Mazda Tribute AC issues

[maweida]

My wife’s Mazda tribute 2.3 ac stopped working. I noticed the pulley on the front of the compressor free spins with ac off, but when ac on there is no change. Should the entire front part of the pulley start turning (ie all the black part in the photo)

[guyfromaus]

is Clutch energising?
is fuse open circuit?

[maweida]

I don’t think the clutch is engaging, only the pulley spins , and the front of the pulley stays still. I’ll take a video

[maweida]

Here is a better photo, should the entire front section be spinning with the A/C on? (note: the pulley always spins)

[pig75]

If it's low on gas the clutch won't pull in

[maweida]

Yes, i pushed in the little check valve and a puff of gas came out.

Was thinking i'll check that the clutch gets a 12V signal, if it does, then the clutch must be stuffed. If not, something is stopping the 12v signal (ie relay fault, low gas etc).

[maweida]

If anyone says "have you tried installing the compressor" i'll get cranky   

[maweida]

image upload



Found the problem, the ac clutch looked burned, the rubber was melted in places. I could spin the compressor shaft and it felt fine, some load but nice and smooth. I disconnected the plug and confirmed that 12v was present at the plug with ac switch on and 0v when ac button off. 99 % sure it’s the clutch. Now to work out how to replace it

[maweida]

Quick update. so did some more testing and the clutch engages, but the rubber section that joins the clutch to the compressor shaft has let go, (see photos), i assume the rubber is to dampen the shock load when you turn on the AC when the motor is doing 1000RPM. Anyway, for a quick test, tried superglue and it works, AC nice and cold again, now i know the problem, i'll buy a new clutch $150 and replace it. Funny, all the mechanics i rang wanted to replace the entire compressor at $2000 when there is nothing wrong with it!!

Its worth doing your own checks, most of the time its an easy fix!! (and cheap).

Years ago my alternator was playing up. The mechanic wanted $800 for a new one. I went to change it myself, and found the wire had come off the terminal. $50c for a new terminal and i'm back on the road!!

[maweida]

Just an update.

Bought the new AC clutch from Cool CAR - Campbelltown ($150), and just changed the front clutch plate (the part that gets pulled in by the magnet and rubs on the pulley) - 1 x 8mm bolt and 10 minutes time.

 Anyway, problem solved, the AC all works again!

Now i've saved $2000, might book in a cruise to QLD!