AC stopped working - clutch not engagin

Aquaticmind

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2009
Location
Wheeling, WV via Athens Georgia via, Bainbridge Is
TDI
2003 Jetta Wagon
Hi folks,
I'm hoping someone can give me some insight into my recent AC issues. My AC has been working fine, then after accelerating hard on an on-ramp to the interstate my AC stopped working. The light on the console comes on but the clutch is not engaging, I have had no issues in the past the AC has been cold even when it has been hot. The cooling fans kick on when I turn on the AC.

Any help is appreciated 2003 Jetta Wagon
 

P2B

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Location
Toronto & Muskoka, Canada
TDI
2002 Jetta, 2003 Jetta, 2003 Jetta Wagon
Hi folks,
I'm hoping someone can give me some insight into my recent AC issues. My AC has been working fine, then after accelerating hard on an on-ramp to the interstate my AC stopped working. The light on the console comes on but the clutch is not engaging, I have had no issues in the past the AC has been cold even when it has been hot. The cooling fans kick on when I turn on the AC.

Any help is appreciated 2003 Jetta Wagon
Check the compressor clutch coil, they have a bad habit of going open circuit without warning. They can be replaced without opening the system.
 

BobnOH

not-a-mechanic
Joined
May 29, 2004
Location
central Ohio
TDI
New Beetle 2003 manual
More than just the fan bidness.
 

JayWagn03

Active member
Joined
Jan 12, 2023
Location
Georgia
TDI
2003 Jetta Wagon, Tdi ALH
What brands or distributors would you recommend I buy a clutch from? They’re not cheap so I’m trying to figure out what brand Sto stay away from. Making a 8hr drive in a week.
 

P2B

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Location
Toronto & Muskoka, Canada
TDI
2002 Jetta, 2003 Jetta, 2003 Jetta Wagon
What brands or distributors would you recommend I buy a clutch from? They’re not cheap so I’m trying to figure out what brand Sto stay away from. Making a 8hr drive in a week.
Are you sure you need a clutch? It's often just the coil that fails. I've installed a couple of these with no issues:
Wisepick AC Compressor Clutch Coil for VW Volkswagen Bora Sanden 7V16 12V https://a.co/d/43mQj2C
 

JayWagn03

Active member
Joined
Jan 12, 2023
Location
Georgia
TDI
2003 Jetta Wagon, Tdi ALH
Are you sure you need a clutch? It's often just the coil that fails. I've installed a couple of these with no issues:
Wisepick AC Compressor Clutch Coil for VW Volkswagen Bora Sanden 7V16 12V https://a.co/d/43mQj2C
Yes. I had paint melted off, and clutch material fall off. I bought a $50 Amazon clutch, AC working again, I’ll update how long it lasts.
 

AndyBees

Top Post Dawg
Joined
May 27, 2003
Location
Southeast Kentucky
TDI
Silver 2003 Jetta TDI, Silver 2000 Jetta TDI (sold), '84 Vanagon with '02 ALH engine
I'm going to make a really wild guess as to why the Clutch got so hot.

The RCV (refrigerant control valve, mechanical and located inside of the compressor) malfunctioned either causing very high pressure or a combo of high pressure due to the event and the TXV not releasing the pressure. The Clutch is basically designed to either be engaged or not. Thus, no kicking in and out. If you turned the AC off and there was in fact rather high pressure on the high side and then turned the AC back on, the Clutch could not handle the load. Thus, lots of slipping and the resulting friction cause a lot of heat. This happened to me with the ALH in my Vanagon.

Or, possibly the clutch was just worn out and began slipping!
 

JayWagn03

Active member
Joined
Jan 12, 2023
Location
Georgia
TDI
2003 Jetta Wagon, Tdi ALH
I'm going to make a really wild guess as to why the Clutch got so hot.

The RCV (refrigerant control valve, mechanical and located inside of the compressor) malfunctioned either causing very high pressure or a combo of high pressure due to the event and the TXV not releasing the pressure. The Clutch is basically designed to either be engaged or not. Thus, no kicking in and out. If you turned the AC off and there was in fact rather high pressure on the high side and then turned the AC back on, the Clutch could not handle the load. Thus, lots of slipping and the resulting friction cause a lot of heat. This happened to me with the ALH in my Vanagon.

Or, possibly the clutch was just worn out and began slipping!
I think the clutch was just worn out. I replaced it, drove to FL and back (6hr drive one way) with AC the whole time. No issues, been smooth sailing. Now that it’s fixed, it’s getting chilly outside now lol
 
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