a/c clutch not engaging when engine cold

[cw1115]

Hi all,

I have a new problem. I noticed the other day when I started the car after it sat all night the a/c clutch did not engage. I tried switching from auto to manual and turning temp all the way down, still just hot air. After a few minutes driving everything started working.
I have not checked Freon level, but it does not cycle on and off. Once it warms up it's all good until the car sits for 5 or 6 hours, than no clutch till it warns up for 5 min. No engine light.
Is there a coolant temp sensor or something that overrides the a/c chutch?
Vacuum leak?

My hope is I am not the first with this new issue

Thanks

Michael

[RF Overlord]

If the system is low on refrigerant, there is a safety switch that prevents the compressor from engaging. It assumes the loss of refrigerant also means a loss of oil, so it does this to prevent burning up the compressor. Maybe you're right on the edge and the increased heat from the engine compartment raises the pressure just enough... :dunno:

[cw1115]

Thanks. I had same thought. I will try that first. I have a can of Freon and can't find the darn hose. I've always seem them "short cycle" on and off when low so I'm not getting my hopes up. This weeks the RS window crapped out and the rivet holding the drivers lock actuator sheered off. Hope that's it for a while.

[Zack]

Don't just add Freon.
If it's low there is a leak that needs fixing.
Look at the accumulator, it is probably rusting through (common)

[fastblackmerc]

Don't just add Freon.
If it's low there is a leak that needs fixing.
Look at the accumulator, it is probably rusting through (common)

+1....

If it is the accumulator make sure you replace it with an aluminum one so it won't rust out again.

[Marauderjack]

Hi all,

I have a new problem. I noticed the other day when I started the car after it sat all night the a/c clutch did not engage. I tried switching from auto to manual and turning temp all the way down, still just hot air. After a few minutes driving everything started working.
I have not checked Freon level, but it does not cycle on and off. Once it warms up it's all good until the car sits for 5 or 6 hours, than no clutch till it warns up for 5 min. No engine light.
Is there a coolant temp sensor or something that overrides the a/c chutch?
Vacuum leak?

My hope is I am not the first with this new issue

Thanks

Michael

Mine did EXACTLY the same thing......swap the relay for the compressor clutch with one from the horn and see what happens??:confused:

You may just be as surprised as I was!!:eek: The points were burned in the compressor clutch one and it took a little while for it to function....sometimes a minute.....sometimes longer!!:eek:

Good Luck!!:beer:

[Gerry24]

What ^^^^^ said... Relay switch might just be that...

[cw1115]

THANK YOU MARAUDERJACK! And everybody else that replied. Happy dance!
I went out and started the car. I has been sitting since 0730 this morning. No a/c clutch. Just touching the relay trying to pull it out the clutch was kicking in and out. Switched with horn relay and all good. I'll replace horn relay tomorrow.

Michael

Once again this site has helped me tremendously.

[Gerry24]

Nice!! It's always great to save some $$$$$$

[Marauderjack]

I chased that "GHOST" for weeks!!:argue:

Glad to help!!:beer: