A/C clutch replacement wire connector different from original on compressor

Tiny
ANTONIO RAY
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 SATURN SL2
  • 1.9L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 400,000 MILES
I bought a brand-new clutch assembly for my car listed above. I noticed after getting the old one off that the connector running from the new clutch did not fit into the wire connector on the car because it was made different from the original coming from the air compressor. Also, I noticed on the air compressor the wire runs into a boat looking thing going into the air compressor-on one side where the wire runs into the bolt the other side with connector comes out of the bolt. 1. Why does that bolt go into the compressor with the wires coming out the way it does?
2. Can I cut the wire on the new compressor and connect it to the one running into the compressor and make it work?
3. Is there an aftermarket clutch that will directly plug into the wire running to my car?
If I cut the wire avoid the warranty to a new clutch. I also noticed that the magnetic part connected to the wire of the original clutch is bigger than the new one so I can't just interchange/slide the bearing part and faceplate on it because it/new one is smaller. Last thing, we went through all the models at AutoZone in the same part pulls up for every one of them. Funny thing is when we pull up the A/C compressor the exact same one that's on the car shows up. So, I'm wondering how can I replace the clutch system without replacing the whole compressor if the plugins are different?
Sunday, January 9th, 2022 AT 9:43 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

The replacement compressor should be an exact match of your old one.
So, before you cut any wires or modify anything, make sure the compressor you have received is the correct part and for your exact vehicle.

Did you buy this online or at your local parts store?

It will be a good idea to verify that the part number is correct. Also, you want to make sure that the compressor did not get boxed incorrectly.

This is the OEM part number for the compressor 21031323.

You might want to call your local parts store to see what the cross-reference aftermarket part number is.

Let me know what you find.
Thank you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor
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Sunday, January 9th, 2022 AT 10:42 AM
Tiny
ANTONIO RAY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It's not the compressor I am replacing, it's the compressor clutch assembly I am replacing. I'm leaving the compressor on the car which is the original compressor that came on the vehicle. If I had bought a compressor, it would have been the right one, I can see how they are the same when I look at the pictures, but I did not buy the compressor. I bought the clutch assembly.

The clutch assembly does not connect with the wire running from the wire harness coming from the vehicle. Also, I don't know if you can see the pictures that I posted along with my comment about the wires coming out of the compressor. My question is, why doesn't my new clutch that I bought from AutoZone from the store connect and why is it different? I'll try to send those pictures again because I don't think they went through. I will also send you a picture of the stamp that's on the back of my compressor but remember it is not the compressor that I am replacing, it is the clutch assembly on the front of the compressor that whole part on the front. Also attached is a picture of the clutch assembly number which is 47989 and that happens to be the only one that comes up when looking for a clutch for my year and model car.
If they come up in order the first photo is a picture of the new compressor attachment and how the middle part is on the right instead of the left and it has no Center plastic divider on the inside. The second picture is the attachment coming straight from the compressor and you notice how the metal part is on the left side and it also comes from the inside of the compressor to which the fourth photo points out with an arrow. The green sticker is on the back of my original compressor that came on my vehicle.
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Sunday, January 9th, 2022 AT 11:50 AM
Tiny
ANTONIO RAY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Okay, on that compressor that you have me reference the number the guy at O'Reilly was saying that the wires running into the compressor itself is connected to a pressure switch and they don't make air conditioner for a compressor like that anymore. That still doesn't answer the fact why am I knew clutch doesn't automatically tap into the wiring harness. But if what he said is true and they don't need the compressor switch on the A/C's compressors anymore then I should be able to cut that wire and slice it into the original wire going into the compressor that's hooked on to the compressor switch? I sent the response on that platform because I didn't know if I should do it there or if I should reply to this email which I am doing.
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Sunday, January 9th, 2022 AT 7:55 PM
Tiny
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  • 6,383 POSTS
So, it appears the original style replacement parts are discontinued.
As you know the switch is necessary for the proper function of the clutch.
You should be able to splice the wire from the clutch to the compressor.
Many times, I have seen these types of replacement parts come with extra connectors are they can fit several different models of vehicles.
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Monday, January 10th, 2022 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
ANTONIO RAY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Is it possible that the new clutch doesn't need spacers / washers for The Gap in the clutch? I believe the gap for the feeler gauge should be.020-.035 but even if it is.014 to.026 when I use the feeler gauge.020 or the.026 they still fit fairly easily even after removing the spacer/washer. After starting the car and turning the air conditioner on (with no washers in it) the clutch engages so it seems normal, but I was just wondering.
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Wednesday, January 12th, 2022 AT 11:04 PM
Tiny
ANTONIO RAY
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Also; just to be sure, is the torque specs 12 ft lb on the AC clutch?
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Wednesday, January 12th, 2022 AT 11:31 PM
Tiny
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The purpose of the spacer is to keep a certain distance between the clutch and the compressor. The gap you mentioned is fine.

Are you talking about the center bolt on the clutch?
I attached the clutch installation steps below. It shows all the torque specifications.

Let me know if you have any questions.
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Thursday, January 13th, 2022 AT 6:35 AM
Tiny
ANTONIO RAY
  • MEMBER
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Excuse the delay, I really appreciate it: Great info.
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Wednesday, January 26th, 2022 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
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You are welcome.
Thank you for using 2CarPros.
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Wednesday, January 26th, 2022 AT 8:40 PM

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