A/C compressor relay location?

[BuickMike]

Which relay is for the A/C compressor? Also, does the engine need to be running to engage the compressor clutch?

I hooked up my battery and am working on getting rid of the electrical gremlins before firing up the car for the first time. The only thing I have left right now is making sure the AC compressor clutch engages. I jumped the plug on the Accumulator and set the climate control to Max AC. I'm guessing that the ECM still needs to send a signal to the relay to engage the clutch, but I'd at least like to manually trigger the relay if that is the case just to make sure it works. I just don't have any clue which one it is.

 

[GN owner]

The answer is here: 86-87 Turbo 3.8 Liter Engine Sensors

 

[BuickMike]

Thanks! Sometimes I forget about good 'ol GNTType.org.

So, once the pressure sensor on the accumulator shows pressure is it still up to the ECM to engage the compressor relay? What are the requirements for that to happen? Does the motor have to be running?

 

[GN owner]

Mike,

With the key ON only and engine not running the clutch will not engage. Once you start the engine and it reaches a certain RPM the A/C clutch should engage.

Here is another post that will help you: http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/general-turbo-buick-tech/356641-ac-questions.html

 

[novaderrik]

you could just run a jumper wire from the + terminal on the battery to the green wire that goes to the clutch to engage it..

 

[BuickMike]

you could just run a jumper wire from the + terminal on the battery to the green wire that goes to the clutch to engage it..

I did that and the clutch works. I just wanted to test the system as far back as I could go. After 5 years there were plenty of electrical gremlins to chase and I figured that I'd cover everything I can before firing it up. I'll just assume its all good and deal with it after I get the motor broken in. I just wish it would cool off around here so I can get do that.

 

[85Dan85TType]

Since I'll be to this point in the next few days (hopefully). What is the best method for going through and making sure there are no gremlins pre-startup? Do you just turn everything on and off and check for power, or is there something else that needs done.