'96 Taurus A/c Relay

[CBC66]

The a/c clutch isn't coming on, and I cannot locate a relay to check. There is no power going to the pressure switch or clutch, and the only fuse I can find(under dash)checks ok. The power distribution box under the hood shows no fuses or relays labeled for a/c. Would it be part of the power control module or is the relay located somewhere under the hood? Thanks for any help.

[CBC66]

I Read Thru Some Of The Past Posts On A/c Problems And Now Am Wondering If System Is Low On Freon. How Can I Jumpstart The Compressor To Check Freon Level? Is It True The Clutch Won't Kick In If The System Is Low?

[shorod]

If the pressure switch is working properly, it is true that the clutch will not engage the compressor if the system is low on refridgerant (BTW-Freon is a trademarked name for DuPont, just the R-12 I believe. Starting in '94, vehicles sold in the US came with R-134a refridgerant).

Although not recommended, you could short across the pressure switch connector terminals to temporarily force the clutch to engage. If the clutch engages and you can feel the low pressure line get cold or the air from the vents get cooler, then your system is probably just low on R-134a. However, this should be a sealed system, if it is low, you have a leak somewhere that should be repaired.

I know some people will say that it is normal for the system to need periodic recharges, but I disagree. My 1998 Taurus SHO never needed servicing (as far as the A/C goes) and my 1993 Dodge Stealth twin turbo has never needed a recharge.

If you would like a copy of the wiring diagram for your A/C system, private message me with an e-mail address for you that can accept PDF files and I will send the diagram your way. Actually, the diagrams will be for a 1998 Taurus, so they may be slightly different. I believe in 1996 the Taurus still used the Constant Control Relay Module (CCRM) which contained the A/C clutch relay along with some other relays. In '98, there was a discrete A/C clutch relay in the engine compartment fuse/relay center.

-Rod

[CBC66]

Thanks, Rod. The CCRM would explain why I can't find a seperate A/C
relay. I will email you if I need the diagram, but I think I need to focus on the CCRM at this point.

[shorod]

Originally Posted by CBC66

Thanks, Rod. The CCRM would explain why I can't find a seperate A/C
relay. I will email you if I need the diagram, but I think I need to focus on the CCRM at this point.

The diagrams at the following links are from a 1993 Taurus, but they may line up with your 1996 CCRM.

http://www.members.aol.com/Rod241473...uff/CCRM-1.jpg
http://www.members.aol.com/Rod241473...uff/CCRM-2.jpg

-Rod