Magnetic Clutch Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mazda 626. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove and set the A/C compressor on a level block. (See A/C COMPRESSOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Turn on the magnetic clutch by connecting the battery positive voltage to the magnetic clutch connector terminal and the ground to the A/C compressor body.
Fix a dial gauge on a magnetic base and set the probe onto measuring point A on the pressure plate surface.

Fig 1: Measuring Magnetic Clutch Movement Using A Dial Indicator.
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Turn off the magnetic clutch by disconnecting the ground from the A/C compressor body, then measure the dial gauge readings.
Measure the clearance for point B and C on the pressure plate surface by repeating the above steps 2 through 4 .
- If not within the specification, remove the pressure plate and adjust the clearance by changing the shim size or the number of shims. (See MAGNETIC CLUTCH DISASSEMBLY/ASSEMBLY .)
Clearance

0.35-0.65 mm {0.014-0.025 in}

Fig 2: Identifying Magnetic Clutch Measuring Points
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Fig 3: Identifying Magnetic Clutch Shim Location
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.