OPERATION
The converter impeller (Fig. 333) (driving member),
which is integral to the converter housing and bolted
to the engine drive plate, rotates at engine speed.
The converter turbine (driven member), which reacts
from fluid pressure generated by the impeller, rotates
and turns the transmission input shaft.
TURBINE
As the fluid that was put into motion by the impel-
ler blades strikes the blades of the turbine, some of
the energy and rotational force is transferred into the
turbine and the input shaft. This causes both of them
(turbine and input shaft) to rotate in a clockwise
direction following the impeller. As the fluid is leav-
ing the trailing edges of the turbine's blades it con-
tinues in a ªhinderingº direction back toward the
impeller. If the fluid is not redirected before it strikes
the impeller, it will strike the impeller in such a
direction that it would tend to slow it down.
STATOR
Torque multiplication is achieved by locking the
stator's over-running clutch to its shaft (Fig. 334).
Under stall conditions (the turbine is stationary), the
oil leaving the turbine blades strikes the face of the
stator blades and tries to rotate them in a counter-
clockwise direction. When this happens the over±run-
ning clutch of the stator locks and holds the statorfrom rotating. With the stator locked, the oil strikes
the stator blades and is redirected into a ªhelpingº
direction before it enters the impeller. This circula-
tion of oil from impeller to turbine, turbine to stator,
and stator to impeller, can produce a maximum
torque multiplication of about 2.4:1. As the turbine
begins to match the speed of the impeller, the fluid
that was hitting the stator in such as way as to
cause it to lock±up is no longer doing so. In this con-
dition of operation, the stator begins to free wheel
and the converter acts as a fluid coupling.
TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC)
In a standard torque converter, the impeller and
turbine are rotating at about the same speed and the
stator is freewheeling, providing no torque multipli-
cation. By applying the turbine's piston to the front
cover's friction material, a total converter engage-
ment can be obtained. The result of this engagement
is a direct 1:1 mechanical link between the engine
and the transmission.
The engagement and disengagement of the TCC
are automatic and controlled by the Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM). The engagement cannot be acti-
vated in the lower gears because it eliminates the
torque multiplication effect of the torque converter
necessary for acceleration. Inputs that determine
clutch engagement are: coolant temperature, vehicle
speed and throttle position. The torque converter
Fig. 333 Torque Converter Fluid Operation
1 - APPLY PRESSURE 3 - RELEASE PRESSURE
2 - THE PISTON MOVES SLIGHTLY FORWARD 4 - THE PISTON MOVES SLIGHTLY REARWARD
RS41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 289
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
OPERATION
The Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) (Fig. 337)
communicates shift lever position (SLP) to the TCM
as a combination of open and closed switches. Each
shift lever position has an assigned combination of
switch states (open/closed) that the TCM receives
from four sense circuits. The TCM interprets this
information and determines the appropriate trans-
axle gear position and shift schedule.
Since there are four switches, there are 16 possible
combinations of open and closed switches (codes).
Seven of these codes are related to gear position and
three are recognized as ªbetween gearº codes. This
results in six codes which should never occur. These
are called ªinvalidº codes. An invalid code will result
in a DTC, and the TCM will then determine the shift
lever position based on pressure switch data. This
allows reasonably normal transmission operation
with a TRS failure.
TRS SWITCH STATES
SLP T42 T41 T3 T1
PCL CL CL OP
RCL OP OP OP
NCL CL OP CL
ODOP OP OP CL
3OP OP CL OP
LCL OP CL CL
TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR
The TRS has an integrated thermistor (Fig. 338)
that the TCM uses to monitor the transmission's
sump temperature. Since fluid temperature can
affect transmission shift quality and convertor lock
up, the TCM requires this information to determine
which shift schedule to operate in. The PCM also
monitors this temperature data so it can energize the
vehicle cooling fan(s) when a transmission ªoverheatº
condition exists. If the thermistor circuit fails, the
TCM will revert to calculated oil temperature usage.
CALCULATED TEMPERATURE
A failure in the temperature sensor or circuit will
result in calculated temperature being substituted for
actual temperature. Calculated temperature is a pre-
dicted fluid temperature which is calculated from a
combination of inputs:
²Battery (ambient) temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²In-gear run time since start-up
REMOVAL
(1) Remove valve body assembly from transaxle.
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTO-
MATIC - 41TE/VALVE BODY - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove transmission range sensor retaining
screw and remove sensor from valve body (Fig. 339).
(3) Remove TRS from manual shaft.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install transmission range sensor (TRS) to the
valve body and torque retaining screw (Fig. 339) to 5
N´m (45 in. lbs.).
