A/C compressor clutch?

[nawarne]

Gents,
Can anyone advise on how to check the air-con compressor clutch? (Mk.1 Tuscan S)

Doing a few checks yesterday and noticed that with the aircon switched ON, I did not hear the audible 'click' when the clutch engages. Had the bonnet up, so confirmed the compressor was not being turned. I'm aware that this could be the result of loss/a leak of the refrigerant from the system....but I guess the 'electro-magnetic' part of the clutch could fail?

Can I check the electrical part of the clutch in situ? - I have confirmed Fuse #28 is fine
I guess the refrigerant (unknown) part of the equation would have to be done by Jason/Str8Six?

Cheers. Nick

[Penelope Stopit]

Yes you can check it on the engine, the clutch is 12 volt, often there is only one wire from the clutch that needs a 12 volt supply connecting to it for checking its operation as long as the compressor/clutch is of a good earth, if the clutch is of a 2 wire type you can earth one wire and supply the other

[nawarne]

^^^Thanks PS, thought it would be relatively simple!!!

There is a relatively heavy gauge red wire to the compressor and a lighter gauge black wire (assume earth?) also. But - this only on a cursory view....I'll have to remove airbox to get easy access.

Cheers! Nick

[Penelope Stopit]

Crazy isn't it, we do expect the wires used to be of the same current rating