Table of Contents
It may be the clutch dragging. You can check by removing the belt and spinning the pulley by hand, it should turn freely. If it’s hard to turn that’s your problem. To fix it requires removing and repairing or replacing the clutch using the appropriate tools.
What does a bad AC compressor clutch sound like?
Growling noise with compressor disengaged: A worn compressor pulley bearing or clutch bearing will cause a growling noise. Squealing noise: A loose, dry, or worn A/C compressor belt will cause squealing noise. This noise will be worse during acceleration.
Can AC compressor make noise when off?
When the air conditioner turns off, the pump loses momentum, which can cause it to knock against the case of the compressor and create a banging or slamming noise. The sound isn’t necessarily an indication that the compressor will fail anytime soon.
Should AC clutch engage when AC is off?
The clutch is controlled by the A/C button, not by the blower switch. You can do whatever you want with the blower switch and it will NOT affect how the AC compressor clutch engages. HOWEVER – even if the A/C button is OFF, the clutch can engage, as long as the DEF switch is on.
How do I know if my AC compressor bearing is bad?
A worn bearing will produce a high pitched squealing or grinding sound, while a seized bearing will produce a grinding noise or a noticeable belt squeal. Due to the complexity and nature of how compressors are assembled, it is usually easiest to replace the entire compressor instead of attempting a repair.
How do I manually engage my AC compressor clutch?
At the compressor’s front side, unplug the single wire connector, take a jumper wire and attach it to the wire that you just disconnected from the compressor. Connect the other end of the jumper’s wire to the positive terminal of the car battery. This will enable the compressor to start manually.
Why does my AC sound like its running when its off?
Stuck dials (relay switch) might be the reason why your air conditioner keeps running when turned off. This is usually the case for air conditioners with rotary dial thermostats. Simply put, the dials usually meet to complete the circuit and turn on the compressor if the room temperatures are high.
Why does it sound like my AC is on when its off?
Some units have dampers in place to change the amount of airflow circulating to different parts of the home. The slamming you hear might be the damper closing after the unit shuts down. You may have expanding or contracting ductwork that’s causing the slamming sound after the system shuts off.
Why does my AC make a loud noise when its off?
The slamming noise is likely the damper closing after the AC shuts off. You may also be hearing loud creaking noises from the ducts expanding and contracting from pressure and temperature changes if you have sheet metal ducts.
When should the AC clutch engage?
About 50 rpm. On most cars you’ll hear the clutch engage with a loud click when you turn it on and off and you’ll notice the engine will drop until the computer catches the idle speed and brings it back up.
How often should AC clutch engage?
A general rule of thumb or average would be cycle on for between 4–10 seconds and then cycle off for 15–20 seconds. There are many factors that will swing these numbers including air temperature, amount of refrigerant, age of system, how well insulated the vehicle is, belt tension, fan speed, etc.
Can I drive with a bad AC clutch?
the compressor can lock up due to an internal failure. The condition of the clutch determines if you can drive: If the pulley rotates with the clutch disengaged, then Yes, you can drive IF you disconnect the clutch wire. If the pulley doesn’t rotate regardless of the clutch engagement, then NO you can’t drive.
Can you replace AC clutch without removing compressor?
Yes you can just replace the clutch pulley on the a/c compressor. The issue that you may have is the pulley bearing seized up and may have spun on the front of the compressor nose cone and will damage it. You may need to replace compressor.
How do I know if my AC clutch relay is bad?
One of the most obvious signs that the AC relay may have a problem is that the compressor is not coming on at all. In most cases, when the AC is turned on you will be able to hear the compressor switch on. It will usually produce a familiar clicking noise from the clutch being activated.
How do I force my AC clutch to engage?
Take the fused jumper wire and connect its one end to that side of the wire connector that was connected to the compressor. Attach the other end of the jumper wire to the positive terminal of the battery. It will supply the battery voltage to the compressor clutch, allowing it to engage manually.
How much does it cost to replace AC compressor clutch?
The average AC compressor clutch replacement cost is between $700 and $1000. Labor costs tend to be about $150 to $250, with the new compressor costing $450 to $850. It’s not normally recommended to replace the compressor clutch, but rather, install a whole new compressor.
