1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Hi,
I couldn't tell from your post, so I'll just ask to confirm:
Are the 2x15 amp and 30 amp relays original SAAB relays? Or are they generic, Radio Shack or local auto parts chain relays?
The reason I ask is this: I don't know if other (non-SAAB) relays will be set up the exactly the same inside as SAAB relays, so I'd try using an original SAAB a/c relay (try a junkyard, if new prices are too high--worked for me on other relays!).
The problem might lie in your swapped relays' internal wiring and that the 2x15 relay and the 30 amp relay you are using just aren't the right part.
The SAAB owner's manual for my 1984 900 (yours is same, to best of my knowledge) states that the A/C relay (for compressor) is part #8572190 and is located in positon D of the fusebox/relay panel under the hood. There is another relay on these 900s, part #8522310, in position J to power the radiator cooling fan for the A/C. Do you have the positions mixed up?
All relays are not created equal. In fact, on my '84, none of the relays are interchangeable except positions J and K, which both have the same part number. (If you're wondering, the K position relay is for the horn.)
NOTE: Since the SAAB manual states that the A/C cooling fan relay (pos. J) and the compressor relay (position D) are NOT the same part number, I wouldn't swap them around.
If the relay info doesn't help, then I'd look at all my wire connections before condemning the compressor; swap in a new or used A/C dash switch to try that, too. Also, for reference, the A/C system has a few cut-out circuits:
1) Low freon pressure switch at the receiver/dryer (behind pass. side headlight) the canister with plumbing leading to it, a pencil eraser-sized sight glass on top, and two blue wires leading to it. The blue wires are for the unit's low pressure switch, which kills current to the compressor if freon is low. I don't think these usually fail, but do check the wiring.
2) High coolant temp cut-out switch at the upper radiator hose. The switch cuts out at high engine coolant temps (like above 236°F, if I remember right). Check wiring here, too. Check switch by shorting the two wires leading to switch together. If A/C works now, replace cut-out switch.
3) "Anti-freeze" thermostat--NOT for engine coolant--located in the passenger side fenderwell which cycles the compressor on and off to keep the evaporator fins from icing over and blocking airflow into cabin. This switch cycles A/C off when it's sensor bulb inside A/C evaporator fins in the fresh air intake gets below a certain temp). Mine on a previous '84S went bad and stuck "on," allowing compressor to run all the time the A/C switch was pushed in. The mechanic told me that's why, after running the A/C on hot, humid days, I would get decreased airflow at all fan speeds occaisionally. The other failure mode, he told me, is that it sticks "off," or never allows compressor to engage. But I'm getting sidetracked and this switch probably isn't the culprit...
4) Full-throttle A/C cut-out switch located on the throttle body on intake manifold. Turns off A/C when you floor the gas pedal so none of that power is robbed by the A/C compressor. Saves driver from having to turn off A/C for passing power, etc. [Another set of contacts on this switch senses idle (throttle closed) for a/c idle-up function of LH-Jetronic computer.]
Okay, that's enough. I hope some of this rambling helps!
--Micah in NC
'84 900S, 237K mi.
'89 900S 108K mi.
posted by 64.12.96...
Click here for my photo of the a/c sight glass on my '84 900S.
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