Hot wire auto AC clutch to be on all the time

[frankiee]

Dads truck AC quit working
I looked at it
The clutch on compresor was not engaging
Measured volts at 3 volts
Put 12 volt hot wire on and the clutch engaged and he had air back
How long could I have that jumper on for
I dont have time to go looking for why it wont work right now.
What are the draw backs of using it with the jumper and a switch for now?

[taz24]

Dads truck AC quit working
I looked at it
The clutch on compresor was not engaging
Measured volts at 3 volts
Put 12 volt hot wire on and the clutch engaged and he had air back
How long could I have that jumper on for
I dont have time to go looking for why it wont work right now.
What are the draw backs of using it with the jumper and a switch for now?

Think of it as the supply from your thermostat in your fridge at home.
If the supply stays on too long then the compressor runs forever. If the comp runs too long it will freeze up the evap and then cause the system to fail.


Cheers taz.

[Karl Hofmann]

Find the fault and fix it! If you simply run 12 volts to the clutch then you will freeze the evaporator up which will restrict air flow to the cabin and you run the risk of liquid refrigerant returning to the compressor and popping the compressor

[Brian_UK]

That's assuming that it isn't short of gas.

It may be only 3 volts because a pressure switch isn't properly made.

[monkey spanners]

Might be off on a highpressure switch, may be about to go BANG!

[star882]

Have you checked how many amps the compressor is pulling?
3v sounds like a bad connection or a bad contactor.

[DEVITG]

Have you checked how many amps the compressor is pulling?
3v sounds like a bad connection or a bad contactor.

It is a CAR Air conditioning , the 3 v is applied to the clutch.
The compressor is driven by the Car´s motor.
No amperage to measure .
AND NEVER NEVER jump the controls that drive the clutch.
take your time to check all the way the current run from battery to clutch.
Normally is the AC on of , the thermostat and the high low pressure switch.

[The MG Pony]

Ya, by passing controls is how stuff usualy goes boom, It's like in the movies, how the guy never just hits the alarm and calls for back up but instead goes to check it alone and doesn't follow protocall! If he'd had just sounded the alarm and called back up they'd win! (Makes a dam short movie though!)

[Robearbam]

Next Step... throw some gauges on it. Weekend is comming!

[frankiee]

Turns out it was bad wires from the clutch
Fixed both wires where there was a solderless connector and it is perfect now.
Thanks for the replys

[The MG Pony]

Good show mate, glad to hear your back chillin in the summer traffic!