AC Compressor Clutch Replacement Cost Estimate

The first thing a technician will test is power going to the compressor clutch. If the clutch will not engage, there may just be a lack of power from the compressor relay, and repairing the circuit may solve the issue. However, modern vehicles may route function of the air conditioning compressor clutch through the body control module or the HVAC electronic control module. In these cases, it is necessary to test the complete circuit, scan the vehicle, and determine if the controller is restricting power to the compressor clutch, or if there is a failure with that circuit. If there is power to the clutch, but the clutch will not engage, the clutch or compressor must be replaced. However, if there is no power to the clutch, yet the clutch will not disengage, the clutch or compressor will be replaced as well.

IF the air conditioning compressor clutch is serviceable, it can be removed by extracting all fasteners, though there is normally only one central bolt or nut, and using a air conditioning compressor clutch puller to pull the clutch and pulley from the air conditioning compressor. Sometimes this can be accomplished on the vehicle, but others will require evacuation of the air conditioning system, removal of the compressor, and replacement of the receiver drier. In these cases, the air conditioning compressor will likely be replaced as a unit. Once the pulley and compressor clutch are removed, the new assembly can be pressed on, the compressor refitted if necessary, and the air conditioning system vacuum tested, evacuated, and refilled.

We recommend avoiding the use of any off-the-shelf air conditioning repair additives, as these additives are only temporary fixes, if they work at all, and can cause damage to air conditioner refrigerant evacuation machines. Also, never attempt to vent refrigerant into the air, as this is harmful to the environment, and can cause chemical burns. If the system is overcharged, you will need the refrigerant to be recovered by a trained and certified technician.

Older vehicles were made with ozone-depleting, or non-environmental friendly refrigerants, and releasing any refrigerants into the atmosphere is illegal. Federal law requires contained evaporation and disposal of refrigerants, and this requires fairly expensive machinery/tooling. Federal law also states that the older types of refrigerant be replaced with a more environmentally friendly version when the air conditioner service is performed. This will likely require several components and seals to be replaced to ensure compatibility with the new refrigerant. Due to the nature of air conditioning systems, adding refrigerant is not advised without measuring the high pressure and low pressure side of the system simultaneously, as the pressures may not be affected on both sides of the system.

Air conditioner repair is seldom achievable at home, and will require expensive evacuation equipment, a manifold and gauge set, creating a vacuum in the system, and charging the system. Aside from the lack of equipment that most DIYers will face, there is a danger of harm to person, equipment, and the vehicle when repairs or diagnostics are performed incorrectly. When it comes to servicing the air conditioner, it is best left to the pros.