Ford Fusion AC Compressor and Clutch
Automobile air conditioning systems for the Ford Fusion use a combination of a compressor and a compressor clutch to control the flow of coolant through the pipes that facilitate the cooling of air in the system. If either the compressor or the compressor clutch is damaged, it could cause serious problems for any other systems that are located nearby, since the failure of either of these parts has the potential to cause a related failure in others due to connections between the engine, AC system, and other devices. Replacement parts for your Ford Fusions AC compressor and clutch can help you to maintain your vehicle in working order and cool temperatures.
How does an AC compressor clutch work?The AC system in the Ford Fusion uses a refrigerant that is compressed and pumped through the vehicles air conditioning system. This refrigerant is compressed using a compressor, which is powered via a connection to the engine of the vehicle and controlled by a clutch. The clutch itself uses principles of magnetism to either engage or disengage the motor inside the compressor.
There are three main components, an electromagnet and two friction plates. One plate is connected to the belt from the engine causing it to spin, and the other is connected to the compressor motor, which remains stationary when not in use. When electric current is run through the electromagnet, strategically positioned near the two separate plates, the magnetic field generated causes a secondary magnetic field in the plates. This causes the two plates to be magnetically attracted to each other, pulling them together. The friction between the spinning plate and the stationary one causes the formerly stationary plate to begin rotating, driving the compressors motor, which pumps the compressed refrigerant through the Fusions cooling system.
What can make the AC compressor clutch fail?There are a number of scenarios that can lead to a failure of a Fords AC compressor clutch. Insufficient voltage to the coil, lack of lubrication, or a failure to furnish a replacement clutch can all result in the clutch hub slipping during use. When slipping occurs, it leads to the internal temperature of the clutch assembly being overheated. This amount of heat will degrade or damage the clutch. The heat from the slipping often melts the bearing seal in the process, damaging the bearing and accelerating the failure of the clutch. When this happens, a replacement compressor clutch can help to get your Fusion back in working order.
Should you drive your Fusion with a bad compressor clutch?There is a belt that connects the Fusions motor to the AC clutch, and if the bearings in the clutch seize up or something else in the system keeps it from spinning, it could result in the belt heating up and breaking. Such a break could damage nearby components. Even if the break is gentle, the same connection often goes to important components such as the alternator, so a break could prevent it from running. There are an assortment of replacement parts that allow you to fix your Fusions air conditioning system and return the Ford to working order.