Headlights and air conditioning

Tiny
ROMEO BLACK
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 DODGE INTREPID
  • 3.2L
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 158,000 MILES
After fixing the Harmonic Balance (YouTube) the air conditioning in the car will not turn off. When I press the off button it goes off for five seconds then turns back on by itself. I have no clue whats happening. I so not know if it is the switch or fuse. Also, the head light low beam is not working but the high beams and turn signals works. I am lost again. Please advise or help me figure this out?
Friday, June 1st, 2018 AT 11:02 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,300 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com. As far as the AC, if it is working, it would not be a fuse. Since you did work on the front of the engine recently, there is a chance you damaged wiring and caused the compressor to get power all the time. The first thing I suggest is check all wiring to the AC compressor to make sure none of the wiring has been damaged or pinched between two components. If you find no problems there, disconnect the AC wiring (which is one plug) and check for power. See if the switch inside the vehicle is actually turning the power on and off. Here are directions for checking wiring and using basic test equipment. If you find there are no damaged wires, then I suspect the switch itself is not working. However, because of the work you just did, I first suspect there is a wire pinched and allowing power to the compressor all the time.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, June 2nd, 2018 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,300 POSTS
OMG! I forgot to discuss the headlight issue. First, the high and low beam lights have their own fuses and relays. Also, the AC has it is on clutch fan relay. First, make sure the low beam fuse is not blown. I have attached pictures of the power distribution box and fuse allocation. Additionally, if the fuses are good, switch the relay between the high beam and low beam (see pictures attached) to determine if the relay is the issue. Interestingly, since this problem has affected both the lights and AC, I have a feeling the wiring between these two components has been damaged. If the low beam do not work after switching the two relays, then remove the AC relay and see if the AC still comes on. If it does, there is a short to power between the low beam relay and the AC relay.

It sounds more confusing than it is. Take your time and let me know if you need help or simply have other questions. Note: The last picture is related to the AC relay location. I hope this helps.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, June 2nd, 2018 AT 8:09 PM
Tiny
ROMEO BLACK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Good morning.
So after I switched the two relays the headlights (low beam) still did not work, but the high beam still came on. I went to the wrecking yard this morning and got two control switches and still the same results; no lights. I also got another relay and put it in the A/C clutch and the air started started to get back cold but it still blows continuously after I press the off button. I do not think the actual headlight bulb is burnt out but that is my next step. Changing the bulbs.
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Sunday, June 3rd, 2018 AT 9:06 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,300 POSTS
Hi again. Since you replaced the switches and the relays and there is no change, it has to be a short to power on the AC issue as well as no power to the relay for low beam. I am sorry there is no quick fix. We have to continue to narrow it down. Next, I need you to check if there is power to the low beam relay. Also, on the underside of the relay box, check wiring to the box for shorts or damage. Make sure there is no damage to the connector pins where it plugs into the box. It almost sounds like the power supply from one is going to the other.
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Sunday, June 3rd, 2018 AT 4:11 PM

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