Hey there. Got a 04 4.0L. Bought it maybe 3 years ago in September? When I first bought it ac worked for maybe a month before winter came and I didn’t need it. Once summer came around ac would work at times. I would turn it on and won’t start blowing cold until driving for maybe 20 minutes. Would work more during the night when it was cooler but eventually not at all. Started noticing the car would overheat when idling and ac blowing cold. Not having ac never bothered me but I plan to sell the tj and I want to sell it in good shape so the next owner is happy and content. The ac clutch would sometimes engage so it could just be the compressor but the overheating issue bugs me to think it’s also the fan clutch. I just don’t want to start throwing parts into it and be guessing (that’s part of being a technician nowadays). Any help would be appreciated
A/C overheating issue
- Thread starter alesix17
- Start date
The A/C not blowing cold could certainly be related to the compressor, especially if the clutch is engaging intermittently. A common problem with older systems is a refrigerant leak or low refrigerant levels, which you might want to check first. If the refrigerant is low, the system can struggle to cool effectively, especially during hotter weather.
In regard to the overheating issue while idling, it’s possible that the fan clutch is failing. If it's not engaging properly, it won't be able to cool the engine effectively, which can lead to overheating (especially with the added load of the A/C running). It might also be worth checking the radiator for any blockages or leaks, and ensuring that your coolant levels are adequate and the fluid isn't old or contaminated.
Before you start replacing parts, you might want to do a little troubleshooting. If you have access to a gauge set, check the A/C pressures to see where they’re at. It could give you a better indication of the issue with the A/C. For the cooling issue, monitor the engine temperature in relation to the fan’s engagement to see if it kicks on when it should.
If you do end up needing to replace the fan clutch or compressor, it might also be worth considering doing them both at the same time if funds allow.
Hey I appreciate the insight. I’ll see if I can borrow a gauge for this. Thanks for the time !
AC clutch will allow the AC compressor pulley to spin freely with the belt removed and will lock up and engage when 12v is applied with something like a power probe. Also pretty sure you can Google the ohm value of a typical clutch coil and see if yours is in range.
Fan clutch also should spin relatively freely until it reaches temperature and engages. Something else you can quickly check.
Here's a great article from our resources section that might help. A thermocure flush and fresh coolant might be all you need.
-Mac
Fan clutch also should spin relatively freely until it reaches temperature and engages. Something else you can quickly check.
Here's a great article from our resources section that might help. A thermocure flush and fresh coolant might be all you need.
-Mac
Would you happen to have anything like these inserts on your front grill?
Similar threads
