2007 Nissan Murano Ac Relay Location

Hey there, Murano owners! Having AC troubles with your 2007 Nissan Murano? Specifically, suspecting the AC relay might be the culprit? You've come to the right place. Diagnosing AC issues can be frustrating, but I’ll walk you through the relay location, how to check it, and what to do if it’s faulty. Let’s get started!

Understanding the AC Relay and its Role

Before we dive into the location, let's quickly recap what an AC relay does. Think of it as an electrical switch controlling power to your AC compressor clutch. When you turn on your AC, the system sends a signal to the relay. The relay then closes, allowing electricity to flow to the compressor clutch. This engages the compressor, which is the heart of your AC system. If the relay fails, the compressor won't engage, and you’ll be stuck with warm air blowing from your vents.

Common symptoms of a faulty AC relay include:

No cold air blowing from the AC vents.
The AC compressor clutch not engaging (you might hear a clicking sound, or nothing at all).
The AC system working intermittently.

Locating the AC Relay in Your 2007 Nissan Murano

Okay, let's get to the point. The AC relay in your 2007 Nissan Murano is typically located in the Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM) E/R. That's a mouthful, right? Let's break it down.

The IPDM E/R is essentially a fancy fuse and relay box. It's located in the engine compartment, usually near the battery. Look for a black plastic box with a removable cover. It should be labeled in some way, possibly with "IPDM E/R" or similar abbreviations.

Important Safety Tip: Before you start poking around, disconnect the negative terminal of your battery. This will prevent any accidental electrical shocks or damage to your vehicle's electrical system.

Finding the Specific AC Relay Within the IPDM E/R

Once you've located the IPDM E/R, remove the cover. Inside, you'll see a collection of fuses and relays. Now, the crucial part is identifying the correct relay for the AC compressor. This is where your owner's manual comes in handy! It should have a diagram of the IPDM E/R with each fuse and relay labeled. Look for the relay labeled "A/C Compressor Relay," "MG CLT Relay" (Magnetic Clutch Relay), or something similar. The labeling can vary slightly, but it should be fairly obvious.

If you don't have your owner's manual, you can often find a diagram online by searching for "2007 Nissan Murano IPDM E/R diagram." There are also aftermarket repair manuals (like Haynes or Chilton) that will contain this information.

Pro Tip: Sometimes, the diagram is printed directly on the inside of the IPDM E/R cover. Check there before you start searching online.

Testing the AC Relay

Now that you've located the relay, you'll want to test it to confirm that it's actually the problem. There are a couple of ways to do this:

1. The Swap Test

This is the easiest method, especially if you're not comfortable with electrical testing. Look for another relay in the IPDM E/R that's identical to the AC relay (same part number and amperage rating) and controls a less critical function, like the horn or a non-essential light. Temporarily swap the two relays. If your AC now works (and the function previously controlled by the swapped relay doesn't), then you've confirmed that the original AC relay was faulty.

Important: Make sure the replacement relay is *exactly* the same. Using the wrong relay can damage your vehicle's electrical system.

2. Using a Multimeter

For a more definitive test, you can use a multimeter to check the relay's continuity and operation. This requires a bit more electrical knowledge, but it's not too difficult.

Here's a simplified overview of how to test a relay with a multimeter:

Continuity Test: With the relay removed from the IPDM E/R, use the multimeter to check for continuity between the relay's coil terminals (typically terminals 85 and 86). You should see some resistance, indicating that the coil is intact. If you see no resistance (open circuit) or very low resistance (short circuit), the relay is faulty.
Functionality Test: You'll need a 12V power source (like a battery charger) to perform this test. Connect the 12V power source to the relay's coil terminals (85 and 86). You should hear a click as the relay activates. Then, use the multimeter to check for continuity between the relay's switch terminals (typically terminals 30 and 87). When the relay is activated, there should be continuity. When it's not activated, there shouldn't be continuity. If the relay doesn't click or the continuity test fails, the relay is faulty.

Safety First: If you're not comfortable working with electricity, it's best to have a qualified mechanic perform this test.

Replacing the AC Relay

If you've confirmed that the AC relay is faulty, replacing it is a straightforward process.

Purchase a New Relay: Make sure you buy the correct relay for your 2007 Nissan Murano. Check the part number on the old relay and match it exactly. You can purchase relays at most auto parts stores or online.
Install the New Relay: Simply plug the new relay into the same slot in the IPDM E/R that the old relay occupied. Make sure it's securely seated.
Reconnect the Battery: Reconnect the negative terminal of your battery.

That's it! Turn on your AC and see if it's blowing cold air. If so, congratulations! You've successfully replaced your AC relay.

Potential Costs

Here's a rough idea of the costs you might encounter:

AC Relay: $10 - $30 (depending on the brand and quality)
Multimeter: $20 - $100 (if you don't already own one)
Professional Diagnosis and Repair: $100 - $200 (This will vary depending on the shop's hourly rate and the complexity of the repair. A diagnosis alone can cost $50-$100)

Replacing the AC relay yourself is a relatively inexpensive repair. However, if you're not comfortable working on your vehicle's electrical system, it's always best to consult a qualified mechanic.

Troubleshooting Beyond the Relay

If you replace the AC relay and your AC still isn't working, the problem lies elsewhere. Other potential issues include:

Low Refrigerant: The most common cause of AC problems. Have your system checked and recharged by a qualified technician.
Faulty AC Compressor: A more expensive repair. The compressor may need to be replaced.
Clogged Expansion Valve or Orifice Tube: These components regulate refrigerant flow and can become clogged.
Electrical Problems: Issues with wiring, sensors, or the AC control module.
Blend Door Actuator: This controls the mixing of hot and cold air. If it's stuck, you might not get cold air even if the AC system is working properly.

Recommendation: If replacing the AC relay doesn't solve the problem, it's best to have a qualified mechanic diagnose the issue. They have the tools and expertise to pinpoint the root cause and recommend the appropriate repairs.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you locate and test your 2007 Nissan Murano's AC relay. Remember to always prioritize safety and, when in doubt, consult a professional.