Difficult to replace the ACF Clutch??

[meistermind]

I have a '99 Ram 1500 with a 5.9L. The AC does not come on. The check engine light had come on and there was a code for an open AC circuit. I did find a blown fuse for this circuit and replaced it. Before that there was no power to the AC Clutch coil, but now there is. However, the clutch does not engage with power applied. I even applied Batt Pwr to the clutch coil leads with the engine off, but there was no function. I assume the clutch/coil is bad. Can anyone tell me if this is likely and if so, what difficulty in replacing it? Also, is there more than one part to consider, or is this one combined part, clutch & coil? I have many tools/pullers, but no dedicated AC tools- are any required? Is there any better test or inspection for this problem. NAPA parts say they have a AC Clutch Coil in stock for this application for $77.00, but also mentioned a Clutch Hub??? Is one mechanical (clutch), one electrical Coil)?? Also, can this be repaired without opening the AC system?

Any advise before I taer into this will certainly help,...Thanks in Advance!

[1thunder]

did you ground the other wire to complete the circuit

[meistermind]

Yes, I connected a positive and a ground. It appeared there was some current flow when I completed the circuit to the batt, but no function.

[meistermind]

Well, I was a little disappointed with the lack of feedback here, but not overly surprised. Don't know if it's indifference or just ignorance. For those who may benefit from my experience, here's the result:

I was fairly sure the AC Clutch Coil was bad but didn't know about the rest of the parts 'til I got that going (i.e. Compressor & Clutch). I was able to remove the front Clutch and Coil components from the Compressor without any real special tools and unit still on car. Not too difficult either. Remove the fornt shaft nut and the Clutch comes off. Behind that, remove a snap-ring, then pull the Pully/Clutch Hub off. Behind that, remove another snap-ring and the Clutch Coil falls off. However, after removal, my Clutch itself was fairly worn down and also needed replacing.

After getting the wrong Coil from NAPA (and they couldn't get the right one- or the Clutch with it), I searched all over and could not seem to find the proper components without buying a whole new Compressor. It looked like a dealer only part and they said they had a Clutch and Coil kit for $210.00. I was getting ready to buy it, but bought a good used complete Compressor with Clutch for $100.00 from the local junk yard. It was in nice condition and had 50K miles on it. I figured this way I would have the Compressor also if it turned out to be bad as well. My old Compressor was turing by hand, so I knew it wasn't siezed, but didn't know if it could still produce the proper pressures.

After re-installing the new-used parts in reverse order, I fired up the truck and the AC worked great. System is quiet, was cycling good and the air was ice cold. Gonna be glad this summer with a black truck, charcoal interior. Also, I still have the new-used compressor if the original decides to die (since the truck does have 173K miles on it).

Good Luck on all your projects! Don't give up, Get determined!!