Question 1: AC Compressor Clutch

[charlie]

Hi all,
Recently had an issue develop with my MY02 RS bought new in 07/01. Car
has 115K miles (85% highway). Noticed over the last 2 weeks that there
was a sudden hesitation accompanied by what can best be described as a
"pffft" sound. Tracked it down to the AC compressor clutch slipping as
it kicked in. Also noticed that the cooloing fans seemed to be tied
into the same circuit or at least they turned on when the clutch kicked
in. So my questions are:
If the clutch fries will I lose the ability cool my engine?
Can I just replace the clutch on the compressor or do I need to replace
the whole unit?

Just starting to look into this issue so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[mulder]

Hi all,
Recently had an issue develop with my MY02 RS bought new in 07/01. Car
has 115K miles (85% highway). Noticed over the last 2 weeks that there
was a sudden hesitation accompanied by what can best be described as a
"pffft" sound. Tracked it down to the AC compressor clutch slipping as
it kicked in. Also noticed that the cooloing fans seemed to be tied
into the same circuit or at least they turned on when the clutch kicked
in. So my questions are:
If the clutch fries will I lose the ability cool my engine?
Can I just replace the clutch on the compressor or do I need to replace
the whole unit?

Just starting to look into this issue so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

The fans run whenever the compressor runs to provide adequate airflow
through the condenser for proper AC operation. In the event the
compressor stops working, you will lose your AC but there will be no
adverse effect on engine cooling because the ECU runs the fans as
needed according to the engine coolant temperature.
The problem may not be the clutch, it could be the compressor itself
beginning to seize up and causing the clutch to slip, or the system
charge could be incorrect. It would be best to have it checked out by
a shop that does AC work and has the right equipment. No need to go to
a dealer since you are long out of warranty, although you can
certainly do so if it makes you feel more comfortable. Just expect to
pay more at a dealer than at a shop.

 

[Fuzzy Logic]

Hi all,
Recently had an issue develop with my MY02 RS bought new in 07/01. Car
has 115K miles (85% highway). Noticed over the last 2 weeks that there
was a sudden hesitation accompanied by what can best be described as a
"pffft" sound. Tracked it down to the AC compressor clutch slipping as
it kicked in. Also noticed that the cooloing fans seemed to be tied
into the same circuit or at least they turned on when the clutch kicked
in. So my questions are:
If the clutch fries will I lose the ability cool my engine?
Can I just replace the clutch on the compressor or do I need to replace
the whole unit?

Just starting to look into this issue so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

I just got my '03 Impreza wagon back from service yesterday to have this very problem fixed. They replaced
the compressor under warranty (I was about 2 weeks away from coming out of warranty). The symptoms I
used to describe the problem was a chirping noise approximately every 15 seconds when in motion and the
AC was on. There was also a slight lurch associated with the sound.