Lexus LS 400 A/C Compressor Clutch
The A/C compressor on the Lexus LS 400 model has numerous parts that work together to produce cool air inside the vehicle. If all of these components are working properly, then driving around in a Lexus on a hot summer day can be exhilarating. The entire system must be in good working order for cool air to blow into the vehicle.
How does the A/C compressor work in the Lexus LS400?Before the Lexus air conditioning system pumps out cool air, it heats up a refrigerant such as Freon and turns it from a gas into a liquid. The liquid cools down and returns to a gas as it passes through a series of pipes and valves in the system. Cool air is blown into the Lexus through a series of thin tubes, while any remaining heated gas is returned to the A/C system to keep the cycle going until the air conditioner is turned off.
What is the A/C compressor clutch?The compressor in the Lexus LS400 sedan cannot work without a properly functioning clutch. This component tells the system when to start the compression process of turning the Freon into a liquid and when to stop. The A/C system is made up of several parts, which include:
- The armature disc and hub
- The rotor and pulley assembly
- The field coil assembly
- The coil lead wire
The relay supplies the electrical power that is needed for the AC system in the Lexus LS400 to operate. The relay will wear out just like any other mechanical device on a vehicle over time. The relay will need to be replaced if the air conditioning system will not turn on or there is no cool air coming out of the system.
What controls the A/C compressor clutch cycle in the Lexus?The engine in this Lexus model controls the clutch cycle and many other functions in the car. When the AC system in the Lexus is turned on while the engine is running, the clutch becomes engaged and controls the transfer of power from the engine to the air conditioner. The clutch becomes disengaged when the AC system or the engine is turned off. If warm air or no air is coming out of the system when it is turned on, then the clutch or compressor may be impacted and will have to be replaced.