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A/C Compressor Question

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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 01:48 PM
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Hi All,

On most of my A/C compressors, on my other cars, I see a magnetic clutch that when you turn the A/C on it engages and turns with the belt & pulley and when off it disengages and just the A/C pulley & belt turns.
On my C3 I have a small compressor. I do not see the clutch engage (is there one internal?) I see the front of the compressor not turning, just the belt pulley does. I was expecting to see the front engage and turn when turned on but it doesn't. Is this normal for this unit? I'm all ears, waiting for this answer.

Thanks
Jack
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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 06:13 PM
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you should see the front turn.
check the current is getting to the clutch.
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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 07:22 PM
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If the freon is low the clutch won't engage. There's a cutoff switch right up by the edge of the hood opening on the AC line. You can unplug it and jump the contacts to see if the clutch engages.
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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 08:55 PM
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Originally Posted by KapsSA
If the freon is low the clutch won't engage. There's a cutoff switch right up by the edge of the hood opening on the AC line. You can unplug it and jump the contacts to see if the clutch engages.
On other compressors it looks like a 2 piece unit. When I jump a different compressor, I can see the triangle part turn. This one when I turn on the a/c switch I hear a click but the triangle type part on the compressor front doesn't turn. I tried putting in freon but it will not accept it.
The green wire goes (only one is connected, are both supposed to be?) from the compressor to the switch on the high end freon evacuator on the right fender.

Jack
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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 10:24 PM
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This is the switch I'm talking about, between the rubber and steel lines in the center/right in the pic.
To add freon, you MUST disconnect and jump it so the compressor stays on.
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