I've got an '08 3.3L V6 T&C (Flex Fuel) that's about 4K past the warranty. Wife reported no A/C today, but it's the first time she's kicked it on in a while (3 or 4 months maybe?).

I don't see anything mechanically wrong except for the fact that I can't tell if the compressor has a clutch or not. So, from my vantage point above the engine compartment it looks like the compressor is either running all the time or not coming on at all. There's no sound like I would expect when hitting the A/C button (i.e. clutch engagement) nor does the engine idle increase.

So, looking for thoughts and/or suggestions here on how I might be able to diagnose without dropping a fortune for the dealer to look at it.

 

I hate it when I'm being stupid... I was looking at the wrong thing. The compressor was hiding under the power steering pump.

Anyway, looks like the clutch isn't engaging. It simply doesn't move. With the vehicle off, I was able to spin it, so it's not stuck but it won't engage when the switch is triggered.

Can you replace the clutch without having to replace the entire compressor?

Is there any way to test the relay?

 

its a lack of freon look at the hose that goes from the compressor to the condenser it looks like a big J fish hook it will be leaking at the lower end replace it and change the system back up.

 

Chrysler Tech, thank you, I'll take a look at it.

I'd been doing some additional research on this and came to understand that the compressor's clutch won't engage if the pressure in the system is too low? (due to a leak... obviously)

If this is the case, once I replace the hose, connect the refrigerant how to I get the compressor to actually engage so it'll suck the refrigerant into the system?

 

Chrysler Tech... you are the bomb!

I just stepped out into the garage to check it out. Sure enough, there's clear oil all around the area where the hose meets the metal fitting just before it connects to the compressor.

Will report back later on how the repair goes.

 

the can that has the freon in it is under pressure so U should be able to get enough in there to have the compressor kick in and draw the rest into the system. U will more then likely want 2.5 lbs but look on the yellow sticker under the hood.

 

Could locked up compressor shaft be the problem?

 

the A/C compressor wasn't kicking on so I put a can of coolant in and it is now kicking on. I haven't found the leak yet but noticed that the compressor doesn't cycle on then off. It only kicks off when I turn off the a/c. Is this normal or do I need to add more coolant?