Challenger V8-5.7L (2010)
Compressor Clutch: Description and Operation
A/C Compressor Clutch - Operation
A/C CLUTCH
The clutch components for the A/C compressor provide the means to engage and disengage the compressor from the engine accessory drive belt. When
the electromagnetic A/C clutch field coil is energized, it magnetically draws the clutch plate into contact with the clutch pulley and drives the compressor
shaft. When the coil is not energized, the pulley freewheels on the clutch hub bearing, which is part of the pulley assembly.
A/C compressor clutch engagement is controlled by the powertrain control module (PCM). When the A/C-heater control is set to any A/C position, it
sends a request signal on the CAN-B bus to the totally integrated power module (TIPM), which then transfers the request on the CAN-C Bus to the
PCM, which determines if operating conditions are correct for A/C clutch engagement. When all operating conditions have been met, the PCM sends a
signal on a dedicated hard-wired circuit back to the totally integrated power module (TIPM) to energize the internal A/C clutch high side driver. When
energized, the A/C clutch high side driver provides battery current to the A/C clutch field coil.
The A/C clutch control system is diagnosed using a scan tool See: Powertrain Management/Computers and Control Systems/Testing and
Inspection/Diagnostic Trouble Code Tests and Associated Procedures.
The A/C compressor clutch components cannot be adjusted or repaired and must be replaced if inoperative or damaged.
