A/C Compressor and Clutch Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Internal A/C compressor components are not serviced separately. The A/C compressor is serviced only as an assembly. The A/C compressor clutch, A/C compressor pulley and A/C clutch field coil are serviceable.

NOTE: Installation of a new receiver/drier is not required when repairing the air conditioning system, except when there is physical evidence of contamination from a failed A/C compressor or damage to the receiver/drier.

The A/C compressor has the following characteristics:

A non-serviceable shaft seal.
The A/C compressor uses PAG Refrigerant Compressor Oil (R-134a Systems) YN-12-D. This oil contains special additives required for the A/C compressor.
The A/C compressor oil in the A/C system may darken over time while maintaining normal oil viscosity. This is normal for A/C systems because of break-in wear and the addition of fluorescent leak detection dye that can discolor the oil.
Use the oil matching procedure specified for this vehicle when installing a new A/C compressor or any other A/C component. Refer to CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION AND DIAGNOSTICS article.

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