A/C Compressor Clutch Check

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Acura TSX, 2007 Acura TSX, 2006 Acura TSX, 2005 Acura TSX, and 2004 Acura TSX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check the armature plate for discoloration, peeling, or other damage. If there is damage, replace the clutch set (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL ).
Check the rotor pulley bearing play and drag by rotating the rotor pulley (A) by hand. Replace the clutch set with a new one if it is noisy or has excessive play/drag (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL ).

Fig 1: Rotating Rotor Pulley
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Measure the clearance between the rotor pulley (A) and the armature plate (B) all the way around. If the clearance is not within specified limits, remove the armature plate (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL ) and add or remove shims as needed to increase or decrease clearance.
Clearance: 0.5 ± 0.15 mm (0.020 ± 0.006 in.)

NOTE: The shims are available in four thicknesses: 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.4 mm, and 0.5 mm.

Fig 2: Measuring Clearance Between Rotor Pulley And Armature Plate
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Release the field coil connector from the holder, then disconnect it. Check the thermal protector for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the thermal protector (see A/C COMPRESSOR THERMAL PROTECTOR REPLACEMENT ).
NOTE: The thermal protector will have no continuity above 252 to 270°F (122 to 132°C). When the temperature drops below 241 to 219°F (116 to 104°C), the thermal protector will have continuity.

Fig 3: Checking Thermal Protector For Continuity
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check resistance of the field coil. If resistance is not within specifications, replace the field coil (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL ).
Field Coil Resistance: 3.05-3.35 Ω at 68°F (20°C)

Fig 4: Checking Resistance Of Field Coil
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.