New a/c comp diode needed? A/C does not work.

[morbidfaith]

I recently was changing my oil/oil filter and someone who I was working with removed the A/C comp diode from the fuse box underneath the hood. I think they may have put it in backwards, or I may have turned the key on while it was removed...

Ever since then the Air conditioning does not work. The fans still work, but the A/C button does not change the temperature of the air. The heat works just fine though.

My question is, is the A/C comp diode something that can break and can be replaced? Or is it possible that another fuse blew and that needs to be replaced also? Can you buy these diodes from a local auto store? Or would I need to go through Oldsmobile?

Thanks much for your help...

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

Assuming this is an Olds Alero your post has been moved to the Alero forum.

The A/C clutch diode can open or short out. Turning the key on with the diode removed should not hurt anything. Check the A/C clutch fuse or relay.

[morbidfaith]

When I took a look at the A/C BFC fuse, I noticed that it was blown so I replaced it. I turned the car on and the A/C still was not working. That was about a week ago. I recently took another look inside and noticed that the new fuse that I had replaced it with is blown also.

Would the fuse be blowing if the A/C comp relay is broken? How would I check? Also, where would I purchase another relay? (I found some by typing the number on the side into google).

Thanks much.

[BNaylor]

Possible. I'd have to look at the wiring diagrams to be sure but it could be the A/C clutch relay or maybe a bad A/C clutch at the compressor.

Disconnect the electrical connector at the compressor and leave the A/C clutch relay installed and put in a new fuse. Turn A/C on. Then see what it does and report back findings.

[morbidfaith]

I fixed it before I read your thread...I purchased a new diode online somewhere, and as I said earlier I put that in and nothing happened, but this was before I knew the fuse was still blown. So I went to autozone and picked up some more fuses, and a new relay that matched the A/C comp one. I put in a new fuse, the new relay, and the new diode and everything works. I tried putting back in the old diode and it blew the fuse again.

It works now with a new diode, fuse, and relay. I'm not sure if the old relay was even bad, but I'm willing to just leave it as is if it is working and not waste any more fuses.

Thanks for your help guys. I think I'll start a new thread about my broken horn :-P .