So a few months ago the AC compressor made a little racket when the clutch was engaged. A few months later of little to no use, now it doesn't engage at all. Before I go out and replace the whole compressor for $200+, does anyone know of any common issues that might be a cheaper fix? Like a fuse, relay or switch that goes out? Looking to *not* replace the compressor if I don't have to. Thanks!

_________________

If the compressor is making noise it's shot,you will also need to replace other parts and have the system professionally evacuated before any work is done and then evacuated again and have vacuum pulled on it before the proper amount of R134A is added.

X2, it sucks but yeap he is right. Don't let him know that though

_________________
My Rig:
2008 Jeep Wrangler JKU
OME HD lift
35" tires (thus far)
plus a ton of other things. J.E.E.P.

+3 on TJ being right.
But do not tell him.....

but he is dead nuts right.. he could not be more right on this post...

But I would talk with the shops first.
May sureitis ok to bring you own parts, unless tehy can sell it to you at a lower cost with a warranty on parts and labor...

_________________
2008 Liberty Limited 4X4 Command Trac 2
All stock Auto with 235/60/18

Thx guys. Yeah it definitely was making a little racket when the clutch was engaged. I was hoping it might have been something else before I replaced it, but I guess I'll go ahead and order up a compressor. Any recommendations on where to go? I'd almost rather use a used OEM one than a aftermarket, but their all pretty steep.

_________________

Don't forget the receiver/dryer and the orifice tube(which for a KJ requires a whole line to be replaced which includes the orifice tube).

I just did mine a few weeks ago. Clutch locked and took out the AC comp....

I bought a complete AC kit off ebay for 289.00 with 5 year warranty. It came with the Comp, AC oil, the whole tube and oriffice and a new accumelator.

I did the job my self and it took 3 hours. Well I drew a 2 hour VAC to make sure I had nothing in the system before I dumped a charge.

I got dow to 425 microns and it held it for 30 mins

_________________
2003 KJ Sport JEEPZILLA Edition
American Flag flying high
Frankenlift removed =(
Moabs and plenty of pin striping
Flexable people don't get bent out of shape!
Current MPG 6" to a gallon
L.O.S.T. # BL065211
www.ItAtYourHome.com

wow dawg, you must have the ASHREA book right by your side LOL. your making my head hurt from memories of first year

_________________
2008 KK Limited
Stock for now

I just thought you should all know you were wrong! Bwahahahaha.

Brought the jeep over to a friends for some testing. AC compressor at this point hasn't engaged in months.

We hooked up the lines, freon pressure - 0!

Added 2lbs, tested again, compressor clicked right on, and freon started spraying out of the condensor!

The compressor wasn't engaging due to the low pressure in the system. As soon as freon was added it worked fine.

The noise in the compressor is likely due to it loosing all of its lubricant. The hole is at the bracket that holds the condensor, top drivers side.

Now I'm only down about $175 instead of $300, so good news there. I'll report back and let yall know if it runs fine after a full re-charge.

_________________

R134A does not have any PAG oil in it,you still have no oil in the system,compressor could still be bad.Plus 2lbs was way overcharged,no wonder something blew.Plus you stated the compressor was making noise but now your saying it never was on,kinda left out that bit of important info there,so your the one that was wrong .

1.63lbs is factory. I think it might be a little over charged at that amount.

_________________
My Rig:
2008 Jeep Wrangler JKU
OME HD lift
35" tires (thus far)
plus a ton of other things. J.E.E.P.

Well, a/c is black magic to me I have no idea. but my first line at the start of the thread was:

"So a few months ago the AC compressor made a little racket when the clutch was engaged. A few months later of little to no use, now it doesn't engage at all."

So I did say that it was making noise when it worked and that it currently is not working at all =)

_________________

Ok!

New condenser and receiver/dryer went in tonight.

Nothing extreme with the freon or evacuating either. 20 minutes total once the system was buttoned up.

I get about 50 degree air sitting still at idle at ~85 atmospheric temp. I got 43 degree air at 1500 rpm sitting still.

The compressor is still a little loud so it may be damaged from running low for so long, but everything is working fine.

Moral of the story is, if your A/C doesn't work make sure you have freon in it before you go buying compressors =)

_________________

When the pressure gets low the compressor won't run so that didn't cause the noise

_________________
Atlantic Blue 06 CRD Limited (his)
Joined by a 2000 XJ Classic (hers)