How much does it cost to replace a car AC relay?

Author: Saul Rempel  |  Last update: Monday, March 10, 2025

How Much Does a Replacement A/C Compressor Relay Cost? Depending on the model of your vehicle's sources, the cost of a replacement A/C compressor relay ranges from $10 to 150. For certain cars, a multi-purpose relay will do the trick just fine. Others, however, might need a specific relay to work with their system.

What are the symptoms of a bad AC relay?

To help you recognize trouble in your home air conditioning system, here are some of the symptoms and signs of a faulty AC relay switch.
  • Weak Cooling. ...
  • Intermittent Cooling. ...
  • Odors. ...
  • Noise. ...
  • Higher than Usual Electric Bills.

What is the average cost to replace a relay?

The average cost for a Starter Relay Replacement is between $68 and $75. Labor costs are estimated between $29 and $36 while parts are typically priced around $39. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

Can I drive a car with a bad AC compressor?

Yes, you can still drive the car with a bad ac compressor.

How long does it take to replace a relay?

In general, replacing an AC compressor relay is a quick and straightforward process that can be completed in under an hour.

AC Stooped Working, Bad AC Relay

Can I drive my car with a bad relay?

A bad main relay will often lead to your vehicle not starting altogether.

What causes a car relay to go bad?

At extremely high temperatures the insulation on a coil can be damaged, causing malfunction in the relay, or plastics can lose stability. The materials used in a relay's electrical contacts can also be greatly affected by extremes of temperature, so knowing the minimum and maximum temperatures is essential.

Is it worth it to fix a car AC compressor?

If your car is barely driving anymore and the A/C is the final thing to break, it may not be worth it to get it fixed. However, if your car is only a few years old, it can be more economical to get the A/C fixed.

Can I unplug my AC compressor and still drive?

Driving with a broken A/C compressor isn't ideal and can become unsafe if ignored. Every mechanism within your car is essential to your vehicle's overall efficacy and safety.

What is the life expectancy of a car AC compressor?

The average lifespan of a compressor is about ten years. The compressor is the heart of your AC system, so it has a lot of moving parts that are often damaged in their due time.

How much to replace an AC relay?

Replacing an AC relay switch costs $100 to $300 with professional installation or $10 to $30 for the relay alone. The relay turns on the AC's outdoor condenser unit.

What is the lifespan of a car relay?

Explanation. Continuous energization may cause the coil, which uses polyurethane copper wire, to generate heat. Since a single wire generally has a heat-resistant life of 40,000 hours, the life will be approximately 5 years when a rated voltage is applied and used in a standard environment.

Will a bad relay still click?

Yes. the contacts inside a relay wear out over time to the point they don't touch or oxidation builds up to the point where the contact resistance goes so high. also a relay will click whether a load is a attached to it or not as long as the coil is fine and the mechanism inside is still functioning.

Where is the AC relay located?

The A/C relay can usually be found in the vehicle's fuse box. The fuse box cover typically has a diagram illustrating the exact location of each relay. You can also look in the owner's manual. The vehicle's make and model will impact where you can find the A/C relay.

What would cause an AC relay to burn out?

Conditions under which burnout is likely to occur

When the contact voltage exceeds the maximum value (rated), or due to surge voltage of the load, insulation failure can occur between the same polarity contacts or short circuit between different polarity contacts.

How to tell if your car AC fuse is blown?

What Are Signs That Your Car's AC Fuse Is Blown? When your car's A/C fuse blows, you may not realize it right away. However, if you notice minor electrical problems, start-up issues, or your car's A/C no longer works, a blown fuse may be the culprit.

Can I still drive my car if the AC compressor is bad?

There are lots of reasons why people put off automotive repairs. One repair that sometimes goes ignored is anything having to do with the air-conditioning system. As long as the weather isn't hot, you figure you can drive the car safely without worry. Unfortunately, driving with a broken A/C compressor is a bad idea.

How much does it cost to replace a car AC compressor and condenser?

The cost to replace a vehicle AC compressor depends on the type of vehicle and location, as parts and labor costs vary. On average, replacing an AC compressor costs around $1,100, with labor costs ranging from $160 to $200 and parts from $650 to $840. Getting quotes from multiple shops can help save on costs.

How do you know if your car AC condenser is bad?

This article will discuss five signs your AC condenser needs repair.
  1. Bad Smell. When an AC condenser unit stays for long without maintenance, it may start emanating a foul odor. ...
  2. Lack of Cool Air. ...
  3. Burning Smell. ...
  4. Lack of Airflow. ...
  5. Overheating While Idling. ...
  6. Signs Your AC Condenser Needs Repair.

Why is car AC repair so expensive?

These can be costly to fix due to being challenging to get to and expensive to purchase. Refrigerant recovery is time-consuming, typically requiring three hours or more to service. All these things make servicing an automotive air conditioner something that is beyond the skill level of the average car owner.

Why is my AC not blowing cold air in my car?

Your vehicle's air-conditioning not working is likely caused by a failing compressor or a freon leak. While these are the most obvious reasons for your air-conditioning not working inside your vehicle, it might be anything as simple as a bad belt or a dirty cabin air filter.

Why would an AC relay fail?

Like any other mechanical device, an AC relay can fail simply due to regular wear and tear. The constant opening and closing of the relay contacts can cause them to wear out over time.

Would a bad relay throw a code?

On some vehicles, the engine computer, which is often referred to as the powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the fuel pump relay and its circuit. If the PCM detects a problem, it turns on the check engine light and stores a corresponding diagnostic trouble code (DTC) in its memory.

Can I drive with a faulty relay?

A faulty relay can cause serious damage to your vehicle, so don't put off replacing it. Problems like stalling, drained batteries, and difficulty starting the engine can make driving a hassle.

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