(2) Install valve body to transaxle. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC -
41TE/VALVE BODY - INSTALLATION)
TRD LINK
DESCRIPTION
The Torque Reduction Link (TRD) is a wire
between the PCM and TCM that is used by the TCM
to request torque management. Torque management
controls or reduces torque output of the engine dur-
ing certain shift sequences, reducing torque applied
to the transaxle clutches.
OPERATION
The torque management signal is basically a
12-volt pull-up supplied by the PCM to the TCM over
the torque reduction link (TRD). Torque management
Fig. 339 Remove Transmission Range Sensor
1 - TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
2 - MANUAL VALVE CONTROL PIN
3 - RETAINING SCREW
21 - 292 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
control rear set temp button is pressed simulta-
neously with the rear control head, then the front
control head press events shall have priority, i.e. if
the front user presses Rear Set Temp down and the
rear user presses Set Temp up, then the rear set
temp will decrease.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C COOL DOWN
TEST
The heater-A/C control module can perform an A/C
cool down test, which is a test performed during the
manufacturing process to confirm that the air condi-
tioning system is performing satisfactorily. This test
can also provide a quick confirmation of air condi-
tioning system performance to the service technician.
If the test is completed satisfactorily, no further ser-
vice is required. If the test is failed, proceed to the
A/C Performance Test to confirm the a/c system is
operating properly, or use a DRBIIItscan tool to
diagnose the A/C system control and distribution sys-
tems. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion.
MANUAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The front blower speed and rear blower speed (if
equipped with rear HVAC) must be set to High and
the evaporator temperature sensor must be greater
than 55É F or the test will fail immediately. The test
is activated by depressing the A/C and PWR buttons
simultaneously and holding them depressed for no
less than five seconds. The PWR and A/C LEDs will
blink on and off until the test is complete. If the
LEDs stop blinking before two minutes, then the cool
down test has been completed successfully. If the two
minutes expire without the expansion valve temper-
ature reaching 20É F less than the outside air tem-
perature, then the cool down test has been failed and
further A/C system diagnosis is required. If the test
is failed, the LEDs will continue to blink until the
vehicle has been driven for greater than (8 miles).
AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The ambient air temperature in the room where
the vehicle will be tested must be a minimum of 21É
C (70ÉF) for this test. The test is activated by
depressing the A/C and PWR buttons simultaneously
and holding them depressed for no less than four sec-
onds. The snowflake icon and the DELAY text in the
ATC display will blink on and off alternately until
the test is complete. If the snowflake icon and the
DELAY text stop blinking before two minutes, then
the cool down test has been completed successfully. If
the two minutes expire without the evaporator tem-perature reaching 20É F less than the evaporator ini-
tial temperature, then the cool down test has been
failed and further A/C system diagnosis is required.
If the test is failed, the snowflake icon and the
DELAY text will continue to blink across ignition
cycles until the vehicle has been driven for greater
than (8 miles).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
PERFORMANCE TEST
An air conditioning performance test is the best
way to determine whether the system is performing
up to standard. This test also provides valuable clues
as to the possible cause of trouble with the air con-
ditioning system. The ambient air temperature in the
location where the vehicle will be tested must be a
minimum of 21É C (70ÉF) for this test.
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING)
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
NOTE: When connecting the service equipment
coupling to the line fitting, verify that the valve of
the coupling is fully closed. This will reduce the
amount of effort required to make the connection.
(1) Connect a tachometer to monitor the engine
speed.
(2) Remove the caps from the refrigerant system
service ports and attach a manifold gauge set to
monitor the refrigerant system pressures.
(3) Set the heater-air conditioner controls so that
the compressor is engaged, the air within the vehicle
is being recirculated, the output air is directed
through the panel outlets, the temperature control is
in the full cool position, and the blower motor is oper-
ating at its highest speed.
(4) Start the engine and allow the engine to oper-
ate for about five minutes or until it reaches normal
operating temperature. Then hold the engine speed
at 1000 rpm with the compressor clutch engaged. If
the compressor clutch does not engage, proceed with
diagnosis of the compressor clutch coil. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS -
FRONT/COMPRESSOR CLUTCH COIL - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING).
(5) Close all the vehicle windows and doors.
(6) Insert a thermometer in the left center panel
outlet and operate the engine for five minutes.
RSHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING24-5
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
If coolant flow is verified and the heater floor out-
let temperature is insufficient, a mechanical problem
may exist.
