How to Adjust Cooler Compressors

Locate the Cooling Compressor & Cooling Clutch

1). Follow the cooling ducts from the back of the fire wall to a large round unit with a pulley on it.
2). Look carefully beside the cooling compressor for a swing arm assembly which has either an adjustable screw or a set of shims wedged between two actuators. In this swing arm is a striker plate which meets another plate on the compressor. This is the compressor clutch.
3). Measure the gap between the striker plates before making any adjustments. If adjustments do not solve your problem, you will need to put everything back the way it was and take the system to a mechanic for professional repair.

1). Slowly back out the adjustment screw to loosen the shim caddy.
2). Remove one shim and tighten the adjustment screw down to close the shim caddy.
3). Test the new air gap setting. If the air gap is still not closing at activation, repeat Steps 1 and 2 until the air gap closes properly.

1). Remove the clutch adjustment screw, making sure to bring the spacer washers with it.
2). Remove one washer and replace the screw, tightening down firmly but not hard set.
3). Test the new air gap setting. If the air gap is still not closing at activation, repeat Steps 1 and 2 until the air gap closes properly.

1). Start the car's engine; most vehicles will not engage the cooling compressor unless the engine is running.
2). Activate the cooling blower fan from the HVAC control panel.
3). Press the activator switch for A/C on the HVAC control panel.
4). Feel for chilled air from the vents. If no chilled air is coming out of the vents, visually check to see if the clutch is engaged. If the clutch did engage, you have another problem. See a maintenance technician to find out why the compressor is not operating correctly.