If you don’t see obvious signs that the compressor clutch is broken, you can jump it for further diagnosis. When this happens, you must replace the entire compressor. When the heat becomes intense, it starts to melt, leaving a rusty color. The clutch disc moves along flexible rubber isolators that allow it to move. Most of the time that the clutch fails, you will see discoloration or a burnt area. You might need a flashlight to see it well. It doesn’t take long to figure out the AC compressor clutch is bad and you only need a few simple tools. It would also cause excessive strain on the engine. If it ran all the time, you would notice a decrease in fuel economy and have worn-out air conditioning components more often. The compressor clutch also keeps the air conditioning from running constantly. When you turn on the air conditioning, the clutch engages and begins spinning to transfer the power. The AC compressor clutch is responsible for converting energy from the engine and delivering it to the compressor. To find the AC compressor, look at the front of the engine where the other belt-driven accessories are found. When you turn the air conditioning on, the clutch engages and spins during normal operation. The AC compressor clutch is found in front of the compressor. Look at the compressor to see if there are any signs liquid is leaking out through the front seal.
![2013 explorer compressor 3.5 clutch fail 2013 explorer compressor 3.5 clutch fail](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/noIScCb-CGo/maxresdefault.jpg)
While it’s not common to see fluid leaking through the front seal because of a failed AC compressor clutch, it’s not unheard of. When the compressor clutch breaks, the bearing inside the compressor can become damaged as well. Without the clutch, the compressor doesn’t receive any power from the engine, so you are left without air conditioning.
![2013 explorer compressor 3.5 clutch fail 2013 explorer compressor 3.5 clutch fail](https://www.buyautoparts.com/data/all_images/14-0878FD.-map1.jpg)
However, it’s much more common for the clutch to break and make it impossible to turn on the air instead. This isn’t good for the other AC components and could lead to bigger problems. With the clutch broken, the compressor could remain activated, making it impossible to turn off the air conditioning. Look at the front of the compressor while the air conditioning is running to see if the clutch is spinning. If the clutch seizes, normal action cannot continue. The clutch allows the compressor pulley to engage or disengage from the motor, ensuring it is only running when it should. On the other hand, a seized bearing is going to create a grinding noise.īecause it is so difficult to determine what part inside the compressor has gone bad, it’s often best to replace the entire compressor than attempt a repair. However, a worn-out or leaking bearing can also create a high-pitched squealing sound. If the clutch or other moving part starts to fail or seize, noises are a common complaint. Just like the engine, the compressor contains several moving parts. If you turn the AC on and hear a loud noise, it could be a b is failing. Of course, the higher cabin temperature could also be related to a lack of refrigerant, so it’s important to properly diagnose the system. A damaged clutch causes the compressor to malfunction, as it becomes unable to regulate the refrigerant flow.
![2013 explorer compressor 3.5 clutch fail 2013 explorer compressor 3.5 clutch fail](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NEHWhtKB2jA/hqdefault.jpg)
The most common sign of all bad ac compressor clutch symptoms is a higher cabin temperature than usually during hot days when you need the A/C.Īnytime the cabin temperature rises unexpectedly, you can often look at a defective compressor. AC Compressor Clutch Replacement Cost Bad AC Compressor Clutch Symptoms 1.