Clutch-A/C Compressor: Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The A/C compressor clutch components provide the means to engage and disengage the A/C compressor from the engine accessory drive belt. When the electromagnetic A/C clutch field coil is energized, it magnetically draws the clutch plate into contact with the clutch pulley and drives the compressor shaft. When the coil is not energized, the pulley freewheels on the clutch hub bearing, which is part of the pulley assembly.

A/C compressor clutch engagement is controlled by the powertrain control module (PCM) or the engine control module (ECM), depending on engine application. When the A/C switch is pressed to the On position, the switch sends a request signal on a dedicated hard-wired circuit to the cabin compartment node (CCN), which sends a message on the CAN-B Bus to the totally integrated power module (TIPM), which then transfers the request on the CAN-C Bus to the PCM/ECM, which determines if operating conditions are correct for A/C clutch engagement. When all operating conditions have been met, the PCM/ECM sends a signal on a dedicated hard-wired circuit back to the totally integrated power module (TIPM) to energize the internal A/C clutch high side driver. When energized, the A/C clutch high side driver provides battery current to the A/C clutch field coil. On models equipped with the 1.6L engine, a gateway module is used by the TIPM to communicate to the PCM on the CAN-C Bus.

The A/C clutch control system is diagnosed using a scan tool (Refer to 24 - HVAC Electrical Diagnostics and to 9 - Engine Electrical Diagnostics for more information).

The A/C compressor clutch components cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.