Skoda Superb 2014 A/C compressor clutch

[Guineafowl]

Mate’s car - the a/c doesn’t work and he thinks it might have something to do with when the timing belt was done two years ago.

Had a quick look, and there doesn’t appear to be 12V magnetic clutch on the compressor pulley as I was expecting.

Looking at replacement clutches for this model, there are no wires to them. Is there non-electromagnetic clutch on these?

 

[Guineafowl]

This is roughly what it looks like. May not be this exact make.

 

[m_c]

Modern compressors are typically an on demand variable output swash plate design, so no longer have an electromagnetic clutch.

All the actuation is done internally via that connector on the back, and they are known to fail quite often.

 

[Guineafowl]

Modern compressors are typically an on demand variable output swash plate design, so no longer have an electromagnetic clutch.

All the actuation is done internally via that connector on the back, and they are known to fail quite often.

Ah, that explains it. I was looking for field wires coming out the back of the pulley.

Would that mean a new compressor, then?

 

[m_c]

Ah, that explains it. I was looking for field wires coming out the back of the pulley.

Would that mean a new compressor, then?

From experience, if the system is gassed correctly and a data list shows the compressor output being demanded, it's 99% the compressor that's failed.

To check it properly, you can get a dummy actuator that controls the compressor directly, so you can command full output and monitor the pressures.
I personally just use back probes to check the compressor is getting voltage when output is commanded.

 

[Guineafowl]

Thanks - I’ll back probe it. Didn’t have a proper look, so I thought that connector on the rear was a pressure sensor or something.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

You need a new AC compressor. They are a service exchange part.
The AC will need recharging afterwards as well.

Shop around, as prices will vary.

 

[mtt.tr]

Also worth checking you have gas they can have low cutout

 

[Bobupndown]

The central bolt in the 'clutch', the 3 sided black plate on the front, have a habit of coming loose allowing the splines to wear out so that it slips. Check the bolt is tight. If not a new clutch, about £11 may fix it.

 

[Guineafowl]

Ok, thanks again. It looks like all I can do is a couple of basic checks, so he really needs to find a decent aircon place in Inverness.

This was triggered by poor demisting of the windscreen. The airflow seems good, and it does get hot, so all I could think of was a dirty inner windscreen, or lack of aircon to dry the air out.