air conditioning clutch repacement

Does anyone know if you have to remove the A/C compressor to replace the clutch. Thanks for any info you can give.

My initial thought is yes. The a/c compressor is stuffed down in there and you usually must attach a puller of some sort to remove the clutch from the shaft. I'll take a look at my manual, but I'm afraid it most likely must come out. Therefore, the system has to be evacuated and then refilled with freon too.

Sorry

Hi Agape, You said in an email

>>>Thank you for your reply about having to remove the AC compressor to repace the clutch on 95 Windstar. You are correct. In doing some additional research however, I discovered that there is usually something else that malfunctions in the system that takes out the clutch.
I'll give you the symptoms and maybe you would be kind enough to give me some additional information.

The cool air stopped flowing when the car was idling or moving at slow speed, but seemed to work OK at highway speeds. However that gradually diminished as well and then a clicking sound started whenever the clutch was engaged which led me to beleive it was the clutch. I did purchase one of those R134 refill units with the gauge which showed "red" indicating a problem with the system rather than low freon.
I do have a Haynes manual for this vehicle but no information about clutch replacement.

Thank you for any help you can give. I really appreciate people taking time to read stuff like this and share their knowledge. God bless!<<<



Well, initially reading about how you had poor cooling while stopped and better on the road I wondered about your electric cooling fan. It should be on whenever the A/C is on. Is it? (just in case..... I am talking about the fan under the hood that pulls air through the A/c condenser and the radiator) I imagine it is or you would probably be overheating too.

The clicking sound....are you sure your A/C compressor clutch is engaging and then the clicking sound? Or, could it be that the clutch is engaging, then quickly disengaging, then engaging....etc..... Take a close look. Low freon is often accompanied by rapid clutch cycling (it can also go along with low condenser flow...the fan ?).

Another shade tree way of checking freon level in general......If the A/C is on and has been running a few minutes...the two aluminum A/C lines coming out of the firewall at the back of the engine compartment should be about the same temperature, and both should be cold. Use your hand to feel them.

I just re-read your post regarding the "red" indication on the guage. I am making an assumption that it is sensing high rather than low pressure (if your a/c is working properly, the pressure on the low/suction side is down around 25 psi. With the system off and static, it is around 60-80). Did you attach the can with the engine running and A/c selected on max? If so, I am thinking the A/C compressor (clutch) was not engaged and running.

I'll be around over the weekend. Why don't you spend a little more time looking at these things and let us know what you find out.

Always happy to try and help. I learn as much as I share.

The electric radiator fans ON when the A/C is on....however....they are OFF when the compressor is engaged.....and come on when the Compressor is disengaged.

On my '96.....and I think it is the same on your '95.....The A/C clutch and the FAN High/Low speed relays are in the CCRM (Constant Control Relay Module). The fuel pump relay is in there also.
I had a problem with my radiator fans....that was caused by this module. It is not likely the problem.....but just in case you were wondering about the paths for the A/C Clutch, and Fans....the PCM sends the signals to the CCRM.....which does the heavy duty switching. I do hear a slight clicking sound...for the fans..which is one of those relays. It should not be a chatter....or real loud.....but an audible "click".

For the A/C clutch....I hear a "clunk".....which I suspect is more the load of the compressor. Again....It should be 1 clunk as the compressor clutch kicks in.....no squeal or chatter. The A/C clutch is an ON/OFF thing. Anything in between is not a good thing.

Hi Wiswind

You said

"The electric radiator fans ON when the A/C is on....however....they are OFF when the compressor is engaged.....and come on when the Compressor is disengaged."

Perhaps you had a typo, or I misunderstand your statement , but.....the Ford factory manual for the '96 with the 3.8L says:

"Note: with a/c on, the engine cooling fan motors will run continuously. The engine cooling fan motors will not cycle on and off with the A/C clutch."

It does indicate that the fans may turn off above 60-65 mph if coolant temperatures are within limits.

It has been my experience that if the fan motor does not run, and A/C is on long, the car overheats and....in one case my previous car actually blew freon overboard from the compressor through what I assume was an over-pressure relief valve.........because the electric cooling fan had failed.

I don't really think agape is dealing with a cooling fan failure as he/she is not having overheating.

Your ideas about the constant control relay making the clicking noise make sense and are a good thought.

I am not doubting what your manual states......I do doubt myself on the fans cycling off with the compressor ON.......does not make sense.....yes...reduces engine load....but the fans would be most needed with the compressor on....as that is when airflow over the condensor coils is needed.

OK....I DO KNOW that mine ('96 3.8L) cycle ON and OFF with the A/C on.....sitting at idle..... If that is not correct.....it has been working fine like that for MANY miles.....A/C works great....engine does not overheat......and I changed the CCRM (not for any A/C issue).....and the fans work the same. So I am not going to worry about it.....