95 Legacy A/C issue--relays??

[brighton98]

The A/C on my 95 Lego is fully charged and usually cools well. However, it sometimes goes through quick on/off cycles where is will get warm, and a quick clicking, like an on/off switch, is heard--it seems to be near the firewall or under the dash. My old Escort had two relays that caused this; does a Legacy also have them, or is there another cause? Thanks!

[Legacy777]

The ac system does have a relay, however I'm not sure I'd say the relays would be the cause. Without some additional information on system pressures, it'd be hard to pin point what's exactly going on, and the cause.

[brighton98]

I had the pressures checked and they're "normal." When this clicking starts, I found that shutting the A/C 2-3 times seems to stop the problem. If I turn the car off and later restart, I often must do the same thing, then it's good to go. The click is on the right side, sounds under the dash. Where's that relay again??

[Rooster2]

With all that clicking, I too, would suspect a bad relay. Relays should be under the hood on the driver's side near top edge of fender in a black plastic box that also holds the fuses. The top of the black box unclips for removal. On the inside of the box lid is a listing of what each fuse does, but am unsure if relay functions are listed.

 

If possible, start the relay to clicking. With the box cover removed, you can touch the relays to feel which one is clicking. Once the clicker is found, suggest replacing that particular one.

[Legacy777]

Sorry for the late reply. I've been out of the country.

 

If it's up under the passenger side dash, it's probably the ac cut relay. Here's a diagram for the 90-94 legacy, but should be the same/similar for the 95.

 

http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/files/swap/elect_unit_loc/6-3_electrical_unit_location03.jpg

[idosubaru]

It does sound like a relay going bonkers but for sake of clarity and because we can't actually touch the car: I realize you said it was checked but stay with me for a minute - how and under what conditions was it checked?

 

Yours cutting off like you're explaining could mean the charges are just at the "minimum" line and might "pass" depending how the tests were done.

 

You could just be marginally undercharged a tiny amount, making it dependant on ambient conditions, driving load, etc.