Externally Controlled Variable Displacement Compressor
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The externally controlled variable displacement A/C compressor has the following characteristics:
- A non-serviceable shaft seal.
- A non-serviceable pressure relief valve installed in the rear of the compressor to protect the refrigerant system against excessively high refrigerant pressures.
- Uses Polyalkylene Glycol (PAG) oil or equivalent. This oil contains special additives required for the A/C compressor. The oil may have some slightly dark-colored streaks while maintaining normal oil viscosity. This is normal for this A/C compressor because of break-in wear that can discolor the oil.
- Use the oil adding procedure specified for this vehicle when installing a new A/C compressor. Refer to REFRIGERANT OIL ADDING
The PCM pulse width modulates the ground signal to the externally controlled variable displacement compressor solenoid to change the displacement of the A/C compressor by changing the swash plate angle based upon the:
- evaporator temperature
- ambient air temperature
- engine Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)
- vehicle speed
- A/C high side pressure
- intake air temperature