AC Stopped Cooling

[JohnHere]

What is the best method for eliminating the possibility of a disintegrated compressor?

A disintegrating compressor will usually make a lot of noise when it's running, or it will seize-up entirely and throw the drive belt. In extreme cases, parts can break internally and blow-out a chunk of the housing. Sometimes, a compressor simply isn't up to building much pressure and is just plain worn out.

[Bob49]

What is the best method for eliminating the possibility of a disintegrated compressor?

A disintegrating compressor will usually make a lot of noise when it's running, or it will seize-up entirely and throw the drive belt. In extreme cases, parts can break internally and blow-out a chunk of the housing. Sometimes, a compressor simply isn't up to building much pressure and is just plain worn out.

Thank you for that information. As you said earlier I might have damaged the control valve by jumping the compressor. Considering that and that it has 65k miles on it, would you just replace the compressor and dryer and be done with it?

[JohnHere]

If there's any doubt about the compressor, replace it, the R/D, the condenser (also serves as a debris filter), and flush the rest--or have the job done by a pro. In either scenario, do it right the first time so that you don't have to repeat the job and the expense later.

[Bob49]

If there's any doubt about the compressor, replace it, the R/D, the condenser (also serves as a debris filter), and flush the rest--or have the job done by a pro. In either scenario, do it right the first time so that you don't have to repeat the job and the expense later.

Thank you for the reply.

[GearVirtuoso]

Hello, new to the forum. I have a 2011 Jeep Patriot with 65 k miles. About the last 10 minutes of driving home the other day I heard a slight rattle coming from the engine compartment. I stopped and turned off the AC and the noise stopped. Started up and turned on the AC and the noise started again. The next morning it started blowing hot air. I couldn't find a pressure switch, just a transducer. The compressor has one black and one red wire. I wire the red to positive on the battery and black to negative. I heard a slight click but not as loud as usual clutch sound. I started the engine and still just hot air. No signs of leaks anywhere. It was very cold up to the day it stopped working. Is there any other test that could be done, or does it sound like the clutch or compressor is gone? Thanks for any help on this.

it sounds like the issue could be with your AC compressor clutch or the compressor itself. Since the noise stopped when you turned off the AC and the air started blowing hot, the clutch might not be engaging properly. You've already checked by wiring the clutch directly to the battery, and the faint click suggests it’s trying to engage but not fully. I’d recommend checking the AC relay and fuses to rule out electrical issues, and also have your refrigerant levels checked — even if there are no visible leaks, a low refrigerant charge could prevent the compressor from working correctly. If all that checks out, you may need to look into replacing the compressor or clutch.

[Cusser]

Open hood, start engine, turn on AC, and visually observe whether the AC clutch drive plate (the center disc of the AC clutch) is spinning at the same rate as the AC clutch pulley and AC belt. Report back.

Note if drive plate is essentially stationary.