Thursday, October 6, 2011

I just replaced the clutch on my 1996 Ford F-150. After installing it the clutch will not engage when running.

Before I change the clutch, It was making a loud strange noise. Bad enough that you could not run the AC. Thats how I came up with the clutch problem. The new clutch went in fine and looks to be running true. I tried to add some freon but the system really doesn't want to take any. I did disconnect the high side hose while instaling the clutch and lost quiet a lot of freon.Why want the clutch engage???
I just replaced the clutch on my 1996 Ford F-150. After installing it the clutch will not engage when running.
1996 should have R-134 instead of Freon (R-12). There is a pressure switch that will not allow the compressor to turn with low pressure. When you released the refrigerant, the A/C lost pressure and opened the switch circuit.



You need to have the A/C recharged.



You'll probably want to add a little bit of oil to the system (A/C oil, for R-134 I think it's PAG). You'll need to vacuum the system down, many parts stores rent these vacuum pumps. Once the system is evacuated, you'll need to start adding back the refrigerant. There may be a tag under the hood stating the amount it takes.



You should be able to put in at least one to one and a half cans into the system on the suction side. You can then wait and let the system equilize.



Start the pickup turn on the A/C and see if it starts cycling. If so, then continue adding the refrigerant until the proper amount is in the system. You may need to by pass the pressure switch (i.e., jumper the switch to activate the compressor) so the system will start sucking in refrigerant.



There are some R-134 kits that have gauges to indicate pressures within the system, you'll want to check the system to make sure you don't overcharge it.



Or take it to a shop and have it charged up.
I just replaced the clutch on my 1996 Ford F-150. After installing it the clutch will not engage when running.
could be electrical
Depends on how much freon you added back in. When you pulled the hose off, you lost most if not all your freon. One can won't do it. Theres a low pressure cutout switch in most new systems that shuts down the compressor to prevent damage when the freon runs low. Add two more cans and see what happens. It may take a while until the compressor starts running when it senses some pressure. And it will cut in and out as it charges. Also, just for giggles, make sure that the you put the plug back on the clutch. Hey, mistakes happen to the best of us.

And for safety, make sure you hook the can to the LOW pressure side and wear safety glasses. Hook it on the high side and the can will blowup in your hand. Be safe and good luck.
If you removed the hose you lost the system charge. You will need to pull the system into a vacuum for a minimum of 30 mins. and recharge the system with the proper amount of freon. It would also be wise to add oil to the system before charging. The clutch will not engauge if the system pressure is low (low pressure switch on accumulator) and it will not work properly if you just try to charge freon into the system with air and it could even damage the system. You also need to make sure the clutch coil was replaced and the cltch gap is correct.
bleed the clutch now

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