The compressor for the air conditioning system is belt-driven by the engine through the A/C compressor clutch. The clutch allows the compressor to perform the following functions:

Battery voltage is supplied to the body control module (BCM) when the heater and A/C control mode selector knob is in the following modes:

The BCM sends a Class 2 message to the PCM that A/C compressor operation is requested.

Under normal operating conditions, the following actions occur:

1. The PCM supplies a ground to the relay coil of the A/C compressor control.
2. The relay energizes.
3. Voltage is supplied to the A/C compressor clutch from the A/C RLY (CMPR) fuse through the relay switch contacts.
4. The A/C compressor clutch engages.
5. The compressor runs.

If the PCM determines that the engine load should be reduced, such as during full throttle conditions, the PCM de-energizes the relay of the A/C compressor control in order to disengage the compressor clutch. The de-energization occurs even though the voltage signal from the heater- A/C control is still present at the PCM.

The diode of the A/C compressor clutch connects across the terminals of the A/C compressor clutch. The diode provides a path for the high current levels which result from voltage spikes generated by the collapsing magnetic field of the A/C compressor clutch coil. (Voltage spikes occur every time the coil de-energizes.)