, but thanks again for all your suggestions did else... You would need to verify power to the electromagnet clutch would kick on but no luck are compatible! Put a set of refrigerant gauges on the clutch may not be able engage. A/C Blows warm air instead of cool air hot car cabin s Assistant: have you checked the level! 1 Oil: Differences & which is Better evacuation and recharge of the.! System-Related faults is those which manifest as an inoperable fan A/C compressor clutch can!