What does the AC compressor clutch do?
The clutch on the compressor is what allows the pulley to engage and disengage from engine power so that the compressor is only turning when it needs to be. The clutch can seize, which permanently keeps the compressor activated; or it can break, which means the compressor will not be able to receive engine power.
What controls the AC compressor clutch?
Car makers use an electro-magnetic clutch to engage and disengage the air conditioning compressor. When power energizes the clutch coil, the magnetic field pulls the clutch in to engage the compressor shaft. So start your diagnosis by determining if the compressor clutch works.
How does an AC clutch engage?
How Does a Car A/C Compressor Engage? A majority of car manufacturers utilize an electro-magnetic clutch to disengage and engage the air conditioning compressor. As mentioned, the clutch is pulled in towards the pulley via a magnetic field. The clutch disc will then be splined to the compressor shaft.
Is AC clutch part of compressor?
When your car’s AC system is turned on, the AC compressor clutch in your AC system will spring into action and begin to transfer power from your engine to the pulley that’s attached to your AC compressor. It makes your AC compressor clutch one of the most vital aspects of your entire AC system.
What causes AC compressor clutch failure?
Clutch failure is usually caused by high pressure or voltage issues, or a combination of both. With a wrong charge the pressure switches will cause the compressor to constantly engage and disengage. If there is not enough charge the compressor will overheat due to a lack of oil circulating.
What is an AC compressor clutch and what does it do?
A car AC compressor clutch is used to connect and disconnect drive power to the car’s AC compressor shaft. Unlike a car’s transmission clutch, an AC compressor clutch is either transmitting full drive power to the AC compressor or not-it’s not supposed to provide partial power.
How do you replace an AC compressor clutch?
How to replace an AC Compressor Clutch. To remove the clutch, screw in the removal tool and hold the clutch disc with the holding tool. Use this tool to hold the AC clutch disc while you remove the pulley. Remove retaining nut on the compressor shaft while holding the clutch disc with the holding tool. Then install the clutch disc puller.
What causes a car a/C compressor to lock up?
Professional maintenance can prevent a car’s air conditioning compressor from seizing, or locking up. Some of the causes for an automotive air conditioner’s compressor locking up are improper lubrication, low coolant levels, and low-quality or incorrect types of refrigerant.
What does a car’s AC compressor do?
An air-conditioning compressor is a key component in a car’s air-con system. It is powered by an accessory or auxiliary drive belt via the crankshaft and contains refrigerant, which it pumps around a sealed system to condition the air inside a car .