Owner's Problem Description
The owner of a 1992 Chrysler LeBaron is having difficulty locating the air conditioner clutch relay, which is supposed to be in the power distribution center under the hood. They have searched but cannot find it. The vehicle is experiencing issues with the air conditioning system, and they want to confirm if the relay is functioning properly. No previous repairs or part replacements related to the air conditioning system have been mentioned, and the current condition of the vehicle includes operational AC with intermittent issues.
Professional Technical Analysis
The 1992 Chrysler LeBaron, particularly the AA body style, is equipped with a unique relay configuration. The air conditioner clutch relay should be located on the inner fender, along with others such as the fuel pump and radiator fan relays. The relay in question is positioned between these two, closer to the rear relay. Given the owner's difficulty in locating the relay, it’s crucial to confirm the exact layout of the power distribution system. If the relay is indeed defective, it can be bypassed by jumping the gray 12V feed wire and the dark blue/black wire to check for operational continuity without replacing the component. This method allows for verification of whether the relay is the source of the air conditioning malfunction. However, symptoms such as fluctuating AC performance could also be indicative of system pressure issues, which should be measured prior to making assumptions about relay functionality. It is essential to ensure that the relay is receiving the correct 12V supply and that the connections are clean and secure. A thorough inspection of the system should include checking for any codes related to the climate control system and ensuring that the AC system pressures are within manufacturer specifications.
Possible Causes
Most common causes (ordered by frequency):
- Relay Configuration Issue: The air conditioning clutch relay may not be located where expected due to model variations. For the AA body style, the relay is mounted on the inner fender, which is different from other configurations. The relay's position is critical to troubleshooting as incorrect assumptions about its location can lead to unnecessary diagnostic steps. - Owner's inability to locate the relay despite expectations based on documentation; presence of multiple relay configurations across different models.
- Relay Malfunction: If the air conditioning system is not functioning properly, the relay itself may be defective. This can be checked by jumping the relay terminals to bypass the relay and see if the AC engages. If the AC operates normally with the relay bypassed, the relay is likely at fault. - Intermittent AC function; successful engagement of the AC when bypassing the relay indicates potential relay failure.
Diagnostic Steps
Professional Diagnosis Process
Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose the issue. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.
- STEP 1 - Locate the Relay: Confirm the vehicle's body style to determine the correct relay location. For the AA body style, the relay will be found on the inner fender. Check for any corrosion or damage to the connectors and ensure that the relay is firmly seated in its socket.
- STEP 2 - Bypass the Relay: If the relay location is confirmed and the AC still does not engage, use a jumper wire to connect the gray 12V wire and the dark blue/black wire to bypass the relay. This will help verify if the relay is the issue by directly supplying power to the clutch.
- STEP 3 - Measure System Pressures: While testing, measure the AC system pressures to ensure they are within the manufacturer’s specifications. Normal operating pressures should be around 30-40 PSI for the low side and 200-250 PSI for the high side under operation.