POSSIBLE LOCATION OR CAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT HEAT
²Obstructed cowl air intake.
²Obstructed heater system outlets.
²Blend-air door not functioning properly.TEMPERATURE CONTROL
If heater floor outlet temperature cannot be
adjusted with the heater-A/C control temperature
control lever, one of the following could require ser-
vice:
²Blend-air door binding.
²Faulty blend-air door motor.
²Improper engine coolant temperature.
²Faulty heater-A/C control.
SPECIFICATIONS - HEATER-A/C SYSTEM
ITEM DESCRIPTION NOTES
Vehicle RS - Caravan, Town & Country, Voyager
System R134a with expansion valve(s)
Compressor Nippondenso - 10S20 ND-8 PAG Oil
Freeze±up Control evaporator temperature sensor expansion valve mounted - input
to heater-A/C control module
Low PSI Control liquid line mounted - input to
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
- PCM opens compressor clutch
relay < 29.4 psi
High PSI Control pressure transducer liquid line mounted - input to
PCM - PCM opens compressor
clutch relay > 450 psi
pressure relief valve compressor mounted - opens >
495 psi
Control Head single zone, dual zone, and three zone
Manual Temperature Control (MTC) - or three
zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)PCI data bus messaging - ATC
uses three infrared temperature
sensors - two front/one rear
Mode Door electric actuator Control head driven
Blend Air Door electric actuator
Fresh/Recirc Door electric actuator
Blower Motor control head switch resistor and relay with MTC,
power module and relay with ATC
Cooling Fans pulse width modulated variable speed PCM control through solid state
fan relay
Clutch
Clutch Control PCM PCM control through compressor
clutch relay
Clutch Coil Draw 2.2 amps @ 12V 0.5amps@ 70É F
Compressor Clutch Air Gap 0.0209- 0.0359
Diagnostics DRBIIITscan tool
RSHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING24-7
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
CONTROLS - FRONT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
A/C HEATER CONTROL
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEATER-A/C
CONTROL CALIBRATION................8
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
DESCRIPTION - A/C PRESSURE
TRANSDUCER.......................10
OPERATION...........................10
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C PRESSURE
TRANSDUCER.......................10
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................11
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................11
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
BLOWER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER
MOTOR RELAY.......................14
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................14
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................15
OPERATION...........................15
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER
MOTOR RESISTOR....................15
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................17
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH AIR GAP.....................17STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH BREAK-IN....................17
REMOVAL.............................17
INSPECTION - COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL . 18
INSTALLATION.........................19
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH COIL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH COIL........................20
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................21
OPERATION...........................21
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH RELAY......................22
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................23
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................23
INFRARED TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................24
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................25
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................25
POWER MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................26
OPERATION...........................26
REMOVAL.............................26
INSTALLATION.........................27
RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................27
OPERATION...........................27
REMOVAL.............................28
INSTALLATION.........................28
A/C HEATER CONTROL
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEATER-A/C
CONTROL CALIBRATION
The heater-A/C control module must be recali-
brated each time an actuator motor or the control
module is replaced. If the vehicle is so equipped, the
calibration procedure also includes rear HVAC posi-
tions for each actuator motor.(1) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
(2) Simultaneously depress and hold the Power
and Recirculation buttons on the heater-A/C control
for at least five seconds. The manual heater-A/C con-
trol power Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Recircu-
lation LED, or the Automatic Temperature Control
(ATC) heater-A/C control Delay and Recirculation
graphics will begin to flash when the calibration pro-
cedure has begun.
24 - 8 CONTROLS - FRONTRS
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BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR
DESCRIPTION
A blower motor resistor is used on this model when
it is equipped with the manual heater-A/C control
(Fig. 9). Models equipped with the optional Auto-
matic Temperature Control (ATC) use a blower power
module, instead of the blower motor resistor. The
blower motor resistor is installed in a mounting hole
in the heater/AC housing, directly behind the glove
box opening of the instrument panel. The resistor
consists of a molded plastic mounting plate with two
integral connector receptacles. Concealed behind the
mounting plate within the heater/AC housing are
four coiled resistor wires contained within a protec-
tive stamped steel cage. The resistor mounting plate
is secured with two screws to the heater/AC housing
and is accessed for service by rolling down the glove
box from the instrument panel.
The blower motor resistor wires will get hot when
in use. Do not touch the resistor wires or the protec-
tive cage if the blower motor has been running. The
blower motor resistor cannot be adjusted or repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The blower motor resistor is connected to the vehi-
cle electrical system through a dedicated take out
and connector of the instrument panel wire harness.
