A/C Compressor - Bump on Engagement

NO: 18-23-96

GROUP: Vehicle Performance

DATE: Aug. 23, 1996

SUBJECT:

"Bump" Feel During A/C
Compressor Engagement

MODELS:

1996 - 1997 (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1996 - 1997 (GS) Chrysler Voyager (European Market)
1996 - 1997 (PL) Neon
1996 - 1997 (JA) Breeze/Stratus

NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THREE-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OR FIVE-SPEED MANUAL TRANSAXLE.

DISCUSSION:

Some vehicles may exhibit a periodic "bump" feel in the powertrain that may be described by the vehicle operator as a slight miss, hesitation or surge while cruising at a steady speed.

If the vehicle operator is concerned with this "bump" condition, verify by test driving the vehicle with the A/C ON" at a steady state speed of 60-65 MPH for at least 5 miles. If the "bump" was felt turn the A/C "OFF" and test drive the vehicle at a steady state speed of 60-65 MPH for at least 5 miles. If the bump" was not felt with the A/C OFF", the root cause of the bump is normal cycling of the A/C compressor clutch engagement.

If a "bump" continues to be felt with the A/C OFF", further diagnosis is required.

NOTE:
THE A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH ALSO CYCLES DURING DEFROST MODE OPERATION.

The "bump" that is felt during A/C Compressor clutch engagement is a normal condition for these vehicle/powertrain combinations. The cause of the "bump" should be explained to the vehicle operator to assure them there is nothing wrong with their vehicle and that durability and reliability are not affected.

NO REPAIR FOR THIS CONDITION SHOULD BE ATTEMPTED.

POLICY: Information Only