My AC decided it did not want to work anymore in my 93 hatch. Which is convenient here in GA where is hot as *****. I noticed that my compressor does not kick on when I hit the button on the climate control. I pulled off the relay to see if it looked burned up or anything. I took a wire and arced it across and bam it kicked on. I started to think its a bad relay.

I know there has to be a way to test this thing with a multimeter or something. Can some one guide me on how to test a relay or does anyone have a possible answer to my problem. AC sure would be nice to have again.

 

Seems like you discovered the problem already, as long as none of the pins are recessed or badly corroded im sure the relay is bad

 

The other part to my question is how to test the relay cause there are 2 of them there and not sure which is bad. I would like to know how to test them just to be sure

 

switch them. if the other works, then you know to buy a relay.

 

If you can figure out what pin should get power and which one should be grounded you can apply both and see if the relay clicks over

 

This^...assuming that the condenser fan runs when the A/C is on. The clutch and fan relays are identical.

 

Hey, I got one right..lol

 

 

In most cases these systems are old and eventually leak. The reason it may have kicked on is because you arced the wires bypassing the pressure sensor. When the system does not have enough refrigerant it will not come on as normal because the pressure sensor serves as a safety so the system doesn't run on low fluids/gas which would cause the compressor to heat up and fail.

Easy test...go to parts store and pick up small can of r12 or r134 what ever your system runs on..good luck finding r12 anyways...have your car on and running with the ac on and proceed to start refilling the ac system with freon, if it kicks on its because its now built enough pressure in the system and will run like normal but as soon as you leak it out then system will turn off again. Now you must isolate the leak and fix it before going any further. good luck.

 

OK just noticed in your post that you drive a 93 so this means your AC system is R12 and you need to find a professional who is licensed in handling R12 freon. Its highly toxic and illegal to handle if not licensed.

 

I agree with Boost. Hopefully your problem is just needing new o-rings in your Schrader valves. They are cheap enough but the R-12 thru a licensed shop will probably run you $100 or so. AC is worth it in Florida or anywhere this year.Better fix it as soon as possible or the other system internals will go bad with moisture over time.