A/C not working - bad compressor clutch?

[Obi-Wan]

My wife notified me today that the A/C in our 2001 Tahoe (5.3L LT) wasn't working. It blows fine, but isn't cold. It worked fine a couple days ago, so I don't think it's a freon leak. I fiddled with it this afternoon, and it doesn't seem like the compressor clutch is kicking in when the A/C is on.

I tried unplugging the clutch wire connector and applying 12V to it, but it still didn't click on. The connector is hard to reach, so perhaps I just didn't get the terminals connected properly. I think I did, though. There are 2 wires in the connector -- is one of them ground, or are they 2 separate 12V wires that use the compressor body as a ground?

Is this a common problem with newer Tahoes? Do the compressor clutches go out frequently?

If that's probably the problem, how hard is it to replace the compressor (or just the clutch) with a rebuilt unit? I've done this sort of thing with older compressors (like the York in my Jeep), but the working clearance in that Tahoe is pretty tight. I dread paying dealer prices for labor and for a new clutch -- even used junk yard compressors run about $150-250.

Opinions / suggestions?

[aero246]

Sounds like it might be your high pressure sensor not allowing your clutch to kick in. Let us know what you find.

[Obi-Wan]

Well, it's fixed. Turns out the A/C compressor clutch was shot, just like I figured. Total cost for the dealer to replace the clutch and the belt tensioner pulley was $575, half of which was parts.

[Sheri5850]

I also have an 01'... I have replaced the a/c clutch 2 summers in a row... hope you have better luck!
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[Obi-Wan]

Ug. Thanks for the heads up, I guess. The previous owner of our truck (we just bought it in January 2004) gave us all the receipts, and there was no mention of any A/C problems. Hopefully this won't be a continuing trend.