Hello, friends.

AC on my 06 CRD is failing--blows cold air for a while, then warm.

Jumped the wire to the low pressure switch (as recommended elsewhere) to confirm whether the compressor clutch is engaging. Sure enough, it is not turning.

Now . . . how to go about this . . .

Is it easier to replace the clutch alone, or just replace the entire compressor? It appears that an entire compressor is not much more than the clutch assembly itself . . .

Also, is the compressor for the CRD the same as the 3.7L gas model, or is it a different part number?

Thanks for your help.

ThaddeusVenture

Just because you jumped the low pressure switch does not mean the clutch is failing.Without gauges hooked up reading the high/low pressures it's a total guessing game.You could be just low(leak somewhere) and then the evap freezes shutting down the compressor.You also need to check the power to the clutch itself.

Unless you have unobstructed access to the clutch you have to pull the compressor to change it,by then might as well just replace the whole compressor.Then that requires the receiver/dryer and orifice tube to be replaced.


So basically take it to a AC shop,there running specials right now on performance checks to actually find out what is wrong and what is needed to fix it correctly.They also have the tools to correctly evac and recharge the system.

Thanks for your input . . .

But wouldn't jumping the wire running to the pressure switch confirm that it isn't an issue with the pressure? When you jump that wire, you are basically bypassing that switch (in other words, sending current directly to the clutch as if the switch were on?) When I jumped it--I observed a "click" at the clutch, but it did not turn. Same thing when I plugged the wires back into the pressure switch . . . but the clutch does not turn . . . so I'm pretty sure it's the clutch . . .

I do think I have seen somewhere that the clutch can be replaced without removing the compressor . . . does anyone have any thoughts on doing this operation?

Thanks!

Without knowing what the pressures are just because it "clicks" again does not mean it's the clutch,can it be? Yes but not always.There are other things that can kill the compressor in the AC system.

Like I stated if you have unobstructed access to the clutch area then yes you can change it but if you don't the compressor must be removed.

If I've disconnected the wire going to the pressure switch and bridged it with a jump wire (so that I am bypassing the pressure switch and sending power directly to the clutch coil), then I am basically turning the clutch off and on without regard to the pressure in the system. The clutch assembly clicks, but does not turn. So this confirms the clutch is not working.

This is something covered in several other websites, by mechanics, for other vehicles as well.

I appreciate your input, but I'm looking for an opinion from someone who has pulled the compressor clutch on a CRD as opposed to pulling the entire AC compressor, difficulty level, etc. Yes, it is accessible, but it looks like I will need to pull the fan assembly in order to pull it off the compressor. Any other tips would be appreciated.

Thanks.

You do know that there is a high pressure cutoff switch also right? Both switches have to agree to send power to the clutch.

Best way to test the clutch is to jump it out at the relay directly, not by jumping out pressure switches.

You still need to know pressures and temperatures to know if it is operating properly. If your electric fan has failed it could be tripping your high pressure switch

A bad ground could cause intermittent operation as well.

Service manual claims the clutch can be pulled in the vehicle but you are going to need some special tools to make that happen in that tight spot.

_________________
2006 Liberty CRD Limited

Provent @ 43,000 km
SEGR in progress
SAMCO Sport hoses @ 48500 km
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac LT225/75R16