The AC on my 2009 Altima is not working. The clutch does not engage and there is no power at the harness on the compressor.

The AC stopped working in the winter and I didn't bother looking into it until now. If you push the AC button, the light goes on but the clutch does not engage. I checked the fuse and it is fine and there is power going to the fuse block when I turn the AC on. I pulled the connector at the compressor and am not getting any power there when then AC button is on. I am confused as to what to test next because I can't tell if the relay is built into the IPDM under the hood or if it is located behind the fuse panel under the dash (I can see some relays behind it but have no idea how to
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. I would highly recommend having one of our professional mobile mechanics come to your location and complete an AC is not working inspection, before attempting further diagnosis. There are several possible reasons why you might be having these problems, so it’s always best to let a professional mechanic with experience in these areas diagnose the issue first.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

The most common reasons a Nissan Altima ac isn`t working are a refrigerant leak, an electrical climate control issue, or a problem with the air conditioning compressor. You may not realize there`s a refrigerant leak until the air conditioner stops blowing cold.
Why do I get hot air from my Altima A/C? An A/C blowing hot air has several possible root causes. There could be an issue with your compressor clutch, a blown fuse, a leak, or a clog in the expansion valve.
Perhaps the most common cause of AC issues is clogged filters. Dirt, pet hair, pollen and dust can clog your filters. When filters get clogged, they begin to restrict the flow of air through your AC. The result is that the AC doesn`t cool your indoor air effectively.
If your air conditioner is running, but not lowering temperatures inside, one issue could be a blocked or clogged condenser coil. When operating correctly, the condenser fan draws air into the outdoor unit through the condenser coil to pull heat energy out of your home.
Usually, AC units use “TR”-type fuses to ensure safe operation. However, if you need to replace a fuse quickly and don`t have that exact one, you can use a fuse rated for a lower amperage.
Typically, AC systems use “TR”-type fuses to ensure safe system operation. However, if you`re in a pinch and need to replace a fuse quickly, you can use a fuse that is rated for a lower amperage than what the system is rated.
You may resolve the issue with a simple climate control reset by disconnecting the A/C fuse for about 10 seconds and then putting it back in. Easy, right?
Electrical Issues

While this prevents serious trouble such as electrical fires, it also means that a single blown fuse can cause the entire air conditioner to stop working. Some of the most common causes of AC failure are rooted in electronics.

Four problems account for the majority of the problems with the Nissan Altima`s AC system. These problems are: The compressor control valve. Refrigerant leak.
One of the most common causes is a clogged air filter, which can restrict the airflow and prevent the air conditioner from cooling properly. Other causes can include a malfunctioning thermostat, a refrigerant leak, a problem with the compressor, leaking ductwork, or leaking windows.
If your air conditioner is blowing out warm air, your unit`s refrigerant levels might be low. This usually indicates a refrigerant leak in your system! If that`s the case, your air conditioner will continue to run and blow out warm air, trying to reach the temperature you set on your thermostat.
One of the best ways to determine if a car fuse has blown is by using a test light. It should illuminate both ends of the fuse, and, if it doesn`t, it needs to be replaced. Sometimes, a blown fuse is caused by a damaged wire, motor, or other part.
Common Reasons AC Doesn`t Run Cold

The most common causes of broken air conditioning leaks or compression issues. If you are feeling cool — but not cold — air, the issue could be a clogged filter, a problem with the cooling fan, signs of radiator trouble, or it could simply mean it`s time to recharge your AC.

Troubleshooting Nissan Altima A/C Problems

An A/C system that starts off blowing cold air but then turns warm may be due to a clogged expansion valve, faulty compressor clutch, blown fuse, or leak.

Common Reasons AC Doesn`t Run Cold

The most common causes of broken air conditioning leaks or compression issues. If you are feeling cool — but not cold — air, the issue could be a clogged filter, a problem with the cooling fan, signs of radiator trouble, or it could simply mean it`s time to recharge your AC.

Four problems account for the majority of the problems with the Nissan Altima`s AC system. These problems are: The compressor control valve. Refrigerant leak.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

The AC on my 2009 Altima is not working. The clutch does not engage and there is no power at the harness on the compressor.
ANSWER : Hi there. I would highly recommend having one of our professional mobile mechanics come to your location and complete an AC is not working inspection, before attempting further diagnosis. There are several possible reasons why you might be having these problems, so it’s always best to let a professional mechanic with experience in these areas diagnose the issue first.

