fatboysam

My cars AC was working fine till last month, then it would switch ON/OFF intermittently for 2-3 weeks, but now its NOT working at all. I don't hear the AC clutch getting engaged...

The local mechanic diagnosed it with AC clutch problem... he spent only 5 mins in diagnosing this.. he is asking $350.00 in parts and labour for replacing the AC clutch..

My question : Is it possible that AC clutch is not engaging because of low R134a? looking at the symptoms I described above..

Will it hurt if I add half can of r134a and see if the clutch gets engaged... can that damage anything else?

j2the-e

Yes, a low charge can cause your symptoms. Adding 1/2 can probably wont do any good. I imagine your mechanic hooked up some gauges to check for refrigerant. Or at least he should have. There is a good chance your mechanic is correct. It's an easy diagnosis. However, I have seen magnetic clutch relays fail on those as well. And be warned: If the clutch has in fact failed, odds are good the compressor is on its way out as well

fatboysam

Thanks for the prompt reply, do you have any recommendation on where I can buy Only the AC clutch?

j2the-e

Dealer. Any local auto parts store. Ebay. Amazon. Try swapping the relays too. Horn relay is the same I believe.
If you do replace the clutch, it's replaceable without removing the compressor. Drop it down a little and remove the subframe bracket below it to gain access