Thermal Protection Switch

Air Conditioning

Thermal Protection Switch (Hybrid Only)

Under high A/C load conditions, the A/C compressor temperature may get hot enough to trigger the compressor thermal protection switch which will disengage the A/C compressor clutch. The thermal protection switch is located in the A/C compressor housing, near the discharge port and is wired in series with the A/C clutch field coil. When refrigerant discharge temperatures heat the switch to 115°C (239°F), the switch will open and disengage the compressor, but no PCM DTCs will be set. The switch will close once the temperature cools to approximately 105°C (221°F). If the switch were to stick open, it would remain open at room temperature.