# Air conditioner compressor

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-conditioner-compressor/66062>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [July 8, 2011, 5:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-conditioner-compressor/66062 "2011-07-08T17:11:09Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![waterop42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/90db22/32.png) [@waterop42](https://community.cartalk.com/u/waterop42)\
**Post date:** [July 8, 2011, 5:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-conditioner-compressor/66062/1 "2011-07-08T17:11:09Z")

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I have a 97 Mazda and I notice that the air compressor never shuts off unless I turn the A/C off. I have checked the relay and it is fine. What other control is keeping the compressor clutch from releasing?

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**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\
**Post date:** [July 8, 2011, 10:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-conditioner-compressor/66062/2 "2011-07-08T22:27:23Z")

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Maybe the clutch itself is bad. I’m sure there are other possibilities. I suggest you take the car to a shop with the necessary equipment and expertise to correctly diagnose and repair the problem. I do not consider automotive AC to be a DIY thing.

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**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\
**Post date:** [July 8, 2011, 10:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-conditioner-compressor/66062/3 "2011-07-08T22:31:15Z")

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I agree.

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [July 8, 2011, 10:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-conditioner-compressor/66062/4 "2011-07-08T22:45:59Z")

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That’s how the A/C works. Turn the A/C on and the compressor clutch engages. Turn the A/C off and the compressor clutch disengages.

Tester