1999 escort-A/C relay fix

Before starting on this repair I came on this board to see if anyone had a fix listed, I didn't find one, now I'm posting one for the next guy. The relay in these is actually a "multi-funtion" device with many relays & other stuff on a circuit board. Apparantly these are dieing alot cuz they're on back-order 'till 8/31, (according to the dealer I called) and then it'll be a couple weeks after that to accually get one, AND if that weren't enough, it's almost $200 after tax! As an added bonus it appears they haven't changed the design on it so it'll happen again at some point. Not wanting my customer to cook herself for two months or spend a buttload of $$, I grabbed the drill (it's not fix-freindly designed) & tore into that sucker. I found an open connection at one of the relay to circuit board contact points, re-soldered it, re-sealed the box, & she's chillin' again. So now you tool friendly fix-it types know what to do. For the semi fix-it guys, you could probably take it out & find an electonic repair place to fix it for you or contact me & I can do it.

Good idea. I guess you could also buy an after-market relay and install that. I know NAPA has all kinds of relays.

installing a new relay in the box would be harder than fixing the existing problem, but with some now-how and re-wiring you could install a relay outside the box just for the a/c, then you'd be set for life.

installing a new relay in the box would be harder than fixing the existing problem, but with some now-how and re-wiring you could install a relay outside the box just for the a/c, then you'd be set for life.
That's what I was thinking. I already have a relay for my driving lights. It's a Chrysler headlight relay. Works fine.

Where is this relay? I can't seem to find one. I jumped the compressor and it kicks on and the pressure switch is ok, but cant find a relay.

Hi hino, and welcome to the forum. The relay is inside the CCRM (Constant Control Relay Module), which is located beneath the air filter.

The solder repair is discussed in this thread (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=504830), and this post (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=4855121&postcount=30) links to an illustrated guide.

If you want to check out the relay voltages before opening the CCRM, we were discussing them in this thread (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=729305) just a couple of weeks ago.