jeep cherokee air conditioner compressor clutch

I've been reading for a week or so about how AC systems work and problems they could have. One consistent thing I've read is to check how the compressor clutch reacts when you turn on AC - if it disengages then it doesn't have enough pressure and likely has a refrigerant leak. My 94 Cherokee (apparently not great AC systems to begin with) seems to be blowing only slightly cool air when AC is on max settings. However, my clutch seems to be running fine. It never disengages or stutters even for a second. Aside from refrigerant leak, what are some other reasons why an AC system would not be producing much cold air? I figure I'd ask here before I bought some UV dye to try to track down a leak. If we're ruling out the possibility of a leak in the system and you're still not getting cold air then it's probably due to normal wear/age. The refrigerant system is supposed to be a sealed system, but this is rarely perfect. If the AC system has never been serviced or it's been many years (6+) since it has been you could be just experiencing normal leakage.

Cars are exposed to road vibrations, temperature extremes, and just time. Due to this the seals on the system breakdown slowly. The refrigerant will leak away very slowly and air will be introduced in to the system. You'll continue to have good enough pressure so the clutch engages but not enough to cool the car. Rebuilding the system should make it like new and give you a good 10 - 15 years of life out of it. There's a cost/benefit of rebuilding the system vs a periodic vacuum & recharge. If memory serves me correctly 1994 would have been within the range of when cars were switching from r12 to r134a. My experience is that the first cars to come with r134a had very poor AC cooling in comparison to earlier cars or current cars. The problem is the system is low on refrigerant. Since the clutch engages, there is enough refrigerant in the system (pressure) for the clutch to engage. If there wasn't enough in the system, it wouldn't even do that. If the system were where it is supposed to be, the compressor would kick on/off constantly once the system has been run for a little while.

This happens after the pressures get to where they need to be on each side of the system (high/low). Since it is running all the time, the system pressures never gets to where they're supposed to be for the compressor to kick off, so it continues to run. This is also why you are only getting lukewarm air. That your system has that many years on it is pretty common that some of the refrigerant has bled off. More than likely a recharge of the system with new refrigerant which includes a stop leak will probably keep the system golden for another five years.
ruud central ac reviewsI wouldn't give up on your system yet, as there is probably still plenty of life left in it.
coleman 3 ton air handlerBrowse other questions tagged ac jeep cherokee or ask your own question.
reset switch on goodman ac unit

An AC system has many components: compressor, condenser, receiver dryer, evaporator, and hoses. The compressor, the “heart” of the car’s air conditioning system works like a pump taking refrigerant, ( R-12 Freon in older cars, R-134a in 1995 and newer cars) and pressurizing it, passing it along to the evaporator. The AC compressor has several moving parts (including pistons and valves). These internal parts can fail, causing the AC compressor to stop working. It is common for the internal parts of the compressor to come apart and disperse metallic debris throughout the system. Consequently, it is a requirement to replace the orifice tube and the receiver dryer when replacing the compressor since some of the debris may have ended up there. For an AC compressor to work, it needs a clutch, bearing, and an electrical connector. The clutch is driven by a drive/serpentine belt, which engages the compressor when you switch on the AC. The clutch can burn or the bearing can fail.

If the bearing or clutch have failed, it is recommended that the compressor be replaced. Sometimes replacing the entire compressor with a remanufactured one can be cheaper than replacing an individual clutch or bearings. It is also common for the seals in the AC compressor to go bad. The compressor may start leaking refrigerant and/or the AC oil. If the seals no longer hold, you will need a new compressor, as the seals cannot be replaced. A compressor may also fail if there is sludge or debris in the air conditioning system. If there is sludge or debris, the hoses, evaporator, and condenser should be flushed to get rid of the contaminants. When it is not possible to flush the parts, you may need to replace those parts.Keep in mindThis service comes with receiver dryer and orifice tube. It is very common for metals from the compressors to go throughout the system and get caught in different components. If the compressor is replaced without the dryer and the orifice tube, it will ruin the new compressor and it will not be covered by the warranty from parts manufacturers.

What are the common symptoms indicating you need a AC Compressor Replacement?No cold air from the vents.Clicking sound from under the engine.How it is doneCheck for pressure in the AC system.Check for power and ground at the compressor.If compressor is found to be faulty, remove all of the refrigerant.Remove the compressor, receiver drier, orifice tube, and/or expansion valve.Flush all foreign materials from the AC System.Install new compressor, receiver drier, and orifice tube.Evacuate and recharge the AC system.Leak check for any system leaks.Check for proper operation of AC system.How important is this service? Ships from and sold by Skroutz. A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH REMOVER INSTALLER PULLER TOOL CAR AUTO AIR CONDITIONING AC Powerbuilt 648980 Air Conditioner Clutch Holding Tool FREE Shipping on orders over $49. DetailsTEKTON 3576 Internal / External Snap Ring Pliers Set, 4-Piece FREE Shipping on orders over $49. #158,963 in Automotive (See top 100) #110 in Automotive > Tools & Equipment > Pullers > Puller Sets