A/C Compressor Clutch Check

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 by hand. Also check for grease leakage from the bearing. Replace the clutch set with a new one if it is noisy, or has excessive play/drag, or has bearing grease contamination on the clutch faces (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL ).
NOTE: The rotor pulley and the armature plate are mated at the factory by a burnishing operation. Always replace the pulley and the plate as a set. Replacing only one part of the clutch set will cause clutch slippage.

Fig 1: Checking Rotor Pulley Bearing Play & Drag
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: 0.35-0.65 mm (0.014-0.026 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 & Armature Plate
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check for continuity between A/C compressor clutch connector terminals No. 1 and No. 3. 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 about 252 to 262°F (122 to 128°C). When the temperature drops below about 241 to 219°F (116 to 104°C), the thermal protector will have continuity.

Fig 3: Checking Continuity Between A/C Compressor Clutch Connector Terminals No. 1 & No. 3
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Disconnect the field coil connector (A). Check the resistance of the field coil. If the resistance is not within specifications, replace the field coil (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL ).
Field Coil Resistance ('09-10 models): 3.15-3.45 Ω 68°F (20°C)

Field Coil Resistance ('11-12 models): 3.35-3.65 Ω 68°F (20°C)

Fig 4: Checking Field Coil Resistance
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the armature plate (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL ), and inspect the armature plate and pulley friction surfaces for wear. If there is excessive wear, roughness, or scoring, replace the clutch set.
Inspect the friction surfaces and the compressor shaft hub for excess oil. If excess oil is present, and it is not from the engine or power steering system, then the compressor shaft seal is leaking. Replace the compressor (see A/C COMPRESSOR REPLACEMENT ).