What would cause the clutch on an ac compressor to continue to go bad after being replaced three times?
ANSWER : The compressor clutch relay on these vehicles are a known cause of sticking on the compressor clutch and overheating the A/C compressor clutch coil. Replace the A/C relay to see if it cures the clutch going bad the next time you do a compressor clutch replacement, or replace it now if you have just replaced the clutch.

2006. Chrysler 300c ac on and making a squeaking sound and the clutch is not engaging fully.
ANSWER : The A/C compressor clutch on this vehicle can be removed without taking the compressor out or disturbing the refrigerant charge. To determine whether it is necessary to replace the compressor, once you get the clutch out if the friction friction material surfaces are oily, inspect the shaft and nose area of the A/C compressor for refrigerant oil. If refrigerant oil is found, the compressor shaft seal is leaking and the A/C compressor must be rebuilt or replaced (they are rebuildable; you can just put a new shaft seal in). Check the clutch pulley bearing for roughness or excessive leakage of grease. Replace the pulley and bearing assembly, if required. You might check the clutch relay, just in case it is intermittent, thus causing your problem. If you desire that a certified mechanic resolve the issue that you are having with the clutch/compressor, please simply request an a/c clutch compressor diagnostic/replacement and the responding mechanic will get it diagnosed and repaired for you. Please let us know if you have further concerns or questions as we are always here to help you.

Ac compressor clutch isn’t engaging on high fan speed setting while it engages on the prior three fan speeds which are all slow.
ANSWER : The blower not working is most likely due to a fault with the blower resistor. When you go to high blower speeds the A/C may disengage the compressor if the cycling switch cycles or the high pressure switch gets over pressurized, shutting the compressor off. The first thing to do is to get the blower working correctly then test the A/C pressures using A/C gauges. If you’d like to get this fixed, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can diagnose your A/C issue and fix it accordingly. Good luck.

Honda Civic 2008. AC stopped working suddenly and engine check light came ON for a day.Next day AC worked and no engine light.
ANSWER : Hi there. In both cases, when an AC system is not working and a warning light is coming on the dashboard, typically a professional mechanic will complete the same initial inspection, which is to download the stored error codes that triggered the warning light initially. This tends to give them an idea as to what is causing the problems. This could be something as simple as an electrical relay that is faulty or loose or an indication of a computer related "glitch". Either way, the best way to move forward is to have a professional mobile mechanic complete a check engine light inspection.

Ac compressor
ANSWER : Hi there. It sounds like you may have one or two concerns here. Does the AC indicator light up when you turn it on? If so, this means that the command for AC is active. If the light flashes, this means the module is telling us that the compressor is not turning. If the light does not turn on, there may be no signal to the clutch. The system does not hold much oil and you may not have seen much come out of the compressor. Inspect any oil that has come out for metal specks or a greyish color; this would indicate compressor failure and now there is metal throughout the system. I strongly suggest having a qualified technician inspect the system, both mechanically and electrically to determine the root cause/causes of your concern. Your Mechanic has several technicians available that can assist you with an ac system inspection and provide an estimate and direction of repair.

when I turn the ignition switch to on, the ac compressor clutch will engaged. Disconnected the ac control switch and still
ANSWER : On some earlier years of Chevy they used to have the A/C compressor to come on when you are turning off the engine to help the prevent the engine from suffering from excessive after-run conditions that the engine will continue to run even though the car is switched off. This is on for about a 5 second timer after the key is turned off.

If you are having the A/C compressor stay on when the engine is running even though you have the A/C or defrost off, then you have probably have a problem with the A/C compressor relay is sticking on or is shorted causing the compressor to stay on. I recommend having the system checked by a mechanic like one from YourMechanic to diagnose the system for you and replace your A/C compressor relay if necessary.

new ac compressor now not energizing clutch
ANSWER : Hello. From what you describe, it sounds like there may be some sort of issue with the clutch pressure / cycling switch. These switches are responsible for activating the compressor when they detect that the pressure is at or temperature has reached a certain threshold. If they are not functioning properly, or there is an issue with the circuit or wiring, then they may cause the system to malfunction. I would start by testing the switches to see if they may need to be replaced and going from there. If you need help having this scoped out, a certified expert from YourMechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose the AC system and guide your through a repair.