2013 Pathfinder A/C Clutch Coil Replacement?

[wb4lbg]

My A/C stopped working suddenly back in July. The clutch no longer engages. I've tracked the problem down to the clutch itself, or more specifically, the coil. The coil is open, burnt out - whatever your favorite term - but it reads infinite ohms when metered and applying voltage to it won't engage the clutch.

My local Nissan dealer says that even though the clutch can be replaced, they won't attempt it because the center bolt that holds it to the compressor will likely strip and then they have to replace the compressor anyway so they want to just jump to the chase and change the compressor which will cost me a little over $1350!!!

The coil itself costs about $30 and the whole clutch assembly can be had for about $150. But I am hesitant to try removing the clutch because if the bolt actually does strip, I'll have to have the car towed to a shop as it won't be driveable since the serpentine belt also rides on the A/C pulley. And then it will still cost $1350 on top of the towing charge.

Has anybody out there had a clutch coil failure? Has anybody attempted replacing just the clutch or the coil?

Thanks!
WB4LBG

[Mike W.]

Maybe check with a non dealer shop that specializes in A/C. They might actually have more experience with it. How does the bolt strip, is it the threads, is it a socket head or something with the head strips? If it's just the head there may or may not be a way around it, but it wouldn't make the truck undrivable I wouldn't think.

[MisterH]

I agree with Mike W. Take it to an shop that specializes in AC systems. Another option is to replace the entire compressor yourself. You can find them for well under $300. Then take it to the AC shop to refill and leak test system.

[PathyPop]

My local Nissan dealer says

here's your real problem . . .

[wb4lbg]

I originally posted this last summer shortly after my A/C stopped working. Then Fall and Winter came and I let it go. Now it's summer again and I'd really like to get my A/C working. So I'll ask again. Has anybody ever replaced just the compressor clutch on a '13 Pathfinder? Can it be done? I contacted a local Auto A/C shop last summer and they required me to set up an appointment so they could look at it and give me an estimate. Really?

Anybody?

[macgiver]

mac,good luck with finding the coil or replacing the compressor , saving money doing yourself?
My tip here is possibly helpful for the fact that many cars SERPENTINE belts route around compressor -yes BUT many cars WILL TAKE a SMALLER SIZE SERPENTINE (kinda-like "AC delete" ) whereas the belt does not go around the comp. clutch and is routed(sensibly) in a shortened "circuit on the remaining accessories".
This is just maybe helpful so you don't have to be stuck with that TOW SCENARIO you mentioned. Use a string to measure approx. "New' smaller belt , then parts man will accommodate the best fit! Now you would have all the time waiting on compressor , parts , shop apmt ,or sending 'unit' for local repair,or just you taking your time doing it yourself "right" and save money too, etc.