A/C Clutch Coil

A/C Clutch Coil

The A/C compressor clutch coil electrical circuit is controlled by the PCM through the totally integrated power module. Begin testing of a suspected compressor clutch coil problem by performing the preliminary checks.

Preliminary Checks

- Using a scan tool, check for DTCs in the HVAC control, TIPM and PCM. If any DTCs are found, repair as required. If no DTCs are found, go to the next step.

- If the A/C compressor clutch still will not engage, verify the refrigerant charge level. If the refrigerant charge level is not OK, adjust the refrigerant charge as required.

Coil Resistance Test

- Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.

- Disconnect the wire harness connector from the A/C clutch field coil connector.

- Use an ohm meter and back probe tool 6801 and measure the resistance of the clutch field coil at the field coil connector terminals.

- See A/C Clutch Coil Specifications chart for the acceptable A/C clutch coil resistance. Specifications apply for a work area temperature of 21° C (70° F).

- If the A/C clutch coil reading is below specifications, the coil is shorted and must be replaced.

- If the A/C clutch coil reading is above specifications, the coil is open and must be replaced.

Coil Current Draw Test

- Verify the battery state of charge.

- Connect an ammeter (0 to 10 ampere scale selected) in series with the clutch coil feed terminal using Back Probe Tool 6801. Connect a voltmeter (0 to 20 volt scale selected) to measure voltage across the battery and the clutch coil.

- With the heater-A/C control in the A/C mode and the blower at low speed, start the engine and allow it to run at a normal idle speed.

- The compressor clutch should engage immediately, and the clutch coil supply voltage should be within two volts of the battery voltage. If the coil supply voltage is OK, go to the next step. If the coil supply voltage is not within two volts of battery voltage, test the clutch coil feed circuit for excessive voltage drop and repair as necessary.

- See A/C Clutch Coil Specifications chart for the acceptable A/C clutch coil current draw. Specifications apply for a work area temperature of 21° C (70° F). If voltage is more than 12.5 volts, add electrical loads by turning on electrical accessories until voltage reads below 12.5 volts.

- If the compressor clutch coil current reading is zero, the coil is open and must be replaced.

- If the compressor clutch coil current reading is above specifications, the coil is shorted and must be replaced.

A/C Clutch Coil Specifications