A/C issues

I have a 2019 tacoma SR v6. I have been having trouble with my A/C. When I hit the A/C button, the light comes on for a few seconds before shutting off. The mag clutch seems to engage okay for those few seconds before kicking off. When it first started happening, it seemed like the belt would slip a little, but that went away after a while. It doesn't cycle or keep trying to come on, just once for a few seconds when you first hit the button. I took it to a shop to get it diagnosed and they recharged it, it didn't help. The mechanic said it needed a new clutch compressor assembly but I don't think this is the case. A second and third opinion said that it seems like an electrical problem. Relays and fuses are fine. I found a FB post with similar symptoms, they replaced the A/C amplifier and that seemed to fix the problem. Any ideas on where to start?

 

When mine went out it was all 3 clutch compressor and tensioner. Good luck!

 

Did you have the same problem with the clutch engaging for a few seconds and then kicking off?

 

There are several threads here with the same issue- several causes and some are costly. Best to get a diagnostic test from a knowledgeable shop that won’t guess at the issue like those you tried. The shop sounded like they want customers to pay them to try random things to fix it. Thinking it was the refrigerant level (did they test for leaks first?), then saying it was the compressor or clutch, and finally an electrical issue without thoroughly testing everything first are all random guesses, not diagnoses. The suggestion to replace the compressor was a real winner; there are serviceable parts on your compressor that could be the issue which cost much less to replace than a new clutch or compressor. Get a real diagnosis first.