Hi! I'm having trouble locating the ac clutch relay. There are symbols instead of actual words to identify each relay. I also want to jump the connection at the relay so I can recharge the ac. I saw a vid on youtube where a paperclip can be used to do this. Is this safe? Some shady mechanic wants to charge me five hundo to replace the compressor and I want to see if he is trying to scam me. Can some one please help?

 

What car are we talking bout? On acuras pop the underhood fuse box cover. Its the relay with snowflake symbol is for compressor clutch. Jump pin 1 and 2. The first two horizontal slots, you should hear the clutch engage.

 

Thanks happyboy! Its a 04 Acura TL. I figured it was one of the three that are marked with a snowflake. So you're saying its the one with a snowflake only? Got it. I'll try it later tonight. Thanks again!!

 

edit: Two relays with a snowflake on them. The other has a symbol that looks like a radiator I'm guessing.

 

that would be the condenser fan relay

 

What's going on with your ac system?

 

Hi vietxquangstah! My ac was intermittently blowing warm air. I tried to dump a can of r134 but it wouldn't take it in. Compressor was not engaging. I took it in to a neighborhood mechanic and he said the compressor was shot. Did some research online and I want to find out if the compressor is really bad. Don't trust this mechanic because when when I asked him to jump the relay in front of me, as it turns out he was jumping the wrong one. Thanks to you guys I'm never going back to him. I'm gonna try jumping the right relay and see if it kicks in. Thanks!!

 

To properly diagnose the ac system you need a set of ac manifold gauges. They run anywhere from $50-$200 depending on brand.

Once you look at the high and low side pressures you'll be able to see what's going on.

AC work isn't exactly easy but if you do extensive reading you'll be able to diagnose your own system.

Try checking for power on the wire that goes to the ac compressor.

You'll see a single wire connector near the condenser fan that goes to the compressor. You should be getting power there with the ac on. If there's power there but clutch won't engage than a new compressor will fix your problem

 

Yeah. Its the relay with snowflake only. Jump it see if clutch engages. Intermittent problem sounds like electrical issue. If the compressor was defective it would not work all the time. If the refrigerant is low you can have an intermittent problem also. Couple other quick checks. Look around the high and low valve area, any built up residue collecting dust? You can also remove one of the hoses and swab with qtip. And metal flakes?

 

My GF's 04 did the same thing this past weekend ( blowing hot air suddenly).... Turns out battery, alternator needed replacing.... Now the clutch will not engage... checked relays and both are fine... Replaced ALT, Battery myself and it is now throwing a Tq converter code??? Taking the TL to hook up the AC this morning to see if it just needs a recharge... "finger crossed"... Car runs, drives just fine...

 

Ac clutch and stator coil