Compressor Clutch Relay: Description and Operation

The A/C clutch relay is a International Standards Organization (ISO) micro-relay. Relays conforming to the ISO specifications have common physical dimensions, current capacities, terminal patterns, and terminal functions. The ISO micro-relay terminal functions are the same as a conventional ISO relay. However, the ISO micro-relay terminal pattern (or footprint) is different, the current capacity is lower, and the physical dimensions are smaller than those of the conventional ISO relay.

The A/C clutch relay is located in the power distribution center (PDC) in the engine compartment. Refer to the PDC label for A/C clutch relay identification and location.

The black, molded plastic case is the most visible component of the A/C clutch relay. Five male spade-type terminals extend from the bottom of the base to connect the relay to the vehicle electrical system, and the ISO designation for each terminal is molded into the base adjacent to each terminal. The ISO terminal designations are as follows:
- 30 (Common Feed) - This terminal is connected to the movable contact point of the relay.
- 85 (Coil Ground) - This terminal is connected to the ground feed side of the relay control coil.
- 86 (Coil Battery) - This terminal is connected to the battery feed side of the relay control coil.
- 87 (Normally Open) - This terminal is connected to the normally open fixed contact point of the relay.
- 87A (Normally Closed) - This terminal is connected to the normally closed fixed contact point of the relay.

The A/C clutch relay is an electromechanical switch that uses a low current input from the powertrain control module (PCM) to control the high current output to the A/C clutch electromagnetic field 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 windings. 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 interference that can be generated as the electromagnetic field of the relay coil collapses.

The A/C clutch relay terminals are connected to the vehicle electrical system through a receptacle in the power distribution center (PDC). The inputs and outputs of the A/C clutch relay include:
- The common feed terminal (30) receives a battery current input through a fused B(+) circuit at all times.
- The coil ground terminal (85) receives a ground input from the PCM through the A/C clutch relay control circuit only when the PCM electronically pulls the control circuit to ground.
- The coil battery terminal (86) receives a battery current input from fuse 18 (10 amp) in the PDC through a fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit only when the ignition switch is in the On or Start positions.
- The normally open terminal (87) provides a battery current output to the A/C clutch coil through the A/C clutch relay output circuit only when the compressor clutch relay coil is energized.
- The normally closed terminal (87A) is not connected to any circuit in this application, but provides a battery current output only when the A/C clutch relay coil is de-energized.

The A/C clutch relay cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced. Refer to the appropriate wiring information for diagnosis and testing of the micro-relay and for complete HVAC wiring diagrams.