Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 735

COIL CURRENT DRAW TEST 

1. Verify the battery state of charge. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .  

2. Connect an ammeter (0 to 10 ampere scale selected) in series with the clutch field coil feed terminal. 

Connect a voltmeter (0 to 20 volt scale selected) to measure voltage across the battery and the clutch coil. 

3. With the A/C-heater control in the A/C mode and the blower motor at low speed, start the engine and 

allow it to run at a normal idle speed.  

4. The A/C clutch should engage immediately, and the clutch field coil supply voltage should be within two 

volts of the battery voltage. If the field coil supply voltage is OK, go to step 5. If the field coil supply 
voltage is not within two volts of battery voltage, test the clutch field coil feed circuit for excessive 
voltage drop and repair as necessary.  

5. Refer to the following A/C Clutch Field Coil Specifications chart for the acceptable A/C clutch field coil 

current draw. If voltage is more than 12.5 volts, add electrical loads by turning on electrical accessories 
until voltage reads below 12.5 volts. 



If the A/C clutch field coil current reading is zero, the coil is open and must be replaced.  



If the A/C clutch field coil current reading is above specifications, the coil is shorted and must be 
replaced.  

COIL RESISTANCE TEST - 2.8L AND 4.0L ENGINES ONLY 

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.  

2. Disconnect the wire harness connector from the A/C clutch field coil connector.  

3. Use an ohmmeter and measure the resistance of the clutch field coil at the field coil connector terminals.  

4. Refer to the following A/C Clutch Field Coil Specifications chart for the acceptable A/C clutch coil 

resistance. 



If the A/C clutch coil resistance reading is above specifications, the coil is shorted and must be 
replaced.  



If the A/C clutch coil resistance reading is below specifications, the coil is open and must be 
replaced.  

A/C CLUTCH FIELD COIL SPECIFICATIONS 

STANDARD PROCEDURE 

CLUTCH-A/C COMPRESSOR 

A/C Compressor 

Current Draw 

Coil Resistance 

Zexel DKS-17DS (2.8L/4.0L 
engines)

3.3 amps @ 12V ± 0.5V @ 25°C 
(77°F)

4.02 ± 0.2 ohms @ 25°C (77°F)

Visteon HS-18 (3.7L engine)

3.1 - 4 amps @ 12V ± 0.5V @ 21°
C (70°F)

Not applicable

NOTE:

The A/C clutch can be serviced in the vehicle. The refrigerant system can 
remain fully-charged during compressor clutch, pulley and bearing assembly, 
or coil replacement.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 21: Identifying Compressor Shaft, Clutch Plate & Shim 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

Examine the friction surfaces of the pulley and the clutch plate (2) for wear. The pulley and clutch plate should 
be replaced if there is excessive wear or scoring. 

If the friction surfaces are oily, inspect the shaft and nose area of the A/C compressor (1) for refrigerant oil. If 
refrigerant oil is found, the compressor shaft seal is leaking and the A/C compressor must be replaced. 

Check the pulley bearing for roughness or excessive leakage of grease. Replace the pulley and bearing 
assembly, if required. 

CLUTCH-A/C COMPRESSOR 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning - Service Information - Nitro

  

After a new A/C compressor clutch has been installed, cycle the compressor clutch approximately 20 times (5 
seconds on, then 5 seconds off). During this procedure, set the A/C-heater controls to the A/C Recirculation 
Mode, the blower motor in the highest speed position, and the engine speed at 1500 to 2000 RPM. This 
procedure (burnishing) will seat the opposing friction surfaces and provide a higher compressor clutch torque 
capability. 

REMOVAL 

CLUTCH-A/C COMPRESSOR 

NOTE:

The compressor clutch plate and pulley and bearing assembly and can be 
serviced with the refrigerant system fully-charged and with the A/C compressor 
installed on the engine.

NOTE:

Typical A/C compressor and clutch assembly shown in illustrations.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 22: Compressor Clutch Field Coil Connector, Connector Bracket, Compressor Shaft Bolt, Clutch 
Plate & A/C Compressor 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.  

2. Remove the coolant recovery container from the front of the engine compartment. Refer to REMOVAL . 

3. Remove the radiator fan and shroud assembly. Refer to REMOVAL .  

4. Remove the accessory drive belt. Refer to REMOVAL .  

5. Disconnect the engine wire harness from the compressor clutch field coil connector (1) located on the top 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning - Service Information - Nitro