Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Air conditioning (A/C) relay
The air conditioning (A/C) relay supplies the A/C compressor with voltage. The relay is controlled by the engine control module (ECM) based on information from different signals:
- the climate control module (CCM) (via the control area network (CAN))
- the engine coolant temperature
- the position of the accelerator pedal (AP)
- the pressure in the system.
The engine control module (ECM) can temporarily disengage the A/C compressor during wide open throttle (WOT) acceleration.
The relay is mechanical. It has a closing / breaking function and is supplied with power from the system relay.
In the rest position the circuit in the relay is open.
The system relay supplies the coil and the relay with power. The relay activates when the coil is grounded in the engine control module (ECM), the circuit closes and the A/C compressor is supplied with power via the relay voltage output.
The relay coil is grounded (signal) when the engine control module (ECM) receives a signal via the Controller area network (CAN) from the climate control module (CCM) to activate the relay and start the compressor.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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