My Son has a 03 Toyota Matrix XRS (80,000 miles). The A/C has been giving us problems. One day it was working, next day it wasn't. We discovered the Magnetic Clutch relay was bad, so we replaced it ($80 from Toyota) We checked the refrigerant pressure, recharged it to proper pressure. It got cold, but noticed the A/C magnetic Clutch keeps engaging and disengaging every few seconds. It doesn't stay engaged long enough to get the A/C cold. Whats wrong? What should I check?

I have the exact same problem with my 1993 Tercel! They use the same basic a/c system in all 'yotas, but change some part numbers around. I can't tell you what is causing it yet, but I can tell you what is not. I've replaced the following with no luck:

A/C Compressor
Filter/Drier
Expansion Valve
Pressure switch in front of the condensor
A/C amplifier
Magnetic clutch relay
Recharged a/c system

The only thing left to replace is the evaporator and it's pressure switch or the condensor.


I applied 12VDC to the condensor fan motor - it works fine. I removed the mag clutch relay and jumpered pin 2 and 4 together on the plug (this keeps the compressor clutch and condensor fan motor running) and it keeps the a/c frosty cold. This is only a temp fix until I can find the real culprit (leaving it this way for thousands of miles will probably cause premature compressor failure).

Please let me know if you get it fixed before I do...I'd love to know what's causing it.

Rob

I use a Volvo forum to search issues with my 01 V70 T5. In that forum was a similar issue. It appears it may be the AC clutch adjustment isn't quite right in that there is too much spacing. Volvo's are adjustable by replacing some shims, but I've never done it, nor have I needed to, but some members have reported success by inserting a small shim outside forcing the plate closer to the magnetic coil instead of going the shim route since it is a difficult procedure. They used (as unlikely as it sounds) a small piece of stiff plastic they got off a loaf of bread! Wish I could give you better directions, but can't. It also might be a failing pressure switch. I just looked at the one in my 06 matrix, and it has 4 wires to the switch that seems a bit unusual, as my other vehicles have but 2 wires. With the 2 wire switch, you just jumper the switch, and it forces constant voltage to the AC clutch. If this cures it, then the pressure switch is faulty. If you have the 4 wire situation you might take a volt meter and check to see if you have a constant 12 volt at the AC unit too. If there are fluxuations that time with the clutch disengagement, then the issue is electrical. If there is a constant 12 volts, it may be the distance between the plate and the magnet as described above.

Jerry