Q: A/C compressor and clutch problems - 2002 Mitsubishi

asked by on August 17, 2016

I replaced the A/C Compressor and Clutch, with a new OEM part/s, re-charged the system with the OEM specified amount of oil and R-134a and all proper testing and charging equipment. (low and high side reading charge gauges etc. etc.) My issue is this - the A/C clutch engages intermittently. I can watch it "click to engage" then "click" again and it will not stay engaged. To my question, as I assume if all said above is correct, how do I go about checking ALL of the relays? I know how to test them, the question I guess is more how many could there be as well is there anything else you can think of that might cause this problem. I am putting a new A/C belt on it this morning.

My car has 132000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

The car won't start, but I think it is the crank sensor, not the starter.
It is possible that your crank sensor may be at fault for your vehicle not starting. If the crank sensor goes bad (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement) the engine can not fire the spark plugs or the fuel injectors. This is a pretty common...
Opinion on a 2013 Mini Cooper
I'm not a fan of them. My neighbor has one and to me that thing is so cheaply made. The wiring is so thin. Hers is eight years old and everything is shorting out. The thin little wires that they...
can i remove cylinder head without removing engine from the car
It is possible to remove the head (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-replace-a-head-gasket-by-jerel-lawrence) while the engine is in the car, but it's going to be tight. This can be a difficult and even dangerous job. Unless you feel very comfortable with this type of work,...
Front Engine Motor Mount missing Stopper Assy.
Hello. The stopper assembly is an essential, required part (the "stopper" is not a cosmetic cover). If the vibration started after you installed the aftermarket mount, the cause of the vibration is the aftermarket mount and you should remove it....
My RPM needle keeps moving up and down
Hello. This may be related to a faulty idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement). As you may know this is a unit that monitors the air intake into your car's engine as it is mixed with fuel. When this is not...
Cranks but won't start
You are right on track. You may be dealing with several issues at once. The first thing you should do for this starting issue (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-will-not-turn-over-inspection) is check for proper spark. You need to check with an actual tester, and do...
I got 2 codes P0304 and p0102
Hi there: The OBD-II trouble code P-0304 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0303-obd-ii-trouble-code-cylinder-3-misfire-detected-by-spencer-clayton) indicates that cylinder four is misfiring or having ignition issues. The most common causes include a faulty spark plug, clogged fuel injectors, or even an intake valve leak. To know for certain,...
Loss of power at 40 to 50 mph.
Check the throttle pedal position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/throttle-accelerator-pedal-position-sensor-replacement) on the gas pedal and see if the wiring is loose or pinched. If the wiring looks good and is not damaged, then I recommend replacing the sensor. If you need further assistance...
2004 5.3 Tahoe oil pressure drops when stopped, rises when accelerating, sounded like an exhaust leak to, blow whit smoke on crank
Hello, thank you for writing in. The smoke on start up is usually due to the valve stem guides and or seals. They may need to be replaced. As far as the oil pressure is concerned, you need to check...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing AC Air Filter
Common signs of a clogged AC air filter include reduced airflow from AC vents, less power coming from the engine, and increased dust in the cabin.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Evaporator Temperature Sensor (Switch)
Common signs include lack of cold air coming from AC, temperature fluctuations, and the AC compressor not activating.
How Long Does an AC Control Switch Last?
Every Every year, vehicles become more and more complex, with computer components replacing mechanical parts. This is very apparent in your car’s air conditioning system, which relies on an AC control module to deliver the ideal heating and air conditioning...