Ok,

I know I am new to this forum, but here goes.

I have a 1999 Escort LX sedan. The A/C was cuting in and out last year, but was in more than out and had good pressure readings so I didn't worry about it. This year the clutch won't start. So did some checking.

Compressor clutch does not turn.

Checked voltage at the compressor..13.5 while running.

Jumpered the Clutch from the battery...bam works. Clutch spinning and Cold Air.

Ok so how can the clutch work and there be voltage at the compressor and it not work.

Before you blame the connector I already jumpered right past the connector...nada.

Please help this is mind boggling!!

I would love to blame the CCRM or one of the pressure switches, but if they were bad I wouldn't be getting voltage at the compressor...I think?

I havn't checked the charge yet, but that goes back to the voltage if I didn't have a good charge I wouldn't have any voltage at the compressor...again I think?

Please advise,
Thanks

 

Make sure the compessors clutch air gap is within specs.. If it's too large the compressor coil won't have enough pull to lock the clutch or may be intermittent.. With the A/C commanded ON, and if no clutch application, lightly tap the outer clutch hub and see if the clutch locks up..

 

I will try that today.

Any idea on how to check the air gap? Almost afraid to ask b/ it sounds like a disassembly thing.

Thanks

 

The air gap should be within 0.014-0.030in.. Are you supplying 'both' current and ground to the field coil when jumping the connector? Or eliminating it completely with test leads? If ther air gap is excessive and proves to be the cause, you can pull the clutch center hub bolt from the face of the clutch hub.. Slip the hub off, and behind the hub on the splined shaft there will be a shim you can remove to correct the gap in most cases.. It may remain inside the hub, or be stuck to the compressors splined shaft.. Could still be a problem with the CCRM/ground, or a weak field coil, but certainly worth checking.. The metal normally wears from the clutch surfaces and opens the gap.. At some point the coil can loose it ability to pull the clutch closed for the lockup.. Checking it with a standard feeler gauge will do the job although most times the wear on the surfaces is grooved.. Severe wear would need the compressor clutch replaced...