ronarndt

I am trying to remove the air conditioner relay on my 93 Touring with stock air conditioner. I have tried using slim screwdrivers to release the plastic tabs that hold the A/C relay in place with no luck. Does anyone have a specialty tool that will fit in the space alongside the relay and release the tabs? I have seen the all purpose relay tools that look like needle nose pliers, but am not sure if they will work. I do not want to use a BF screwdriver to destroy the SOB relay. Suggestions?

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

I believe there's just one retention tab holding it in. Even when it's disengaged you have to wiggle and fuss with it to get it out.

Would be nice if there was an easy tool to do it. Good thing is you don't have to pull relays that often.

May want to post a pic of the relay in question.

Dale

ronarndt

Dale- thanks. I ordered one of those pliers tools with long thin jaws for pulling relays. I may use it and see if that works better. Or- just wait for cooler weather when the AC is not needed.

ronarndt

I thought I was done working on PIA electrical problems for a while. I bought a 68 Vette convert with a NOM 454 engine recently and have been spending my free time working on it. The previous owner had fxxxxd up the wiring, so I had to install a complete wiring harness. Not fun, but it solved the pesky electrical problems. Everything on the car is pre- computer, so trouble shooting problems is a little more direct than on the FD. I think the Mazda gods are paying me back for driving a Detroit car instead of one from Japan. Two electrical problems on the FD in one day.

arghx

iTrader: (3)

Just remember that the factory wiring, when in good condition, always works unless here are modifications absolutely necessary. It's usually poorly executed home made wiring, aftermarket parts (especially security systems), and old/melted wires hat cause problems. And half the time the wires melt because somebody forgot to put covers and heat shields back on.

Cars as old as a 68 vette use circuits out of a high school physics textbook--very simple as you've said. Modern cars are the opposite, where you might have a set of wires sending signals digitally (CAN bus) replacing a lot of stuff.

ronarndt

arghx said "Modern cars are the opposite, where you might have a set of wires sending signals digitally (CAN bus) replacing a lot of stuff. " Exactly. Fortunately I am the second owner of my FD and the only electrical mod the previous owner did was to run a power wire for an installed car cell phone (remember those?) When I replaced the starter motor, solenoid and clutch safety switch I thought I had replaced everything in the starter circuit. I did not think about the cut out relay in the security system. I activated the alarm by mistake a short time before the no-start problem occurred, so that may have entered into the problem. I'm going to replace the cut out relay for good measure anyway.

bajaman

Y'all need to play in the British sports car world to learn the definition of 'fun' (NOT!) when it comes to electrical issues, lol!


Where is the a/c relay located that is causing you so much grief, ronarndt?

ronarndt

bajaman- I'll take a photo later today. It's in the black relay box mounted in front of the intercooler. I had a TR-4, TR-6 and a MG Midget. I try not to think about them if I can. I think Lucas means some really bad curse in some obscure middle eastern language.

ronarndt

Attached are photos of the relay. I have relocated the box to the top of the intercooler from its stock position for clearance reasons with the over-sized intercooler. Perhaps when the tool I ordered arrives, I can jiggle the relay enough to remove it.