QuestionI have a 1995 Dodge Caravan. The air conditiong compressor clutch keeps kicking out. It runs fine and I get cold air, then all of a sudden, in about 5 minutes, the clutch kicks out and the cold air stops. Both the high and low sides read within normal operating ranges at all times.
What is causing the clutch to stop and what diagnosis can I run to find the exact nature of the problem?
AnswerJohn,
There are a few things that can cause this.
The most likely fault that I can see is the compressor clutch relay coil drawing to much energy, heating up and diengaging the clutch.
The way to check... sounds a bit on the jerry rigging side, but it is easy, no chance of harming other systems, and a definitive check.
Locate your compressor clutch relay. This is most often in the underhood relay box. Run the A/C until it cuts out. As soon as it cuts out feel your relay. Is it any warmer than the other relays? Unplug it. With a jumper wire Jump the connectors in the relay socket that are connected to the contact terminals. One will have a red and light blue wire , the other will have a dark blue and black wire. This is going by the schematics in the literature I have on a 95 caravan. They have been wrong in the past on other vehicles, but all in all fairly reliable. Did your clutch engage? If so replace that relay.
I hope that this solves your issue. If your clutch still does not engage with this jumped let me know. I have a feeling that it will though.
I hope this was of some help. If I can do anything further now or in the future, do not hesitate to ask.
Thank you for the question and good luck in everything. If you found this helpful, please do not forget to rate this answer.
