Hi Scotty,
My A/C just suddenly stopped working the other day. I’m pretty sure I diagnosed the problem as a bad A/C clutch coil. Should I replace just the coil or the whole clutch. Also, where should I get the parts from? Are aftermarket parts ok? I’m trying to keep this as cheap as possible.
Thanks in advance!
Jeremy
Being a 2010 I would replace the the entire compressor. But do you have a way to evacuate the system and recharge it? Also I am curious as to how you determined it is the clutch that is bad. Did you test the relay? Also you can send power to the clutch from the relay location and see if it engages. Usually what happens is you lose enough charge that the pressure sensor won’t engage the AC clutch.
Yeah, I probably would replace the whole compressor, I just can’t afford to spend $300-$400 on it.
I did all the tests with the relay, and it’s fine. I’m also getting 12+ volts all the way down to the clutch Coil. I even put 12 volts to the clutch coil directly from the battery, and it still did not engage. The AC worked perfectly a week ago, and it just suddenly stopped working. That’s why i’m pretty sure it’s the clutch coil that went.
Where should I buy a new clutch coil? Is aftermarket ok? I really don’t want to spend more the $60-$70. I’ve seen aftermarket clutch coils for $40-$50.
Thanks.
Sure does sound like it's the clutch coil. You could also use a continuity tester to see if the coil is open. It's just a coil of wire so aftermarket should be OK but I wouldn't buy the cheapest thing out of China either.
Yes, I did check continuity and the circuit was open. I also checked resistance and it read 0.
Any specific brands I should look for? I know Dorman is good. A link would be awesome!
Thanks
I'm not really familiar with the parts available for your car. Dorman should be OK, or for that matter any major brand. As long as it fits and is well-made enough that it doesn't burn out you should be OK.
To check clutch coil operation you can briefly hot-wire the clutch coil with the engine turned off. You'll quickly see if the coil is working the clutch or not. If hot-wiring works you have a problem elsewhere, either low refrigerant or an electrical problem.
Yeah, I've already done that and it does not engage.
Hmm, ebay parts, always a crap-shoot. At least this isn't a critical mechanical part. The only issues really would be if it wasn't strong enough to properly activate the clutch or if it burned out or shorted out due to poor quality (though the circuit should be fuse-protected). Not an engine-wrecker or a safety issue.
I usually buy most my parts off amazon. Built a little network of trusted suppliers on there over time. And what’s funny if your a prime member, you can buy from Jegs on amazon and it’s cheaper because they don’t charge shipping. But occasionally I have gotten some deals on ebay. Bought my wiring harnesses and control arms for my impala off there. Disc brake conversion kits to.
I’m just gonna go with the one with the most reviews on Amazon. Napa has it for $130, but I can’t really spend that much.
Thanks for all your help guys!
One more question, what snap ring pliers should I get. I’ve read that some will work and some won’t.
thanks
Certain tools don’t go cheap on. If you want a decent set that will last get these.
There are sets for 20 bucks. But they won’t work on everything.