2003 Corolla AC Relay Problem

[Compaq]

So, my AC in my 2003 Corolla started working intermittently and then not at all. I put the HORN relay in (just as a test for a few days) where the AC relay goes and everything worked great.

I purchased a new RELAY from Autozone and put it in and the AC worked fine for a while and then not at all. I then purchased a second RELAY from another company and now the AC takes about 10 minutes for it to kick in almost every time I start the car. It seems the cheaper relays that aren't genuine Toyota don't work reliably. Maybe I need to dish out $75 for the Toyota one??

Like I said, when I use the one for the horn it works perfectly all the time. What gives??

[oxiris]

Why don't you use the HORN relay for the AC and buy a cheap one to use on the HORN... Think this should work!

[bambam8778]

I'm sure you have already gotten your problem fixed but I will tell you how my experience went just in case. It seems we have had the same problem. My AC would not work at all. I checked the fuse beneath the dash, nothing. I checked the relay and it was that. I tried to get one from Pep Boys and they had to order it. Since I am impatient I went to Toyota and it was listed there for about $10 more. I was kind of hesitant while at the parts window and she looked up my account (how much I've spent at Toyota) and she gave it to me for what Pep Boys was charging. Nice ehh!!! I put it in and the problem was solved, or so I thought. Up until this point I really have not had to sit in traffic for very long but my temp gauge started to increase this last summer. I didn't know what to do and when I sat, the AC would stop too even with the new relay. I found out the fan wasn't working. I am a tinkerer and everyone told me to check this and check that. I tried and got frusterated so I made sure the fan would work when it got electricity (it did) and I hot wired the thing and put a switch on the dash. It's an '03 and it almost has 200K on it (I'm not going for looks, going to run it until I can't fix it anymore) so it's ok. Hope this helps because I know I like having my AC back!!!!

[dagm182]

i think i have the same problem when i turn on the car the a/c wont work or intermittently(knowing compressor only kicks in every 10 20sec) i check for preassure and it was fine now im thinking its electrical because when i shut it off and turn it back on it works..now i also did a small test i didnt see the compressor kicking in while a/c was on so i unplug the highside switch wait 10sec and plug it back in and started working agian now wheres the relay for the a/c i was wondring cuz i cant find it ..lol

[mikered30]

It is in the fuse box under the hood, labeled M/G CLT. Swap it with the horn relay.

[shemphill]

Originally Posted by mikered30

It is in the fuse box under the hood, labeled M/G CLT. Swap it with the horn relay.

That sounds exactly like my problem on my 04. The AC went intermittent for a few weeks, then died completely. The MG/CLT relay has oil all over it.

My question is: Where is the Horn Relay?

[mikered30]

Originally Posted by shemphill

That sounds exactly like my problem on my 04. The AC went intermittent for a few weeks, then died completely. The MG/CLT relay has oil all over it.

My question is: Where is the Horn Relay?

There is a diagram under the fuse box relay cover that shows the location.


It is number 9 here:

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b4...elocations.jpg

[shemphill]

Originally Posted by mikered30

There is a diagram under the fuse box relay cover that shows the location.


It is number 9 here:

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b4...elocations.jpg

Yep - it was just dirty and I couldn't read it. That worked! So if the horn relay is cheaper, does that mean it's not rated for a long duty cycle?