[ErrorMargin]

Originally Posted by wazzz

That's predictable. Since your engine is out of the car, so is the starter and its solenoid.
If you check the AC electrical diagram posted above, you'll see that the AC relay in the smugglers box is taking its ground (on terminal 86) from the yellow wire that goes to the starter solenoid (pin 50). This relay cannot trip and cannot power AC unless you put the engine and starter back into the car and reconnect the starter.

Makes sense, thanks!