So this isn't the common issue of trying to get the A/C to shut off when the defroster is on, it's different.


So we just bought this car used and when we first got it we noticed that the 'radiator fan' always came on. I mean always, it doesn't matter if it is 30 degrees outside and not started in a day, it still comes on instantly. I thought maybe this is just the way they are (coming from a 4th gen, hey who knows what 10 years can do), and let it go for a while. But then I started to notice other things, like after a few minutes of running the engine when you go to turn the a/c on it is always instantly cold (obviously a/c is not on before this, and even to test it the temp is set to all the way hot w/ a/c off of course). Also, when you turn the car off after driving for a few minutes and park it, there is condensation dripping from under the car, but the AC WAS NOT ON at all. The whole time the heater could be at full blast (yes tested it) and it still will be condensing/dripping water. Also, I noticed that when I start the car and let it run for maybe ten seconds, with no a/c on, and then shut it off, I can hear decompressing/liquidy movement noises (you know a/c noises) for another maybe ten seconds until it dies off. And one more thing, when I was putting in a cd player I noticed cut wires that look like they could go to some black box that is attached behind the panel in front of the shifter. I taped them up so they didn't contact anything (they were bare on the ends).

In other words, I am pretty sure my a/c is on all the time even when it is definately not selected.


So in summary;

• Fan always comes on when started no matter what.
• When A/C is turned off, and car has been running, then turned on it is instantly cold.
• When you turn the car off (with no a/c on at all or ever) there are a/c noises of decompressing/condensing gas/liquid etc.
• The car drips condensation (on humid days) even when the A/C has never been turned on that day.
• Crazy stripped wires in the dash.

So, does anyone have a clue what this is?

 

post pics of the stripped wires. does the a/c compressor click on and off repeatedly? the compressor clutch relay could be constantly on, thus constantly cycling the compressor. id disconnect the compressor and take it to someone reputable at diagnosing electrical issues.

 

I haven't been able to notice it turning on and off. I've tried to listen for that with the car running and the hood open, but it seemed constant. I can deal with this in the summer if needed. What would be the best way to disable it?

I can still try to get a picture of the wires, but I am about the only person that will deal with this. I can troubleshoot it, but I am unfamiliar with this car and was wondering if someone else had an experience like this or had a good idea (you know, you all are passionate about these cars, like I am with my 4th gen).

 

OK, I messed around a little with the relays. I don't have any good literature on what does what in there, but I followed the pictures. Does any one have an electronic service manual?

Anyway, the a/c relay was on all the time, I could tell because the plate on the clutch was spinning the whole time and then when I take the relay with the snowflake out it stops . I don't think it is a bad relay though because I switched them around and it did the same thing.

Remember that the fan was coming on instantly when you turn the car on, no matter if it is 20 degrees (like now) outside or whatever. It is the normal radiator fan, not the 'condensor fan' like I thought it was. I could tell (at least I think) that it was the normal fan because the picture in the fuse box was just the radiator, no snowflake. When I removed that, the fan shut off. But when I remove the one with radiator and snowflake, it doesn't do anything.

I would be convinced that the car thought that the a/c was on all the time if the fan turning on all the time was the condensor fan. But it doesn't seem that that is what is happening.




Here are the crazy stripped wires. They have electrical tape over the ends now. The two colored wires are (*main color/stripe*), white/red, yellow/green. Also, what is this black box of doom hanging out there?

 

Looks like you've got some "custom" wiring done in there, from the factory all the wires are loomed back there. So really, Lord knows what you're actually dealing with.

It seems like, in this case, a Haynes/Chilton manual is going to be your best friend. It will have complete wiring diagrams, etc. Mine's been worth it's weight in gold.