AC clutch pulley
 

Hey guys
My 2003 mustang was having some issues after going through the car wash today. It started to get jumpy and almost stall out. I pulled over and popped the hood and can anyone tell me if the triangle shaped portion on the front of the AC clutch pulley should move? It was spinning with the pulley and would then stop and then repeat this again.
Don't want to tighten anything if it should be moving but I can't see that it should. Any help?

http://i41.tinypic.com/2enm244.jpg

If your A/C is on, or (in most cars), you have the heater controls set to anything that includes the windshield defrost setting, then it is normal. The A/C compressor will come on to help remove moisture in the cabin and off the inside of the windshield.

Thanks Roddy but on the picture link I included do you think that the triangular portion on the front of the pulley should move or should be tight? When I lifted the hood I saw it spinning like the belt and then stopping and I was able to move it with my thumbs. Should it be tight?

It is normal for the clutch to kick in and out like that, however I'm not sure wether you should be able to move it that easily. Regardless that shouldn't be causing your jumpy stalling out issue. It's possible that you got some moisture in one of the spark plug wire boots.

Thanks Chadstang for the info I will check the wires! Appreciate that

Sorry Gary...I did not notice the link. Yes that is normal. There is an electrically controlled clutch on the front of the compressor that engages and dis-engages as required to maintain pressure in the system. When it is not engaged, it is freewheeling, so yes, it is normal to be able to turn it by hand.