How Do You Test An AC Clutch Relay?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Locate the Relay. Locate the air conditioner clutch relay by tracing the wire connection from the air conditioner plug-in to the relay. …
  2. Check Function. Using a 12-volt test light, connect the alligator clip to the negative terminal on the battery. …
  3. Bypass the Relay.

How do I know if my AC clutch relay is bad?

  1. Inconsistent cooling. The AC compressor is powered by the relay. …
  2. AC compressor is not turning on. One of the most obvious signs that the AC relay may have a problem is that the compressor is not coming on at all. …
  3. No cold air.

What causes AC relay failure?

Possible causes are low refrigerant, a faulty pressure switch,

a faulty control switch or a faulty computer

. If power and ground are found here, move to the next step. With the engine running, and the A/C controls in the max cooling positions, test for power at the compressor clutch electrical connector.

How do I manually test my AC clutch?

Resistance Test: Perform an A/C clutch coil

resistance test with an Ohmmeter

. Typically a clutch coil should be between the range of 2 to 5 Ohms, and any reading below 2 Ohms or over 5 Ohms indicates a bad coil. A reading of 0.00 indicates that there's a short in the windings.

How do you check a AC compressor clutch?

  1. The pulley that's attached to your AC compressor may freeze and make a squealing sound when you turn your AC system on.
  2. Your AC compressor clutch may struggle to engage your AC system's compressor when your AC system is turned on.

What are the symptoms of a bad relay?


Car suddenly stalls while operating

: One of the most common symptoms of a failed ignition relay is a car that suddenly stalls while operating. If the ignition relay shorts, burns out, or otherwise fails while the engine is operating it will cut off power to the fuel pump and ignition system.

How can I tell if a relay is bad?

  1. Locate the relay you need to test. …
  2. The quickest and easiest way to test a relay is to swap it out with a known good replacement. …
  3. Grab a multimeter and set it to Ohms. …
  4. Leave the multimeter on ohms or continuity. …
  5. Energize the electromagnet coil with a 9-12V battery across the pins.

How do I know if my AC clutch is working?

  • The pulley that's attached to your AC compressor may freeze and make a squealing sound when you turn your AC system on.
  • Your AC compressor clutch may struggle to engage your AC system's compressor when your AC system is turned on.

Why doesn't my AC clutch engage?

If the compressor clutch doesn't engage; that usually means there's

an electrical or mechanical problem with the compressor

. … Even if you just filled up the AC system with refrigerant, if the AC compressor can't operate correctly you'll get warm air.

Why is my AC clutch turning on and off?

There are several possible causes as to why an air conditioner's compressor would quickly turn on and off. … There could be a short circuit or damaged wire in the electronic components of the compressor or the thermostat.

Mechanical failure

. Any of the mechanical components within the compressor may have failed.

What happens when AC compressor clutch goes bad?

A bad AC compressor clutch could

cause the belt that drives your AC compressor to wear down way quicker than it should

. That could result in damage being done to your AC compressor and leave you with a more costly repair job on your hands.

What does a bad AC compressor clutch sound like?


Squealing noise

: A loose, dry, or worn A/C compressor belt will cause squealing noise. This noise will be worse during acceleration. Rattling noise: A loose or worn clutch hub or loose compressor mountings bolt will also cause rattling noise from the compressor.

What are the signs of a bad AC compressor?

  • A Lack of Hot Air Being Released Outside. …
  • Loud or Strange Noises From the Unit. …
  • Failure of the Compressor to Turn On. …
  • Circuit Breaker Tripping. …
  • Leaks Around the Air Conditioning Unit. …
  • Warm Air Instead of Cool Air Being Delivered to the House. …
  • Reduced Airflow.

Can Autozone test a relay?


A relay can be checked with a jump cable

, a voltimeter, an ohmimeter or a test light. If the terminals are accessible and the relay is not controlled by a computer, the fastest method will be a jump cable and a test light.

What happens if starter relay goes bad?

If your starter relay has gone bad,

the electrical signal will never make it from the battery to the starter motor

. As a result, your engine won't turn over – no matter how many times you turn the key. A faulty relay often produces an audible clicking sound when you turn your car.

How can you tell if a relay fuse is blown?

  1. Locate the relay you need to test. …
  2. The quickest and easiest way to test a relay is to swap it out with a known good replacement. …
  3. Grab a multimeter and set it to Ohms. …
  4. Leave the multimeter on ohms or continuity. …
  5. Energize the electromagnet coil with a 9-12V battery across the pins.
Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.