Things To Know Before You Buy & Install Switches & Relays

What Is AC Relays?

When the system is turned on, the air conditioner (A/C) relay will send electrical power to the air conditioning compressor as well as the air conditioning compressor clutch. The working of an AC relay is similar to any other relay which is often controlled by an AC button.

What Is AC Switches?

The AC Switch that is present on the dashboard helps in controlling the various aspects of the air conditioning system in your car. These might include the power, blower speed, temperature control and airflow direction. Apart from the dashboard switches, there are also specific controls which the AC switch has, such as the condenser fan switch, the AC clutch switch and the pressure switch, which is designed to control certain parts of the AC system.

If the pressure in the AC compressor goes high or low suddenly, then the pressure switch will turn the compressor clutch off so that the damage to the compressor can be prevented. The speed of the condenser fan is controlled by the condenser switch, whereas the temperature of the evaporator core is controlled by the clutch switch. If the air conditioner has to work efficiently, then you should make sure that all the switches are properly operational. Even if a single switch fails, the performance of the AC will be poor which in turn can affect the comfortless of your ride.

Here are a few symptoms of the faulty switches and relays:

• The working of the air conditioning compressor is intermittent (random): If the relay wears out, the A/C compressor will be turned on at random intervals.
• This action takes place because the electrical contacts which is present inside the relay might not be totally worn, but they might not have a good connection.
• Vents blow only warm air: There can be several other issues, but the most common one is, the failure of the A/C relay which prevents the A/C compressor from receiving the signal to start.
• This in turn is accompanied by the absence of the normal ‘click’ sound heard which you will hear when you turn on the A/C.
• Blinking of the A/C light is an indication that the air conditioning has an issue, but not usually if the relay has been damaged.

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It is very important to arm yourself with information before you shop any auto part. We are here to help you dive deep into the names of the Switches & Relays related parts.

• A/C Power Module
• Compressor Cut-Off Switch
• Blower Switch
• Fan Switch
• Heater Valve Control Switch

The motor switch on your heater and air conditioning will turn out to be faulty if the switch gets stuck in some position or doesn’t bulge at all.

Step 1 of 3 Check the system:

Step 1

• Identify, what kind of system your car has with the help of a vehicle’s manual. There will be a few switches and buttons in a manual system that will make it easier to diagnose and change the switch if it is faulty. 

Step 2

• Now you have to test the system. Move the fan switch to all positions and note down as what happens. 

Step 3

• Look at the fuse panels. The location of the fuse and relay panels can be cross-checked with the owner’s manual. 

Step 2 of 3 Accessing the switch:

Step 1 

• Now separate the battery. Wear your safety glasses and separate the negative cable of your battery. 

Step 2

• If you have to change the fan switch, then you must remove the knob. 

Step 3

• Now take away the fastener. With the help of a deep-well socket remove the nut which holds the switch to the dashboard. You have to push the switch inside the dashboard and take it out so that you can access it. 

Step 4

• Reaching your switch from behind can be very tricky. If your car is an older one then it might be easier to reach the switch from the backside of the panel as you will have to remove only a few pieces of trim.
• The bottom of the dashboard is covered by cardboard panels which is held on by plastic pins or screws and can be removed easily. if the switch is present in the center console then you can access it easily by taking off the individual panels on the side of the console. 

Step 3 of 3 Replace the switch:

Step 1

• Now you will have to change the switch. At this point, the switch will be easily accessible and you can separate them.
• You will have to be careful, as there will be locking tabs on the connector which has to be squeezed before it releases and pulls off. The plastic connectors are brittle and might break easily.
• You can now fix the new switch and test it before you put each of the parts back together. Connect the battery cable again if there are no exposed wires and try running the fan to see if any other diagnostic work has to be carried out.