The A/C clutch is not turning on?

2004 TOYOTA MATRIX
120,000 MILES • 1.4L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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DBROUSSARDI
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  • 1 POST
I was reading a forum earlier, whereas the problem pointed out to be the A/C relay.
I changed the relay and did work for a short time. Is it possible to get a faulty relay?
May 19, 2015 at 7:21 PM
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CARADIODOC
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 34,321 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Most relays for automotive applications are very simple devices with a real low failure rate. Failures almost always consist of rusted or corroded contacts, and you won't find that with new ones.

With a car as new as yours, you can connect a scanner to view live data, and under "Inputs and Outputs", you can see if the Engine Computer is commanding the AC compressor relay to turn on. If it is not, there's no point is suspecting the relay. Low refrigerant charge would be much more likely.
May 19, 2015 at 7:55 PM
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