What causes A/C compressor clutch failure?

Insufficient refrigerant and low oil level may cause damage to the air conditioning compressor

If the refrigerant charge is too low, oil can be pumped out of the compressor and become trapped in the evaporator or other A/C components of the system without being able to properly return to the HVAC compressor. The amount of oil in the compressor can drop to dangerously low levels, creating overheating and, in most cases, equipment failure. Some A/C tests have shown that the amount of oil in the compressor is reduced by more than 57% when the A/C system is undercharged.

Symptoms of a Faulty or Failed Air Conditioning Compressor

1. Poor air conditioning performance
2. Roar
3. Howling sound
4. Grinding noise
5. Scream
6. Rattle
7. Impact
8. Knocking noise

All electromagnetic clutches work on the same principle, using an electric current through a coil to create a magnetic field that produces motion. Here are some reasons why your air conditioning compressor clutch may go bad:

• The A/C compressor is overcycling.
• The compressor temperature is too high due to contamination of the air conditioning system.
• Poor cooling system performance affects air conditioning operation.
• The drive belt slips on the A/C compressor pulley, creating excessive heat loads.
• The clutch pressure plate slipped due to the compressor clutch clearance not meeting specifications.
• The A/C compressor clutch coil circuit is shorted to power or ground.
• The air conditioning compressor clutch relay is faulty or short-circuited.

Do you need assistance testing or replacing your vehicle’s A/C compressor clutch assembly?

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