A/C Compressor Clutch Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Monterey and 2004 Ford Freestar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying A/C Compressor Clutch Assembly Components

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The magnetic A/C clutch disc and hub assembly has the following characteristics:

The A/C clutch drives the compressor shaft.
When battery positive voltage (B+) is applied to the A/C clutch field coil, the clutch disc and hub assembly is drawn toward the A/C clutch pulley.
The magnetic force locks the clutch disc and hub assembly and the A/C clutch pulley together as one unit, causing the compressor shaft to rotate.
When B+ is removed from the A/C clutch field coil, springs in the clutch disc and hub assembly move the clutch plate away from the A/C clutch pulley.