Diode for A/C Clutch??
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,190
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From: San Antonio Texas
Diode for A/C Clutch??
I got my Ecklers Spring catalog the other day and I found something I need to talk about. They have an '84 - '96 Replacement A/C compressor connector with a diode. Says it prevents clutch coil voltage spikes from destroying the fuse block & ECM modules. I would guess that a releasing clutch coil would spike back just like an ignition coil (Sounds like a good thing to have.) My question: Is this a replacement for something that was stock on the harness that may have gone bad, or is this an aftermarket solution for a problem that was seen after production? I could do one of them myself, or check the original, if I knew where in the harness it is. (If there is one in the stock harness) Anybody know about this? And No, I don't have a service manual yet to look it up:o
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
The diode is connected across the wiring harness connector (at the connector) that plugs into the A/C clutch coil. If you replace the connector it should have the diode included to protect voltage spikes from damaging car electronics. So, yes as a replacement, the diode is included.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,190
Likes: 117
From: San Antonio Texas
Thanks for the replys. I'll have to check that item next time I'm out at the shop. It's a bummer being all the way across town from where I'm working on the car, but there's just no room to work in my garage at home. I've got a real good meter so I'll give that item a check while I'm diong everything else. Spring time is creeping up on me, so I'd better get a move on.
