Expert: Candido Figueroa - 5/7/2010

Question
QUESTION: Ok - I recently started to experience A/C problems on my 97 Dakota SLT 5 speed 3.9L V6. The A/C will run fine for 5 - 10 mins and then blow hot air. When it is working is blows ice cold. I had the system checked and there are no leaks and the pressure is fine at 175 high 30 low. Now I replaced the A/C relay in the fuse box and the A/C clutch cycling switch as I noticed that when the unit was blowing hot air none of the lines where frozen but the compressor clutch was not engaged. This did not solve the problem. Any ideas?

Thanks

ANSWER: HI Tom

Check your clutch for power when it does not engage.  Let me know if you have power or not.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, there is power to the clutch. Does this mean I need a new clutch and if so can it be replaced without replacing the entire compressor. Thanks

Answer
You need to check the gap between the clutch and pulley if it is too far away then you can move the clutch plate closer to the pulley.  If the gap is good then you need to replace the clutch coil.  Yes you can replace on the vehicle but I always take it off.  It becomes easier adjust.