A/C Compressor and Clutch Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Mustang. 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 clutch disc and hub, A/C compressor pulley and bearing and clutch field coil are serviceable.

The A/C compressor:

uses a non-serviceable shaft seal.
has a pressure relief valve installed in the A/C compressor to protect the refrigerant system against excessively high refrigerant pressures.
uses PAG oil or equivalent. This oil contains special additives required for the A/C compressor.
- PAG 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 standard oil matching procedures when installing new compressors.

The magnetic A/C clutch 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 plate 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 B+ is removed from the A/C clutch field coil, springs in the clutch plate and hub assembly move the clutch plate away from the A/C clutch pulley.