A/C Compressor With A/C Clutch:

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg, 2013 Volkswagen Touareg, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg, and 2011 Volkswagen Touareg. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

All components of the refrigerant circuit submitted for quality observation are always to be sealed (use original sealing caps of original part).
Replace damaged or leaking components of refrigerant circuit. Refer to COMPONENTS, REPLACING .
To date, the original parts (compressor, reservoir, receiver/dryer, evaporator and condenser) have been filled with nitrogen gas. This charge is being gradually discontinued. There is little or no pressure equalization when removing the sealing plugs from the original part.

The engine drives the A/C compressor via a ribbed belt.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

An electromagnetic clutch installed on the A/C compressor creates a frictional connection between the ribbed belt pulley and A/C compressor crankshaft when the air conditioning system is switched on.

If the A/C compressor sticks, a fuse installed in the compressor ribbed belt pulley releases the electromagnetic clutch and protects the ribbed belt pulley from overload.

The A/C compressor extracts the refrigerant gas from the evaporator, compresses it and relays it to the condenser.

NOTE:

The A/C compressor contains refrigerant oil, which can be mixed with refrigerant R134a under any temperature.

The type plate lists the type of refrigerant required for the A/C compressor. A regulator valve regulates pressure within the specified range (control characteristics) on the low pressure side.

So that the A/C compressor does not get damaged when the refrigerant circuit is empty, the A/C clutch is turned off and the A/C Compressor Regulator Valve -N280- is no longer activated (A/C compressor runs at idle with engine).