2013 A/C Compressor Issues...

First, I'm sure that this has probably been covered SOMEWHERE before, but with all of my internet prowess, I haven't been able to find the answer that I'm looking for.

When I turn on the A/C compressor, the clutch engages, and the compressor turns as it should. After 5-10 seconds, it makes a horrible screeching noise, then the clutch disengages and the A/C light begins flashing.

My confusion is:

-If the compressor was bad, it certainly wouldn't turn when the clutch is engaged.
-If the clutch hub was separated, which it doesn't APPEAR to be, it wouldn't turn the compressor.
-If the relay or magneto was bad, the clutch wouldn't engage in the first place.

Is it possible that my compressor is just starting to go out, but has not yet fully seized? And the computer/sensor is telling the clutch to disengage?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

Yes that is certainly a very good possibility.

Try this. Start the truck and engage the AC system with the hood open then observe the AC Compressor running and see what happens. Does the compressor hang up or what...

Let us know.

 

Nope, the compressor will run at idle just fine, and usually stays engaged. As soon as you increase the throttle, the clutch disengages and the light begins flashing.

 

Where does the screeching noise come from? Possibly the belt slipping on the AC pulley or possibly an idler pulley.

 

Its 2018...our trucks factory AC compressor's clutch usually last around 5 years. It's in integrated component. My bet is you will need to replace the compressor.

I found rock auto to be the cheapest.

 

It’s definitely not the pulley, because the pulley is turning just fine, same speed as the belt. I’m leaning toward the friction plate side of the clutch.

 

It’s integrated and non-serviceable, only if you believe what everyone tells you at a parts store. It has a nut and two split rings holding the whole mechanism together, so it can certainly be taken apart. And, you can find plenty of them for sale on the web.

 

It’s the clutch

The clutch is replaceable and relatively inexpensive and easy to fix.