ml 320 ac clutch

[jeepman]

hello , my daughter goes back to school in 3 days and her ac has quit working . I have checked charge and its good , I have checked all fuses and they are good . I put a test light on the wire going to compressor and when I flip on the ac the light comes on and then goes out when I turn off ac indicating the clutch is getting power. Could the clutch just be bad and if so can it be changed with out a compressor swap . Is there anything else I should check ?

[Matt L]

With the engine running and power to the coil, try tapping the clutch (very carefully) with a screwdriver handle, on the face, tapping toward the rear. If it engages, your gap may be too large.

Also (perhaps first) check the electrical resistence of the clutch coil. I do not know if your ML has a thermal fuse like my E, but it is possible that you have one and it is blown. If so, it usually means that you need a new compressor.

[jeepman]

I tried tapping with no luck , I do not think it has a fuse , if so it must be good because I have power to the clutch.

[Matt L]

You misunderstood. My car has a fuse INSIDE the clutch. Check for continuity on the clutch coil.

[jeepman]

OH , ok I will do that tonight , thanks