A/C Condenser Fan Question
 

The A/C condenser blower in my car was disconnected when I bought it. I was told that the fan was making noise.

I tried to test the fan by putting 12v to it. The motor groaned and the fan moved a few degrees, but that was about it. As expected, I will be replacing it.

At the same time, I put connected my volt meter to the wires that feed the fan and turned the air conditioning switches on, expecting to see 12 volts on the meter, but found nothing.

My question: Is the fan controlled by a relay or perhaps a thermostatic switch that had not closed yet during my brief test?

Where should I look next?

Could be several things. Assuming the fuse is good, then there are 2 relays one on the fuse panel and one in the smugglers box. The one in the smugglers box controls the condenser fan IIRC.

AC can be a slippery slope. Good luck!

Couple of thoughts but first a disclamer: I am not an electrical expert and don't fully understand the A/C circuitry so take my comments at face value not as fact.

The only A/C relay I am aware of is in the smugglers box on left side under the lip as you are facing the windshield. You might try testing it.

Secondly, are you converted to 134a? If so and your system is low on charge the high/low pressure switch (required on 134a conversions and not present on R-12 systems) will prevent the compressor from running......but I think the high/low switch may be downstream from the relay. If so, it would not prevent the relay from energizing.

That's all I got.

....2 Relays.....see, I'm already wrong!:D

Thank you for the suggestions. I was unaware of the relay in the smuggler's box.

The solution was much more obvious than one would expect: I was testing the wrong connector. There is a second identical connector (with much heavier wire) right next to the power supply for the fan. When I tested the proper connector, I found my missing 12 volts.

Not sure what the second connector is for. I'm surprised that they would two identical connectors on equal length wires that fall in the same spot.

Also: Mark, I have read your other A/C threads and found them to be very informative. Thanks.

Woodyhfd,

Start with the fuse panel.

Check for 12V on both sides of fuses #2.

This fuse is a high amp connection, and does corrode.

I've replaced ours twice.

Then both A/C relays.

One in the box, and the one (#6) on the fuse/relay panel
closest to the front of the car.

Good luck,

Gerry

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