Unknown plug burnt?

Tiny
KAMIHAWK
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 BUICK REGAL
  • 11,100 MILES
My air conditioner clutch apparently went out. This plug is hanging down from the passenger side front end of my car underneath and I don't know where it goes.
Thursday, July 21st, 2022 AT 2:48 PM

15 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

As far as the plug, if possible, take a pic of it and upload it for me to see. Also, let me know how many wires go to it and their colors.

If you can, see if there is power going to it. All you will need is a test light. Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, July 21st, 2022 AT 7:30 PM
Tiny
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It behaves as if the battery is half power or something. But it's a brand new battery and is completely charged.
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Tuesday, July 26th, 2022 AT 7:52 AM
Tiny
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The serpentine belt, starter, and battery have all been replaced.
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Tuesday, July 26th, 2022 AT 7:52 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

That appears to be a circuit breaker. What color are the wires going to it? I think I see green, but I need to confirm.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, July 26th, 2022 AT 8:28 PM
Tiny
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One is black and one is green, and I can honestly say I have no idea of where it actually originally was connected because it was just hanging from around the area the air conditioner serpentine belt. The battery and starter are all located and more towards the front of the car underneath is where it was hanging versus the back.
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Friday, July 29th, 2022 AT 12:32 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I went through the wiring schematics for the compressor. Actually, the wires going to the compressor clutch are dark green and black. Take a look at the pic below.

Are you able to follow the wiring to see if it does in fact go to the compressor? Also, is there a part number on the part that plugs into the connector? See pic 2.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, July 29th, 2022 AT 8:18 PM
Tiny
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That pick of the plug is it! What is that?
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Thursday, August 4th, 2022 AT 7:31 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

I'm not sure. I was wondering if there was a part number on it.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, August 4th, 2022 AT 4:51 PM
Tiny
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It says PMC 15 A.
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Thursday, August 4th, 2022 AT 7:55 PM
Tiny
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.
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Thursday, August 4th, 2022 AT 7:57 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Are there any other numbers? At this point, I'm not 100% certain. I believe it is an A/C diode fuse, but I can't verify that.

The wire colors should go to the compressor. Have you been able to trace them?

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, August 5th, 2022 AT 4:25 PM
Tiny
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You are correct. Which I'm thoroughly grateful for, but unfortunately it doesn't solve my problem with why my car isn't starting LOL
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Sunday, August 7th, 2022 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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LOL We can fix that too. Do me a favor and check if it will start using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know its fuel related. If there is no change, I need you to check for spark to the plugs.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, August 7th, 2022 AT 10:17 PM
Tiny
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Not starting isn't the only problem, it doesn't crank at all. It acts as if the battery is draining. But the battery is brand new.
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Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 AT 6:33 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Have you confirmed the battery is charged?

Here is a simple load test you can do at home without tools:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Before going further, see if it will start in neutral.

If the battery is good/charged and neutral makes no change, then we need to start checking fuses. There are several that need to be good for the starter to engage.

Below, I attached the wiring schematic for the starter circuit. I highlighted all necessary fuses for things to work. Additionally, there is a starter relay that needs to be checked if the fuses are good. So, the easiest thing to do is this.

If you have a helper, locate the purple wire on the starter motor. That wire will only have power when the key is in the start position. At all other times, it will not have power. So, have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check for power at the purple wire. If there is power, then we know the relay and fuses are all good and the starter is bad. If there is no power, then check the fuses. In addition to checking fuses, make sure there is power to and from them.

Here is a link to help you with that process:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

If all fuses are good and have power, we need to test the relay. If there is a different relay in the box that has the same part number, switch them. If there isn't one, here is a link explaining how to test one:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

If the relay is good, then we will need to check for ground issues for the relay. We will cross that bridge if needed.

The last two pics show the locations of the relay and fuses. Pic 3 is the under-hood fuse box and pic 4 is in the vehicle.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

see pics below.

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Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 AT 12:32 PM

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