F53 Chassis A/C Clutch Won't Engage

[aricjohnson]

Have a 2021 Newmar Bay Star 3626 on the F53 chassis with a 7.3. The chassis air stopped working between our weekend trip going to Columbia Missouri and heading back home. I have replaced the low pressure switch. When that didn't work, I jumpered it. That didn't work. checked 10a fuse for clutch and that was good. Replaced high pressure switch and that didn't work. Have checked for 12v at the clutch connector with the low side jumpered and nothing there. I cannot find any relays. Some sources say on this year Ford did not use a relay for the a/c clutch. Anyone have any ideas what I could try next? It's so difficult to get a mechanic in my neck of the woods to look at this, even though it's a Ford.

 

[Kirk]

You will probably spend a lot of money with little results if you continue to throw parts at it.

 

[House Husband]

Ford only installed the compressor and condenser. The RV manufacture installed all the other components, including the controles.

 

[Martian]

Have you checked the pressure in the ac system?

 

[DonTom]

The chassis air stopped working between our weekend trip going to Columbia Missouri and heading back home.

The compressor will not engage if the R134A is low. And you did not mention such at all. Usually the very first problem that prevents a compressor from engaging.

Simple fix, as all you need is a refill. I have had to do such many times while on the road with various vehicles. A five minute, simple easy fix, if you carry R134A with you as I do.

BTW, not many do this, but it is better for the seals if the A/C is used more often--that includes the need to run it during the winter time once in a while. That will help prevent leaks. R134a has much smaller molecules than the old R-12, so leaks can be more common.

-Don- Tonopah, NV

 

[RayIN]

You have an ordinary pickup truck dash air conditioner; any automotive A/C repair shop is capable of getting it working properly. They do need parking space to work on your MH A/C though.
As Don said, buy a bottle of R134A and recharge your A/C yourself. I recommend the refrigerant that has a pressure gauge in the hose, then just follow directions on the container. Don is right, an unused automotive air conditioner will leak out the refrigerant since compressor seals are not lubricated, which is only accomplished by use.
For DIY, go here and download the service manual and Refrigerant guide: Resource Hub

 

[John From Detroit]

I recommend the refrigerant that has a pressure gauge in the hose, then just follow directions on the container. Don is right,

If near Flint I have a full mechanics type gauge set with valves .... I've done many re-charges on older cars. .... My jeep however.. I'll pay the $100 deductible on the service plan.

 

[Jubilee]

He said he jumped the low pressure switch. Compressor clutch should engage with no Freon in system when turned on with that jumper.
I’d touch a hot wire to clutch. If clutch engages you have wiring problem somewhere.
I recently saw a broken wire right at the clutch.

 

[Timnika]

Have a 2021 Newmar Bay Star 3626 on the F53 chassis with a 7.3. The chassis air stopped working between our weekend trip going to Columbia Missouri and heading back home. I have replaced the low pressure switch. When that didn't work, I jumpered it. That didn't work. checked 10a fuse for clutch and that was good. Replaced high pressure switch and that didn't work. Have checked for 12v at the clutch connector with the low side jumpered and nothing there. I cannot find any relays. Some sources say on this year Ford did not use a relay for the a/c clutch. Anyone have any ideas what I could try next? It's so difficult to get a mechanic in my neck of the woods to look at this, even though it's a Ford.

My 2021 Fleetwood Fortis has had this problem intermittently for 5+ years. Neither Ford or Fleetwood dealer have tried to fix this for me. I found a thermostat control inside the hood mounted next to the airbox. The clutch engages intermittently. The heat does the same thing. I believe this is a problem with the capillary tube that comes out of the thermostat control. I have not yet tried to investigate this as yet because we are just completing a 5-week trip across the country. Originally, I found the wiring harness connector to this thermostat loose and plugged it in. It started working but still cut out intermittently. This is purely speculation, but it makes sense to me. Capillary tubes send heat signals to the thermostat by capillary action.

 

[Timnika]

Have a 2021 Newmar Bay Star 3626 on the F53 chassis with a 7.3. The chassis air stopped working between our weekend trip going to Columbia Missouri and heading back home. I have replaced the low pressure switch. When that didn't work, I jumpered it. That didn't work. checked 10a fuse for clutch and that was good. Replaced high pressure switch and that didn't work. Have checked for 12v at the clutch connector with the low side jumpered and nothing there. I cannot find any relays. Some sources say on this year Ford did not use a relay for the a/c clutch. Anyone have any ideas what I could try next? It's so difficult to get a mechanic in my neck of the woods to look at this, even though it's a Ford.

I found 3 components that directly affect the operation of the compressor clutch. But have not as yet tested these. All 3 are located to the left side of the compartment above the battery.

 

[Kirk]

aricjohnson has not been back since his first post. It is difficult to know if any suggestions here helped him.