So I am attempting once again to fix my auto climate control. This time I am hoping its a relay thing (well sort of). Anyway I hear 1 of the 2 relays turn. The other one does not.

My question is 2 parts:

1. Would a JDM relay differ from USDM relay?

2. Do all relays function the same? Basically I am curious if I can just go to autozone tell them I need a relay that matches the size/shape/plug and plug it into my JDM EF7 and have my climate control work.

 

Not all relays are the same.
Example is the main relay. It is actually two relays internally.

However, normal relays are pretty similar so if you know how to wire it up then a standard relay will get it done.

Doubtful that you will find a size/shape/plug fit without buying the relay per the OEM part number. Although they function pretty much the same, the pins may be configured differently depending on how the relay is being used.

Here's a quick read for relay basics
http://www.rattlebars.com/mtz/basicrelay.html

 

Thank you, per the genius (regis-crx) who explained what the relays did (One is hi one is low for the temperature). It is a pretty small one about (2 in x 1 in x .5 in) with 4 plugs 2 are silver 2 are copper colored, and actually look just like this:

http://www.autopartsdeal.com/catalog...AC+Delco+Relay

but I dont know if the internals would do the same thing of whatever it is mine does. Do I risk ruining any electronics if I was to buy that and plug it in? Again my car knowledge is excessively limited and everything I have changed on my car was through trial and error, but this would be a more costly fix if I was to break anything

 

The HONDA fan and compressor relays are the same.
Otherwise, you need to verify coil voltage, and the contacts. Most have N/O (normally open) and N/C (normally closed) contacts, or both.
Check really well before throwing one in.

 

From the sound of the post, he's doing interior climate control.
Not radiator fan and A/C compressor.

 

Yes you are 100% correct. That OEM part is discountinued (I believe I bought the last one) but need a second one. It says 12volts on the one I have, I am just very fearful that I might make one problem 10x worse and not have a functioning anything should I ruin it.

 

By normal open/close is that based on the color of the plug? 2 are silver and 2 are copper. I was told not to even bother taking the thing apart, I am just trying to figure out if it possible to check before opening it up (hoping the identifier is located on the outside)

The existing ones I have say:

12v No
Rc-2218
Mitsuba Japan
'93t

this is what it looks like but the ones I have show " '93t " is that of any importance?:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/04-Subaru-Re...sories&vxp=mtr

There is also a picture of coils with a number chart going 1-4 on it but the picture I took was not clear enough for me to see. Does any of tell me if its open/close?

Oh and tyvm for the link I was looking for something that explained how a relay works I thought it was just like a fancy resistor and didnt realize thing move inside it

 

picture a light switch.
A relay is just a set(s) of contacts.
The relay's coil is a electromagnet that actuates (switches) the contacts.
'Normally Open' means 'off' without power to the coil. (button pushed)
Push the button, energizes the coil, closes contacts, --> turns item on.

A relay is a way of switching a high-load(amp) circuit via a low-amp signal signal circuit.

If you have a multi-meter you can verify the internals of the relay without taking it apart.

Most important thing to check is the replacment relay's contacts has the same amp-rating as the original.
i.e.--> run 15amps through a 5amp rated set of contacts and you could end up with a wire fire.