A/C Compressors & Clutches for Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander AC Compressors and Clutches

Much like the drive train of your Toyota Highlander model, your vehicles AC compressor unit requires a functioning clutch for operation. While it is the compressor that powers your AC unit, it is the units clutch that controls when the compressor powers on and off. The proper maintenance of these parts is critical to the function of your Toyotas air conditioning system.

The AC system on your Toyota Highlander operates on the fact that heat always transfers from a warmer surface to a cooler surface until there is parity. The AC compressor unit relies on a refrigerant gas, typically Freon, to cool the passenger compartment of your Highlander. This is done when the compressor forces the Freon through a component known as the condenser that turns the Freon into a liquid state. This process generates heat, which is removed by conductive pipes. The Freon is then returned to gas form which naturally refrigerates the Freon. A blower fan then blows air across the cold pipes that hold the Freon directly into the passenger compartment. It is this cooler air that regulates the temperature inside your Highlander.

The Toyota Highlander’s AC compressor is essentially the engine of your air conditioning system. The compressor pressurizes the Freon gas which raises the Freons temperature above that of the ambient air. This process generates heat due to the pressure causing friction between the Freon molecules. The cornerstone of the compressor is a pump mechanism. This pump is driven by a rotor connected to the engine. The compressor will hold the compressed gas until it reaches the necessary temperature. The AC compressor then forces the gas into the condenser.

The air compressor must be carefully regulated to keep the pressure of the gas at appropriate levels. It is the job of the electromagnetic clutch to operate the rotor only when it is needed. The clutch is made up of a friction plate and an electromagnetic coil. When the AC unit is activated, it sends an electronic signal through the coil, which draws the friction plate. The plate then connects with a second friction plate in the compressors rotor. The electromagnetic signal draws the friction plates together which engages the rotor from the engine. This rotor powers and operates the AC unit for as long as the electromagnetic signal engages the friction plates. Once the signal ends, the friction plate attached to the clutch disengages and returns to its resting position. This disengages the rotor from the engine and shuts off the AC unit.