Auto Air Conditioning & Heater Repair: 2000 Jeep Cherokee, jeep cherokee classic, jeep cherokee

Question
QUESTION: My daughter has a 2002 Jeep Cherokee Classic 4.0L that the A/C keeps dutting out on.  It will run for 15 minutes or so and then quit.  Sometimes if you shut it off for a while it will come back on.  It is getting progressively worse in that the run time is reducing.  We've had the low side hose replaced, had it drained and recharged and had a compressor swich and a relay replaced, but nothing has worked.  The problem seems similar to what Chris Fortunato addressed on 5/29/07 on this website, but it doesn't appear anyone ever said what the final diagnosis actually was.  PLEASE HELP it is summertime in Orlando!!!  Thanks.

ANSWER: HI Greg

Not what you mean by stops working.  Is it your blower that stops or the cold air.  Let me know and I'll try to help.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sorry for being unclear. The blower keeps working but no cold air. I think it may just be the clutch. I checked voltage to it today and it was fine + and -  But the clutch wouldn't engage.

Answer
Check the gap between the clutch pulley and the clutch plate.  If it has worn out the gap is too large and the coil will not pull it in.  One thing I do is carefully tap the front of the plate while the vehicle is on and the compressor has the power but does not engage.  Be careful with the tool you use to tap it, it can come out of your hands and hurt you or break something.  Just try to tap and remove quickly.  If it engages then your gap is too large.  You can remove the plate and discard the washer.