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Old 07-04-2020, 01:27 AM   #1
Matthew_02WRX
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 507953
Join Date: Nov 2019
Vehicle:
2002 Impreza WRX
Platinum Silver Metallic

Question 2002 WRX AC Clutch Won't Engage

Alright, so I saw there were a couple threads on this, but none of them had my same issue and they are too old to get a response from so I decided to post about my issue. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

Here we go- So this is day 2 of my “20 minute” job. Replaced my ac pulley and clutch, but the clutch won’t engage. The clutch wouldn’t engage even before I replaced these parts, but the old pulley had a bad bearing and it would scream at me whenever I had the car on, now the pulley is silent so I fixed that issue. So now the scenario is this, when I turn on the ac in the car, the rpms do change, my fans are running, I’ve closed the gap on the clutch as much as I can and rn the gap is a mm or less (that shouldn’t be the problem). The fuse for the AC was blown, I put in another 15a fuse which is what is asked for. It blew immediately. I switched the relays around in the under the hood fuse box to see if putting another relay (same rating) in the ac slot would change anything and it still didn’t do anything. I plugged in a spare magnet to the plug connecting to the one on my compressor right now and it had power for a second and grabbed onto the spare clutch strongly and then shut off in 5 seconds or less so now the spare magnet won’t get power either. I put in a 20a fuse which is allowing me to still get power to test things (yes I know if I put a fuse with too high of an amp rating I could cause damage if it doesn’t blow when it should). I plugged a gauge (one of those guages from an AC PRO can) into my low pressure side on my ac system and it was maxed out (I’ve read that if the compressor won’t turn then the gauge might read that it’s maxed out just because the compressor isn't spinning) Another thing to mention is that two days ago the ac would turn on (clutch engaging) and then turn off randomly for a few minutes while I was driving and blow hot air and then back on blowing cold air again. Now I’m thinking it’s some sort of electrical issue, so if anyone has any experience with an issue like this and can guide me in some direction before I take it to a shop and pay a lot of money, I would really appreciate the help. Sorry for posting such a big question on here so if it’s not allowed let me know and I’ll delete the post.
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Old 07-04-2020, 03:18 PM   #2
Matthew_02WRX
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 507953
Join Date: Nov 2019
Vehicle:
2002 Impreza WRX
Platinum Silver Metallic

Post Update

Ok, so after some research I decided to do the paper clip in the relay method. I took out the AC Relay and put in a paper clip. (All this was done while the car's power was on but with the engine off) This created a spark indicating I am getting power but the clutch still didn't engage. I had a spare coil and plugged that into the connector and held a spare clutch up to it as i put the paper clip back in. This time not even a spark came from the paper clip and the clutch still did not attract towards the coil. I checked the fuse and it wasn't blown. At this point I am really stumped as to what the issue is. If anyone has any thoughts please let me know.
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Old 07-06-2020, 09:46 AM   #3
Samurai Jack
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Member#: 21145
Join Date: Jul 2002
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Not in my own time
Vehicle:
2002 Enemy of Aku

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If you are/were getting cold air randomly, then you most likely have zero leaks. Everything you are talking about sounds like some type of electrical issue, probably w/the compressor itself. Maybe the clutch is shot?

I never had any such issue myself so no idea where to point you.

Instead of paying a shop to rebuild / replace your compressor, have you considered buying a used compressor instead?

IF you decide you want to go that route, PM me. I have a perfectly working AC compressor for sale off my 2002 WRX.
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Old 07-06-2020, 10:25 AM   #4
Matthew_02WRX
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Member#: 507953
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2002 Impreza WRX
Platinum Silver Metallic

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Would the compressor being shot cause the magnet not to engage no matter what? I have a spare compressor, because I bought a used one to use the pulley from it when I replaced mine. I just don't think the whole compressor would be shot because even when I put the paper clip in the relay to directly give it power (it spraked, indicating I was receiving some electricity), the coil still didn't get power to attract the clutch I belive there is some type of electrical issue between the fuse box under the hood and the magnet.
Thanks for the response by the way.
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Old 07-06-2020, 11:18 AM   #5
Samurai Jack
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Join Date: Jul 2002
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Location: Not in my own time
Vehicle:
2002 Enemy of Aku

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Try installing your spare compressor first and see if that works. Is the spare compressor complete with clutch, etc? You want a complete working unit.

While the compressor itself may not be shot, if the clutch is dead then it is still of no use to you.

I have no idea what it would cost to replace the AC clutch. A quick search says parts and labor are between $611 & $665.
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Old 07-08-2020, 06:19 PM   #6
el_subie81
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Member#: 516542
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Pearland, TX
Vehicle:
2003 WRX Wagon
Silver

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I replaced compressor on mine with a rock auto compressor for $200, and a buddy with proper tools helped me with the replacement. If you can find labor at a good price, just replace.
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Old 07-09-2020, 07:41 PM   #7
Elbert Bass
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Join Date: May 2011
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Down yonder.
Vehicle:
2016 Fuji Sunfire 03
Silver

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Are you grounding that test coil when you are applying power? Subaru clutch coils ground either through their mounting flange or a screw on the connector bracket on the compressor.
Without that ground your test is invalid.
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