2003 explorer AC clutch

[QuintoJim]

Hello all,
I hate to be that guy, first day on forums and probably posting question on wrong page. I've searched the forums and I haven't found my problem or to frustrated with the truck to see clearly. AC clutch is engaging intermittently at 3 to 5 seconds. I thought it needed freon, so I charged with cheapo can with gauge. I don't want to overcharge, but clutch only stays on for a few secs. I cant get reliable reading. I checked voltage at compressor pigtail to see if my clutch it getting voltage 14vdc when ac is turned on. This leads me to clutch being bad? if it where a low pressure switch there wouldn't be voltage to the clutch correct? It's my college kid's car, it's 100 degrees already and she's home for the summer. I appreciate any help I can get. Thank you in advance for your time.
Jim

 

[xlt03]

You did not indicate if you have only front a/c or both front and rear a/c. Did you read the pressure on the gauge? If the clutch comes off and on I would believe it may be ok. Sounds more like low freon to me. On mines I have front and rear a/c and found that I needed 2 cans. Once you have the required amount the clutch should stay running. I too had the clutch engage and disengage until I got 2 cans in. The temperature should be approximately 40. Thermometer can be purchased same place where you bought the freon. I would try one more can since its cheaper and easier than replacing clutch.

Let us know what happens so someone else can learn from your experience. (Such as you - looking for solutions).

 

[QuintoJim]

XLT,
Thanks for response. It's front AC, rear AC comes thru center console. When compressor engages, the gauge on can builds towards the upper edge of acceptable. But it's for a few seconds then disengages, on-off-on-off. When I check voltage at compressor it's a constant 14v. Power doesn't cycle on-off- on-off. If it's a low pressure issue, wouldn't the voltage fluctuate with the switch telling it to turn off and on? Or am i missing something? Just to be clear
the clutch is getting constant voltage as long as AC is turned on, but still only engages a few seconds at a time. Thanks to all for trying to help the new guy on forums.

 

[xlt03]

The rear air setup consists of a second set of controls above the reaview mirror and on the headliner on the second row. The vents would be on the headliner for the 2nd and 3rd rows. Yours is single front air. Voltage should be constant. The compressor cuts off when the pressure is low, hence the low pressure switch. From what you described you have low freon. You probably need 1 more can.

 

[2Trux]

XLT,
When I check voltage at compressor it's a constant 14v. Power doesn't cycle on-off- on-off. If it's a low pressure issue, wouldn't the voltage fluctuate with the switch telling it to turn off and on? Or am i missing something? Just to be clear
the clutch is getting constant voltage as long as AC is turned on, but still only engages a few seconds at a time. Thanks to all for trying to help the new guy on forums.

This can happen if the ground side of the clutch is switched instead of the positive side.
I am no expert on the wiring for the AC but it could be that the low pressure switch is on the ground side of the clutch. This would make it look like the clutch always has power. You might put a jumper wire between the ground side of the clutch connector and a good ground on the engine. If the clutch stays engaged you have eliminated the clutch as your problem. Don't let it run too long as there is a reason they put in safety switches.

 

[QuintoJim]

Update

UPDATE: Thanks to all for responses. I jumped out low pressure switch and was able to get the system to take freon. Of course it took 1 and 1/3 bottles to recharge system. Thanks again for all your help. Next project is both back windows don't roll down....