Thermal Protection Switch (Hybrid Only)
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.
Under high air conditioning load conditions, the A/C compressor temperature may get hot enough to trigger the compressor thermal protection switch which will disengage the A/C compressor clutch. The thermal protection switch is located in the A/C compressor housing, near the discharge port and is wired in series with the A/C clutch field coil. When refrigerant discharge temperatures heat the switch to 115°C (239°F), the switch will open and disengage the compressor, but no PCM DTCs will be set. The switch will close once the temperature cools to approximately 105°C (221°F). If the switch were to stick open, it would remain open at room temperature.