TJ'06 - Removing the A/C clutch relay

Hi! I'm new to this group, I live in Greece and I just recently bought a 2006 Jeep Wrangler. Here's my question:

Would I cause any damage to the A/C system if I remove the A/C clutch relay so that I can use the window defroster mode of the heater, without engaging the A/C ? If that works ok, I plan to wire a switch somewere so that I can enable / disable the A/C from the driver's seat.

Thanks, Bill Spiliotopoulos.

Reply to
Bill Spiliotopoulos
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Why would you want to? The A/C is supposed to run with the defroster to help dehumidify and clear the windshield faster.

Reply to
Matt Macchiarolo

Won't hurt the A/C system at all.

Reply to
DougW

I have the small 2.4 liter engine, and the A/C draws a noticeable amount of power... plus I get less fuel consumption. Anyway, the windshield is defogged efficiently without the A/C on rainy weather. I plan to install a switch so that I can engage the A/C when I need to dehumidify the cabin and deffog the side windows as well.

Thanks for the responses.

Bill Spiliotopoulos.

Reply to
Bill Spiliotopoulos

Reply to
L.W.(Bill) Hughes III

Why does this question come up a couple times a month? People write their questions like this is something new...

The A/C has automatically come on with the defrosters in American cars for, at least, 36 years... They did in my 1970 which was my first air conditioned car, and have in every one since then..

Reply to
billy ray

Well, the fact is you don't need a/c to defog glass. Defoggers have been around for almost as long as there's been glass. The early ones took the form of a forearm sleeve or other suitable loose bit of clothing. I still use this method on the rare occasion I get fog in my A/C less Cherokee. Works way faster than blowing warm humid air (what comes out of the defroster without ac) on the glass...

billy ray wrote:

Reply to
clay

Reply to
L.W.(Bill) Hughes III

Reply to
L.W.(Bill) Hughes III

I understand that not only does the A/C help defrost the windows, but that it also keeps the A/C itself in good shape.

-- msosborn at msosborn dot com

Reply to
Matt Osborn

The A/C should be ran at least once a month for a few minutes to cycle the oil. But not running the A/C for a few months sure isn't going to hurt anything.

Reply to
DougW

If you are making short trips, most of the fog comes from running the A/C with the defroster--old water. The OP could try just removing the electrical contact at the A/C clutch, put a bit of tape on it and cover the connector in the A/C. If that works for them, then, yes, adding a switch or a relay and a switch would work.

Probably an easier way to do it, but I don't have a wiring diagram for that vehicle.

L.W.(Bill) Hughes III proclaimed:

Reply to
Lon

Matt Osborn proclaimed:

That is true, but it doesn't need to be done that frequently to keep it in good shape.

Reply to
Lon

I agree.

Reply to
mabar

Just for giggles I looked up the circuit for my 93ZJ. Keep in mind I'm talking about the 93ZJ here. Your jeep may be different.

Few options. Switch the hot side of the relay by breaking the high/low limit sensor wire Switch the hot compressor clutch wire Intercept the PCM signal to the relay

They all have drawbacks. The limit sensors are watched by the ECU, so it might throw a code, especially with automatic climate control. Cutting in at the A/C clutch may also set a fault. Guess the easy way to tell is to pull the connector off the low limit sensor. (low limit sensor sits on top of the accumulator)

The A/C relay is controlled by the PCM. The line that runs from the PCM to the relay is a ground line so it can be safely broken. Place the switch into the ground side of the A/C relay. That way if it shorts out, nothing bad will happen. But you have to keep it well away from any 12V source because if the PCM grounds 12v directly it will fry.

If you ask nicely you can probably get a copy of the schematic from a dealership. (or at least scribble down the wire colors) Needless to say it's essential you get the correct wire. :)

When you cut into a line, use insulated terminals for both male and female sides. (spade or bullet terminals with plastic outer protectors)

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Cut the line and put a female on one side and a male on the other. That way if you ever remove the switch you can simply connect the wire back together.

And when working by the A/C system remember the condensation and route your wires away from the moisture.

=====

Reply to
DougW

The '06 TJ doesn't have an automatic climate control system. Just turns on or off the A/C and you select the hot / cold air mixture. I am guessing that the A/C system is independent from the ECU, but I am waiting for the FSM (I ordered one last week) to study the wiring diagram.

I have allready removed the A/C clutch relay for the past few days and I did not get any Diagnostic Codes or any other complaints from the ECU. The windshield is defogged just fine (the last 3 days it was continuously rainning). It took 10sec to defogg with the A/C engaged, and 30sec now, without the AC. If the door windows get fogged, rolling down a door window

1/2" takes care of that too. Plus I can have heat both at the feet and in the windshield.

I know that using the A/C is a much better way to deffog the windows and maybe the only way to do it in sever sircumstances. It's just that I'm cheap and don't want to waste gas when there is no need to.

I am waiting for the FSM to study the wiring and deside where it would be suitable to connect the A/C cut-off switch.

Thanks, Bill Spiliotopoulos.

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Reply to
Bill Spiliotopoulos

Why not just pull the fuse? Check the power distribution pack under the hood, there might be a fuse for the A/C compressor, or the relay itself, why not remove it and install when needed?

Reply to
Matt Macchiarolo

Because it is sealed with a sticker, the relay is not (the relay resides in the power distribution pack too).

Bill Spiliotopoulos. Ï "Matt Macchiarolo" Ýãñáøå óôï ìÞíõìá news:v4mdnQoVLv6AltTYnZ2dnUVZ snipped-for-privacy@comcast.com...

Reply to
Bill Spiliotopoulos

I would tag the trigger for the relay for the switch. The cover can be removed off the relay and the trigger pin can be snipped off. You then solder in your switch connection wire to the rivet the pin is connected to or to the ground side of the coil so you only need one wire to the switch and you ground the switch.

Here is a basic on generic or Bosch relays:

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Mike

86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail >
Reply to
Mike Romain

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