Whether you plan on doing vehicle maintenance yourself or relying on the competence of a certified automotive technician, it’s good to know at least a little bit about your vehicle’s AC system. What kind of preventative maintenance should you be doing on it? What are some of the signs and symptoms of a faulty or failing component or system? Can you get away with a repair or do you need to replace the entire system if something goes wrong?
Here, we will explore topics like your vehicle’s A/C compressor relay location, how to discover whether or not you have a potential problem with the compressor, and more.
Where Is the A/C Compressor Relay Located?
While all vehicles are created slightly differently, for the most part, the locations of air conditioning system compressor parts are as follows:
- In the under-hood fuse box, you will typically find air conditioning relays.
- For the most part, the location of the actual compressor for your vehicle’s A/C will be with the rest of the accessories that are belt driven – in the front of the engine.
What Is an A/C Compressor?
So that your vehicle’s air conditioning system performs at the highest level, you must have a fully functioning compressor. Acting as your A/C’s power units, the compressor pressurizes refrigerant prior to pumping it to the condenser. From a gas to a liquid, the refrigerant changes courtesy of the condenser.
To both the clutch and the compressor for your vehicle’s A/C system, power is supplied courtesy of the relay.
Signs and Symptoms of a Faulty or Failing Compressor Relay
The compressor relay involved in your vehicle’s air conditioning system may be faulty or failing if you notice the following:
- No Cold Air: If the air conditioning system for your vehicle isn’t providing any cold air, the A/C relay may have failed. No air can be produced by the system because the compressor won’t operate – because the relay failed. While this is the most common issue if cold air isn’t being produced by automotive air conditioning systems – there are many other potential causes.
- Non-Activation of the A/C Compressor: Again, your vehicle’s air conditioning system can’t operate if the compressor doesn’t turn on. If it doesn’t activate, it could be a problem with the relay. Listen for a clicking noise to detect whether or not the compressor has been activated. A failed relay will prevent it from getting the power it needs.
- Cooling Is Inconsistent: The relay powers the compressor. Cold air can’t be produced correctly if the A/C system isn’t functioning properly. The compressor may be receiving intermittent or weakened power from the relay if the relay is failing. This means the A/C system will function intermittently or in a weakened manner.
R & Y A/C Compressors® Carries Automotive Air Conditioning Compressors
For more than 30 years now, we have been providing quality services and parts for our valued customers. We’d like to consider you one of them. Our family-owned and operated business stocks an impressive array of automotive air conditioning system components. Contact us to find out more.