A/C clutch engagement testing

[luke]

How do I check the clutch engagement on my a/c compressor ?
Can I just run a +12 volt wire directly from battery post to the
compressor clutch lead and it should click right ? The other lead
from the clutch is grounded.
Should I do this engine running or not ?

2004 Accord 4cyl automatic

Bill

[Fredsvt]

If you just want to see if the clutch can engage, yes, you can apply 12v to the clutch wire. It should pull in.

You can also start it, turn on the a/c and see if you have power going to the clutch. If not, you have an issue with: no or low pressure, a bad blower resistor/transistor, or some other issue keeping the compressor from engaging.

[luke]

Ok thanks Fred....I applied power to the clutch itself it does not even click at all the circuit thru it is open. I do get
battery power to the connector wired at the clutch so the problem is apparently the coil.
The thing is: the car repair shop wants to replace the whole compressor they say its false economy not to do so.
Car has 92000 miles on it I probly could get away with just the coil replaced.
They probly have to pull the compressor out of the vehicle to replace the clutch
anyway so I wonder if I should just have them put in a whole new compressor.
Decisions decisions.....
Can you shed a little light on this dilemma ?

Bill

[Fredsvt]

When the a/c was working, was the compressor noisy?

If not, I'd replace the clutch assembly, but the price of the bearing/pulley, clutch hub and clutch coil will come close to the price of a new compressor. (not from Honda, though)
You can get new compressors from radiator places and other a/c parts houses far cheaper than from Honda.

You don't need to discharge the a/c to replace the clutch assembly, but it probably would have to be lowered out of the car enough to access.

[luke]

No the a/c compressor wasnt noisy and the car has only 92000 miles.
I made an appointment to get it fixed. I betcha they will want to replace the compressor too. Those hoses on the compressor are pretty short so it would be a bit of a trick to work on it still hooked up and pressurized I think.
I think I'll just bite the bullet and let them do what they recommend.
They're a reputable shop.
Thanks for the insight and your help.

Bill

[Toshbar]

Can you just test the clutch by pushing the AC button at the climate control panel and listen for it to engage?