Compressor Clutch: Description and Operation

The magnetic A/C clutch has the following characteristics:
- It drives the compressor shaft.
- When battery positive voltage (B+) is applied to the A/C clutch field coil, the clutch plate and hub assembly (which is solidly coupled to the compressor shaft) is drawn rearward by magnetic force toward the A/C clutch pulley (which rotates freely on the compressor front head casting).
- The magnetic force locks together, as one unit, the clutch plate and hub assembly and the A/C clutch pulley.
- The clutch plate and hub assembly then turns the A/C clutch pulley 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.
- The clutch plate and hub assembly and compressor shaft stop rotating.