A second connector receptacle receives the pigtail
wire connector from the blower motor. The blower
motor resistor has multiple resistor wires, each ofwhich will reduce the current flow through the
blower motor to change the blower motor speed. The
blower motor switch in the manual heater-A/C con-
trol directs the ground path for the blower motor
through the correct resistor wire to obtain the
selected speed. With the blower motor switch in the
lowest speed position, the ground path for the motor
is applied through all of the resistor wires. Each
higher speed selected with the blower motor switch
applies the blower motor ground path through fewer
of the resistor wires, increasing the blower motor
speed. When the blower motor switch is in the high-
est speed position, the blower motor resistor wires
are bypassed and the blower motor receives a direct
path to ground through the blower motor switch. The
blower motor resistor may be diagnosed using con-
ventional diagnostic tools and methods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER MOTOR
RESISTOR
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire
harness routing and retention, connector pin-out
information and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the blower motor resistor and the
blower motor pigtail wire connector from the resistor
connector receptacles.
(3) Check for continuity between each of the
blower motor switch input terminals of the blower
motor resistor and the resistor output terminal. In
each case there should be continuity. If OK, repair
the instrument panel wire harness circuits between
the blower motor switch and the blower motor resis-
tor or the blower motor pigtail wires as required. If
not OK, replace the faulty blower motor resistor.
Fig. 9 Blower Motor Resistor
1 - BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL WIRE HARNESS
3 - SCREW (2)
4 - GLOVE BOX OPENING LOWER REINFORCEMENT
5 - BLOWER MOTOR PIGTAIL WIRE
6 - EVAPORATOR HOUSING
RSCONTROLS - FRONT24-15
ProCarManuals.com
The compressor clutch plate and pulley unit, or the
clutch coil are available for separate service replace-
ment. The clutch coil zener diode is integral to the
clutch coil pigtail wire and connector and, if faulty or
damaged, the clutch electromagnetic coil unit must
be replaced.
OPERATION
The compressor clutch components provide the
means to engage and disengage the compressor from
the engine serpentine accessory drive belt. When the
clutch 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.
A zener diode is connected in parallel with the
clutch electromagnetic coil. This diode controls the
dissipation of voltage induced into the coil windings
by the collapsing of the electromagnetic fields that
occurs when the compressor clutch is disengaged.
The zener diode dissipates this induced voltage by
regulating a current path to ground. This arrange-
ment serves to protect other circuits and components
from potentially damaging voltage spikes in the vehi-
cle electrical system that might occur if the voltage
induced in the clutch coil windings could not be dis-
sipated.
The compressor clutch engagement is controlled by
several components: the heater-A/C controls in the
passenger compartment, the A/C pressure transducer
on the liquid line, the evaporator temperature sensor
on the expansion valve, the Powertrain Control Mod-ule (PCM) in the engine compartment, and the com-
pressor clutch relay in the Intelligent Power Module
(IPM). The PCM may delay compressor clutch
engagement for up to thirty seconds. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
ULES/POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE -
DESCRIPTION - PCM OPERATION).
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH AIR GAP
If a new clutch plate and/or clutch pulley are being
used, the air gap between the clutch plate and clutch
pulley must be checked using the following proce-
dure:
(1) Using feeler gauges, measure the air gap
between the clutch plate and the clutch pulley fric-
tion surfaces.
(2) If the air gap is not between 0.5 and 0.9 mm
(0.020 and 0.035 in.), add or subtract shims until the
desired air gap is obtained.
NOTE: The shims may compress after tightening
the compressor shaft bolt. Check the air gap in four
or more places on the clutch plate to verify that the
air gap is still correct. Spin the clutch pulley before
making the final air gap check.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH BREAK-IN
After a new compressor clutch has been installed,
check that the compressor clutch coil is performing to
specifications. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/CONTROLS - FRONT/COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH COIL - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If
the clutch coil is performing to specifications, per-
form the compressor clutch break-in procedure. This
procedure (burnishing) will seat the opposing friction
surfaces and provide a higher compressor clutch
torque capability.
(1) Set the heater-A/C controls to the A/C mode,
with the blower switch in the highest speed position.
(2) Start the engine and hold the engine speed at
1500 to 2000 rpm.
(3) Cycle the compressor clutch On and Off about
twenty times (five seconds On, then five seconds Off).
REMOVAL
The refrigerant system can remain fully charged
during compressor clutch, pulley, or coil replacement.
Although the compressor assembly must be removed
from its mounting, the compressor clutch can be ser-
vice with the compressor in the vehicle.
