I just picked up my van from getting the AC compressor & clutch replaced and the AC still doesn't work.

It seems to be an electrical problem because the clutch won't engage.

A couple of weeks prior I replaced the clutch plate and could get it to only half-engage if I tapped the clutch plate with a hammer, but it still wouldn't fully grab and melted the rubber from the friction.

Now with the new compressor installed the clutch plate just won't engage at all even if I tap it with a hammer.

I don't have a multimeter to test whether or not the plug is getting a signal but I'm not sure if the plug is accessible enough to get the probes into it.

I did swap around the relay's in the IPM and that still didn't get the clutch to engage.

I couldn't see a fuse for the AC listed anywhere, and I didn't see any blown fuses that were visible.

So what could I check here to try and solve this problem? it's hot as hell here and I need my AC working

 

When they replaced the compressor, I would think they charged the system. How could they do that if the compressor wasn't turning?

 

I asked the same question, they said their machine fills the unit from the high side and can be done without the compressor running.

on some vehicles that isn't an option, but on this one it is apparently.

I was told that once I get the electrical working it'll blow cold air.

 

"it's hot as hell here and I need my AC working"


Hot? in Ontario? Come to Alabama!

 

I'm not understanding whether you have a new compressor AND clutch, OR just a new compressor from what you said. I hope you got both, since the old clutch wasn't working.

Going on the assumption that it IS an electrical problem. I will see what I can come up with. Hang in there.


Is this the '03 caravan?

 

I don't have an '03 caravan manual, but from my '06,
fuse 18 (15 amp) in IPM to
A/C Clutch Relay pin 30 to
" " " pin 87 to
IPM Connector 3 pin 7 to
A/C Compressor Clutch pin 1 on DARK BLUE/YELLOW wire.


A/C Compressor Clutch pin 2 to
SPLICE 119 on BLACK/GRAY wire to
G103 ground on BLACK wire.

 

Lol I concede to your point, but this isn't just dry heat, it's 35*C with about a 75% humidex rating.

Yes, whole new compressor and clutch.

I'm now thinking that my problem has been electrical and that I may have only needed a new clutch, but I can't really explain why the old clutch wouldn't fully engage.

That would mean that is wasn't necessarily a fuse but instead it wasn't getting full power???? or it wasn't creating a strong enough magnetic field (also indicative of "low" power)??

Whereas now with the new clutch it just won't engage at all, not even slightly.


I'm not exactly sure what to do with this information? but when I looked on the cover of the IPM I didn't see any fuse listed for the AC, only the AC compressor relay.

I swapped relays around and that didn't do anything.

I also tried turning on the AC with the engine off (ignition on) to see if I could hear a relay click, and I could not, so perhaps power isn't getting to a relay?

I'm going to try and do some testing a bit later today but I'll also check out fuse #18 first

 

so I checked that fuse (or the one listed as ac clutch anyway) and it wasn't blown, but I swapped it with another one from my rear wiper which doesn't work anyway (bad motor)
still no AC

I checked other fuses and found fuse #6 to be blown, so I swapped it with the one for front fog lamps (which I don't have) and still no AC.

Fuse #6 however was in a different slot than is indicated on the diagram of the IPM provided by ALLDATA. it was in the slot next to where it is shown on the diagram.

When I turn the AC on from the controls, the engine revs up just slightly like it normally does and always has when the AC is turned on....... I'm not sure what to think of that.

I don't even know what to check now?

 

Well I caved and am bringing it back to NAPA, they're going to take a look for $50.

Hopefully it turns out to be a very simple thing because after looking through ALLDATA it doesn't look like a terribly complicated system.

I'll report back here later when and if I get any new information.

It's supposed to be 35*C on thursday, "feels like" 41*C with a humidex of 85% ..... I need AC

 

IT WAS THE FREAKIN' CONNECTOR!!!

$75 later and I should have AC working in about 30 mins