Hi. I have a 2003 Ford Taurus that has a problem with the AC Clutch. There was a pretty nasty noise coming from my AC compressor, even when I wasn't using the AC. I took it in and the mechanic seemed

How did you hook up the inline fuse to compressor and ground to compress ? Ground what ? Right at the clutch coil ? You have to be hooking it up wrong . The compressor can't cause the clutch coil to short or blow the fuse , even if the compressor were seized up . An before that would have the serpentine belt would burn up , squealing noise. applying B+ voltage in the relay socket ,pin 30 to pin 87 will engage the compressor clutch . If the fuse blows the wiring from the relay to the compressor clutch is shorted to ground . Look for rubbed through wiring harness .

Does it make the noise even if the ac is switched off ? Its possible you have too much freon in the system, but the compressor should not be involved if it is turned off.

Well, YES, NO, and SORT-OF???

Your refrigerant evacuating and and recharging skills might be helpful, however, you cannot capture the R-134A refrigerant using the same equipment that you use on refrigerators unless you have empty refrigerant tanks to use. The refrigerants are not compatible with each other.

Then, yes, it is possible that your A/C clutch is slipping. You can verify this by listening to the sound of the compressor. You can usually hear the clutch making a grinding sound. There will usually also be a bunch of rusty-looking dust around the area of the clutch due to the metal tearing off of the clutch surfaces.

Then you need to decide if you want to replace the clutch assembly or the entire compressor. If the clutch assembly is all you need, then it can be replaced without any type of refrigerant recovery needed. It is also a whole lot cheaper to replace than the compressor (see picture and link below).
However, the clutch can be pretty tough to replace without the special tools needed - especially if you have never done one before.

Clutch listing for AC clutch at AutoZone

Remember that when you THINK the AC's off,it's really not.Almost all cars have the AC compressor actuate every time you set the dial to `defrost' or `mix' positions.
On a TAURUS there are only two positions(maybe three)which DON'T kick the AC on.On some cars,that's the 11 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions on the selector.

SO...........the odds are that the compressor magnetic clutch or wiring to it has shorted.Because you really have power going there even when you think you don't. (:^) don-ohio

have the AC tech performed a leak test on the system after recharging? is the expansion valve and filter drier as well as the o-rings for the fittings replaced? check also for possible leaks in the system in the fittings of the hose and in the evaporator housing. also check if the magnetic clutch of the AC compressor is engaged, you will hear a click when it it engaged.

The pulley has no adjustment, if it is loose you have a bearing problem. If it only makes noise with the a/c on, I would suspect a clutch or compressor problem. Hope this helps, TJ

hi this sounds like you will need a re-gas of the ac system...

The noise is the clutch on the front of the AC Compressor. This is a common problem on late ninety's Doge Rams. The clutch is inside the AC pulley. It is electronically controlled. Their are two wires coming off the AC compressor near the pulley. Follow these two wires and you will find a wiring harness connector that you can pull apart. Disconnecting this connector will stop the clutch from activating, saving you a little bit of gas too. But the AC will not work while these two wires are disconnected. I disconnect these for the winter to save on gas and noise. I don't know what causes these to activate so much.

i would suspect the clutch is going, you can purchase all the parts needed seperatly from the pump so it will be a little cheaper.

Hi

This could be any number of things, low system pressure, chattering relay, faulty cycling switch, failed compressor, poor cooling, the list goes on.

I'm afraid this is a job for the professionals!

Very best regards

Geordie