Fig. 11 Compressor Clutch - Typical
1 - CLUTCH PLATE
2 - SHAFT KEY (SOME MODELS)
3 - PULLEY AND BEARING
4 - CLUTCH COIL
5 - CLUTCH SHIMS
6 - SNAP RING
7 - SNAP RING
RSCONTROLS - FRONT24-17
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(2) If the a/c compressor clutch still will not
engage, disconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the A/C pressure transducer and
check for battery current at the connector with the
engine running and the heater-A/C control set to the
A/C mode. If OK, go to TESTS . If not OK, use a
DRBIIItscan tool to perform further diagnosis. Refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
TESTS
(1) Verify the battery state of charge. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(2) Connect an ammeter (0 to 10 ampere scale
selected) in series with the clutch coil feed terminal.
Connect a voltmeter (0 to 20 volt scale selected) to
measure voltage across the battery and the clutch
coil.
(3) With the heater-A/C control in the A/C mode
and the blower at low speed, start the engine and
allow it to run at a normal idle speed.
(4) The compressor clutch should engage immedi-
ately, and the clutch coil voltage should be within
two volts of the battery voltage. If the coil voltage is
not within two volts of battery voltage, test the
clutch coil feed circuit for excessive voltage drop. If
the compressor clutch does not engage, use a
DRBIIItscan tool to perform further diagnosis. Refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
(5) With the ambient temperature at 21É C (70É F),
the compressor clutch coil is acceptable if the current
draw is 2.0 to 3.7 amperes at 11.5 to 12.5 volts at the
clutch coil. If the voltage is more than 12.5 volts, add
electrical loads by turning on electrical accessories
until the voltage reads below 12.5 volts.
(a) If the compressor clutch coil current reading
is zero, the coil is open and must be replaced.
(b) If the compressor clutch coil current reading
is four amperes or more, the coil is shorted and
must be replaced.
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The compressor clutch relay (Fig. 17) is a Interna-
tional Standards Organization (ISO) micro-relay.
Relays conforming to the ISO specifications have
common physical dimensions, current capacities, ter-
minal patterns, and terminal functions. The ISO
micro-relay terminal functions are the same as a con-
ventional ISO relay. However, the ISO micro-relay
terminal pattern (or footprint) is different, the cur-
rent capacity is lower, and the physical dimensions
are smaller than those of the conventional ISO relay.
The compressor clutch relay is located in the Intelli-gent Power Module (IPM), which is in the engine
compartment near the battery. See the fuse and relay
layout map molded into the inner surface of the IPM
cover for compressor clutch relay identification and
location.
The black, molded plastic case is the most visible
component of the compressor clutch relay. Five male
spade-type terminals extend from the bottom of the
base to connect the relay to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem, and the ISO designation for each terminal is
molded into the base adjacent to each terminal.
OPERATION
The compressor clutch relay is an electromechani-
cal switch that uses a low current input from the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to control the high
current output to the compressor clutch electromag-
netic coil. The movable common feed contact point is
held against the fixed normally closed contact point
by spring pressure. When the relay coil is energized,
an electromagnetic field is produced by the coil wind-
ings. This electromagnetic field draws the movable
relay contact point away from the fixed normally
closed contact point, and holds it against the fixed
normally open contact point. When the relay coil is
de-energized, spring pressure returns the movable
contact point back against the fixed normally closed
contact point. The resistor or diode is connected in
parallel with the relay coil in the relay, and helps to
dissipate voltage spikes and electromagnetic interfer-
ence that can be generated as the electromagnetic
field of the relay coil collapses.
The compressor clutch relay terminals are con-
nected to the vehicle electrical system through a
receptacle in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM).
The inputs and outputs of the compressor clutch
relay include:
²The common feed terminal (30) receives a bat-
tery current input from a fuse in the IPM through a
fused B(+) circuit at all times.
²The coil ground terminal (85) receives a ground
input from the PCM through the compressor clutch
relay control circuit only when the PCM electroni-
cally pulls the control circuit to ground.
²The coil battery terminal (86) receives a battery
current input from the PCM through a fused ignition
switch output (run-start) circuit only when the igni-
tion switch is in the On or Start positions.
²The normally open terminal (87) provides a bat-
tery current output to the compressor clutch coil
through the compressor clutch relay output circuit
only when the compressor clutch relay coil is ener-
gized.
²The normally closed terminal (87A) is not con-
nected to any circuit in this application, but provides
RSCONTROLS - FRONT24-21
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH COIL (Continued)
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