My air-con is not working. Compressor clutch is not engaging. Removed clutch and fitted smaller shim but still no engagement. Not sure if shim is still too thick? Used smallest supplied in £8.71 Ford kit (0.87mm). Noticed outer radius of clutch face has surface rust. Should I clean that and also try a thinner shim...or try with no shim??

 

is the clutch getting a proper supply voltage? there are many reasons why a clutch wouldn't get a voltage (empty system, faulty pressure switches/sensors, relays, fuses etc).

if it is and still is not working, possibly the clutch coil has gone. it needs a proper air gap between the 2clutch faces otherwise it will drag and overheat causing bearing failure which will then chuck the belt off and make a right mess.

 

Do you have plenty of air con gas in the system.If this is low the air con pump wont work.

 

Thanks Nick and Glenn..all good sensible points. Realized last night that if gas has gone LP switch will not allow power to compressor/clutch. Going to Kwik-fit this morning for re-gas at £49 or free if still no A/C. Thanks again, Mike.

 

if it is empty and they refill it and charge you it will be empty and not work again soon if the leak is not repaired

 

My view is a little more optimistic as it's claimed 10% of refrigerant permeates from car A/C system per year. My Mondeo is 7 years old therefore I am assuming it has slowly lost 70% of gas. I would think with that amount of loss the LP switch would operate and prevent clutch/compressor from being energized. Bearing in mind Mr Ford charged me £8.71 for a small selection of shims (which in reality are cheap washers) I am happy to have A/C fully restored today for 49 quid by Kwik-fit.