Mazda 3 A/C Compressor & Clutch
The A/C compressor ensures that the refrigerant is pressurized and pumping through your Mazda 3’s A/C system efficiently. The compressor is controlled by the clutch, which uses an electromagnetic mechanism to engage the A/C compressor. When you need to replace the compressor and clutch in your Mazda3 there are options available.
How does an air conditioner clutch work?When the electromagnetic clutch is turned on, it creates a magnetic field within the rotor. This has an impact on the fan belt rotor and the air conditioning rotor because they are made of iron. The magnetic field forces both rotors towards each other, and the plates of both rotors push into each other.
At first, only the rotor friction plate is spinning, while the compressor plate does not move. Once the electromagnetic clutch forces the plates to touch, the AC rotor friction plate will begin to move as well. As soon as the electromagnetic clutch stops, the plates will separate and the process will turn off.
How do you test a compressor clutch coil?There are a few different tests you can run on your Mazda compressor clutch coil. You will need a basic digital volt-ohm meter (DVOM) to test some of these vehicle parts. To perform a voltage test, remove the plug from the clutch and turn the A/C on. You will need to use the 20-volt setting on the DVOM and check the battery voltage.
You will also need a DVOM to perform a compressor resistance test on your car. The coil reading should be between two and five ohms. If the reading is abnormal, it could indicate there is something wrong with the coil. You should also check the diode when you are testing parts or the engine.
What causes a compressor clutch to fail?There are a few problems that can occur within the compressor or other parts. If your compressor is blowing warm air, it could be because the suction pressure is too high or the discharge pressure is too low. This problem can be solved by adding a shim to close the gaps or by replacing the compressor altogether.
If the A/C system is making noises, it may be due to a defective pulley bearing. To fix this, you will need to replace the pulley bearing. If the air conditioning system is not working, or overheating, you will most likely need to replace the A/C compressor and clutch. Overheating can also be a result of internal winding or the hub slipping against the pulley. If the clutch is receiving inadequate voltage, it can also cause the system to overheat.