AC Issue Diagnostics

[dakotan2]

Hi All,

Trying to finalize a diagnosis on my a/c issues. Symptoms:

10 Amp fuse blowing after a few seconds of running the a/c, doesn't appear to be a short anywhere in the line (voltage is ~13 at the compressor with the a/c switched on. Before the fuse blows, the pulley turns very slowly - like one revolution per six seconds or so). If the compressor is disconnected, the fuse won't blow (as expected). Jumped a wire from the battery to the compressor directly and it didn't make much difference, wire was warming up though. Thoughts? Does this sound more like the pulley bearing? Anyone in the LA area that can help? I'm willing to pay, I just don't have a trusted mechanic in the Pasadena, CA area. Thanks all for your help!

 

[bsmart82]

The clutch coil is most likely shorted internally.

 

[dakotan2]

The clutch coil is most likely shorted internally.

Thanks for the quick reply - is there a definitive test to confirm it's the clutch coil? Is this a potential DIY fix? I should have noted, I smelled a distinct "electrical fire" smell when it went out, just before burning the fuse out. Does that confirm it with enough likelihood to plan on replacing the clutch coil? Thanks again!

 

[CJF]

is there a definitive test to confirm it's the clutch coil?

Yes.

Simple onboard ohmmeter resistance test is outlined in the FSM.