A/C Compressor or Clutch

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Jun 23, 2014 | 04:56 PM

rsteve12

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Driver School Candidate

Joined: May 2014

Posts: 14

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From: TN

A/C Compressor or Clutch

Hello Everyone,

My 2008 RX350 is having a/c issues. About 80,000 miles on the vehicle. I started the car the other day and turned on the a/c and it blew hot. I drove to my destination and on the return trip I turned on the a/c and it blew cold. Same thing the next day. I got a can of r134a at Auto Zone and put it in and it seems to be working (it didn't take much to fill it), but the compressor is making a sort of rumbling sound. How do I know if it's the compressor or the clutch giving me problems? And I don't suppose the clutch can be changed without pulling the compressor?

Many Thanks,
Russell

Jun 24, 2014 | 05:07 PM

HtownBlue

Lead Lap

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 537

Likes: 83

From: Texas

Check to ensure your cooling fans are operating properly. If air is not moving through the condenser then the A/C will not function properly. If fans are working, check your coolant levels. Then check Freon levels. If all those check out within proper range and function, look and see if clutch is engaging as you hit on/off on AC. If when you hit on you see clutch engaging but hear noise when that happens, then you need to replace compressor (which will have clutch included). My guess is your cooling fans are not functioning properly or your AC compressor is going bad.