Air con compressor fault

[newlandyowner]

Hello.

I have a problem with my air con compressor. There Is no air con at all, heater works fine.

The gas is ok, had it checked this morning, done the Air con ECU manual check, all ok.

Ive tracked it down to the clutch not engaging when activated at the control panel.
Checked it with a test light and multimeter, press the air con switch power at the air con compressor plug, turn it off...no power.

Plug it back together press the switch and no clutch engagement.

Ive rang a few auto sparkies/air con places but they pretty much all say the same thing "could be your clutch, could be another electrical fault, cant really tell till you bring it in".

Has anyone else had this problem before? And do you know if you can buy a new clutch kit or just a compressor.
Ive had a quote for $1800 ex UK just for the compressor.

Thought Id run it by you guys first, incase there is a simple fix that may save a few dollars....I need a new set of tyres before winter!!:burnrubber:
Cheers

[Hastykiwi]

Would this be a suitable replacement?
OEM Compressor: JPB101330/4472004962/4471705060 from Hypershop (http://www.hypershop.org/proddetail.php?prod=13697&cat=79564)
or this

http://www.carpartsdiscount.com/auto/parts/2001/land_rover/discovery/compressor/nippondenso_a_c_compressor.html?3593=116571
cheers
Nick

[biggin]

Check your electrics first before you go buying anything.
There is a relay in the engine compartment fuse box that should pull in when the A/C is on. There are also a couple of fuses that feed it. Try Fuse 6 for starters.
If okay, check that you are getting 12v at the a/c clutch connector.
Good luck.
biggin

[newlandyowner]

I swapped the horn and air con relay over, and no luck, checked the fuses, all ok.
Just about to check to see if the clutch electrical circuit is open.
Cheers

[robbotd5]

Mmm....sounds electrical. Do some more digging mate.
Regards
Robbo

[biggin]

Can you feel the relay clicking in and out when the A/C is switched on and off?

[gazk]

A friend of mine had exactly the same problem recently. It turned out to be the a/c control unit in the dash was the faulty. It self tested OK but that is not a comprehensive test.

The unit is easy to remove - remove the ash and coin trays, undo the three screws behind the trays to remove the cup holder. Then release (press in) the metal tab on each side of the A/C control panel. Slide the unit out and release the three multi-plugs on the back.

cheers

[newlandyowner]

After being away for work the last few weeks, I had a further look into my aircon problem yesterday.

Tested the earth circuit from the compressor clutch plug and it was open.

The earth wire from the compressor clutch plug to the earth point had broken, so hence why the clutch wouldnt engage.... Power to the plug but no earth.

Thankfully only a small fix. :)

Thanks for your help.