A/C compressor not running?

2011 MINI COOPER
175,000 MILES • 1.6L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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CHARLIEROAR
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi. I bought the car from a family who hadn't used it for a year and had given up on it. After replacing a door and the transmission, I was ready to sell it, but the A/C didn't work. It appeared to have no fluid, so I evacuated it and added a couple of ounces of oil. With one can of 134, I have 75lbs of pressure on both gauges, but the compressor won't kick in. I have spun it very slowly from the clutch with a screwdriver and it seems like it wants to go, but it doesn't. Bad clutch? Bad compressor? Something else that may prevent it from going.
I appreciate your help.
Charlie
Jun 7, 2023 at 9:53 PM
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BORIS K
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 836 POSTS
Hello,

If you can turn the compressor by hand, then the compressor is not seized.
There are many reasons why an A/C compressor clutch will not kick in.

A good article:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-failing-automotive-ac-compressor-a-comprehensive-guide

Please also check the compressor fuse and clutch engagement by giving the clutch 12V supply. the clutch should be heard clicking in/out.
It is grounded permanently, see image below.

Also check the A/C system for any fault codes by carrying out a CAN-scan using a suitable diagnostic tool.

How to:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Cheers, Boris
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Jun 8, 2023 at 2:58 AM