Air conditioner compressor clutch

Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo

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BromGo
Bongonaut
Posts: 35
Joined: Sat Mar 22, 2025 11:59 am

Re: Air conditioner compressor clutch

Post by BromGo » Mon May 12, 2025 3:02 pm

The start up squeal is getting worse - I’m concerned that a belt will pop before a long trip and we will have no AC (assuming it is a belt related sound).

Is there a simple way to ascertain what is causing a loud squealing sound on first start of the day?
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g8dhe
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Joined: Sun Apr 13, 2008 10:06 pm
Location: Worthing, West Sussex.

Re: Air conditioner compressor clutch

Post by g8dhe » Mon May 12, 2025 3:14 pm

Its normally the belt slipping makes the noise because the compressor has failed. Turn the controls OFF and it releases the magnetic clutch so that the drive pulley is disconnected or remove the belt itself is the other common solution but of course no cooling with it removed only air flow control and heating.
Geoff
2001 Aero V6, AFT, full side conversion.
BromGo
Bongonaut
Posts: 35
Joined: Sat Mar 22, 2025 11:59 am

Re: Air conditioner compressor clutch

Post by BromGo » Mon Jun 23, 2025 11:35 pm

having driven 2,500miles round europe this past 4 weeks, the aircon was an on/off affair.

some days it would work fine, others would be intermittent.

turning AC to econ then to off, then turning fans off, then waiting a minute, then restarting and it would often re-engage and work ... for 10 minutes, then I'd do the whole dance again.

hotter days and sticking it in reverse often correlated with intermittent aircon - I could tell straight away as the air through the fans was humid.

squeal on start up intermittent too. my theory is the belt is either too loose / too tight and temperature effects this. if this is a sign of a failing compressor, i'm confused why some days it would work for hours on end.
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