Intermittent AC Compressor Clutch Problem

Hello, I am having a problem with the AC clutch/compressor on my 2008 Tacoma 4.0 auto 2wd.

On two separate occasions my truck had not been run or started for about 10 days. When I start the truck with the AC off the AC pulley spins normally, when the AC is turned on the clutch locks up [pulley completely stops spinning, belt squeals] for a few seconds then breaks loose and begins spinning normally again. It only does this if the truck has not been started/run for over a week or so, if it only sits for a day or two without being run the compressor pulley does not lock up.

I should also add, as I have posted a couple months ago, the AC alternates between blowing cold, then warmer [cold-warmer-cold-warmer] about every 8 seconds when driving. At idle it usually blows only cool [not cold] however, there have been a few times that it will blow warm [not quite ambient temp] at idle.

Does anyone have any ideas what could be going on with the AC clutch and or compressor? Thanks in advance.

 

Are you talking about the normal cycling on and off? Mine cycles on for about 8 secs, off 8 secs, on 8 secs, off 8 secs ...... same thing in my Tundra. It’s not supposed to run continuously.

Still possible your refrigerant could be low though.

 

80schild, no the pulley actually stops spinning. I added that to the original post.

 

The lubricant in your AC system is 10 years old. Your looking for an explanation that won't cost you. Sorry, go get it serviced.

 

Hmm, sounds like a bearing has packed in. Just an hour ago I finished installing a new mag clutch on the compressor of my 2010 Tacoma Sport. In my case, the AC started squealing and then just stopped blowing cold air...in addition, the AC light on the dash started flashing whenever the AC was selected. I think my pulley continued to spin though. If your pulley isn't spinning I'm thinking a bearing has failed. On the advice of others in Tacoma World, I chose to replace the entire mag clutch, not the compressor, and so far so good. I am in Canada but was able to source a part from the US for about $125, plus shipping. A great deal considering my friendly neighborhood Toyota dealer wants around $650 for the mag clutch alone.
If I had to do it over again, I think I'd just take it to a shop and have them change compressor and mag clutch as a unit. Doing it while the compressor is on the vehicle is no fun unless you are a wizard with snap rings that need to be inserted about an inch deep in a horizontal hole while you peer through a mirror, on your back. In some circumstances being on your back looking at a hole in the mirror might be fun, but not when your fighting to install a snap ring. I hope this is useful, or at least partially funny.

 

Beii214b, I am not, nor did not imply that I am looking for an explanation that won't cost me, I don't know where you got that from. The freon and oil was purged and refilled by a certified tech about 2 months ago.

 

I assumed that because that's what I would have been hoping for if it was mine!