QuestionQUESTION: The A/C compressor clutch went out on my 2005 Corolla CE, and my mechanic replaced it with a new Toyota clutch assembly with a one-year warranty in April, 2010. Just a little over two months later, that new one stopped working abruptly. Before the clutch stopped engaging, the system seemed to be working normally (blowing cold air). After doing the repair again, my mechanic reported that Toyota said they may not honor the warranty again because the clutch was “overheated.” I asked him how they knew that and he said, “they don’t break after two months, so there has to be a reason,” such as a refrigerant leak. I did not argue with him, but even if the freon was somewhat low, isn’t there a safety mechanism which specifically prevents the compressor and clutch from being damaged by overheating? Also, besides being just plain defective, are there other reasons why a new compressor clutch might stop working after just two months? Thank you.
ANSWER: Hi Madeleine
Time will tell us if it was defective or not. If it happens again check the relay that controls the clutch. If your system is cooling fine and you have never added refrigerant then you should not worry. Let me know if it happens again and I'll help you.
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QUESTION: Thank you for your reply Candido, but I am a college student who is not a DIY mechanic and can’t afford the luxury of time if it results in having to pay for another A/C clutch, so if at all possible, I would really appreciate specific answers to these questions to educate myself as a consumer and try to protect my warranty rights: 1) Even if the refrigerant was somewhat low, isn’t there a safety pressure mechanism which specifically prevents the compressor and clutch from being damaged by overheating? 2) Can a low refrigerant level cause the clutch to fail for any other reason? 3) Can the relay be checked now? 4) Is there anything else which could cause a new clutch to fail in just two months?
Thanks again for your time.
Answer1) Yes as to the pressure switch being there, but your clutch would not over heat for a low refrigerant condition. 2)Low refrigerant will not cause clutch failure. 3) Yes, you can but if it is working you cannot tell if it is bad. That is why I said to check if it the clutch fails to engage next time. 4) Yes, A bad compressor, a condenser that is dirty inside, a condenser or radiator fan that fails to turn on when the compressor is engaged, a high pressure switch that fails to disconnect the compressor when you accelerate your vehicle, and finally a vehicle that overheats for any reason. Thank you far asking in detail I hope this helps you. Unfortunately, sometimes it is difficult to diagnose without having the car in front of you. If you would like to take it to the shop where they worked on it and have them call me I'll try and help. I'm Candy and my number is 305-468-8387 M-F 7:30 To 5:00 EST.
