If I use a jumper wire on the terminals as the relay the compressor kicks on

 

When you turn on the a/c with the engine running, do both fans on the radiator turn on immediately?

Not sure if you tried this, but try swapping the a/c compressor relay with an identical relay in the engine bay fuse box (maybe the defroster relay) and see if the a/c compressor works.

 

I wish the thread starter had answered. My problem is identical. Both fans kick on, and when I jumpered the relay, the compressor also kicks on. when I control on the ac, I can hear/feel the relay click. I quasi tested the relay by aplying power and checking continuity at the other legs of the relay. I swapped relays--nothing, same result. I jumpered the pressure switch--nothing. Everything still leads back to the relay, sort of. I'm wendering if theres carbon build up and not enough power gettting through. I'm working on an 03 V6 exL. any other suggestions?

 

Did you unplug the compressor and check for power at the compessor electrical connector with a volt meter or a test light?

 

Yes I did. When I use a jumper at the relay, I get power at the connector, so I know the circuit is good. I went as far as jumping it with the car running, connected to the compressor, and the clutch engaged. So I'm going to either take apart the relay and see if the contacts have a lot of carbon build up. I tested the relay by powering up the control side and checking continuity on the other side, and it checked out, but once plugged in, no power was getting sent to the clutch. Maybe I'm getting confused and thinking the control side is working when it's not (I'm also leery of testing the ground side and frying the PCM). So, I'll remove the cover and see it activate with my own eyes! lol! I'll have to wait for my son to return later today.

 

Since you jumped the power side of the relay socket and the compressor worked, then you'll need to troubleshoot the control side. The relay is almost ruled out, because you swapped relays and still have the same problem. You can verify the relay by placing the compressor relay into an identical relay location in that fuse box (blower motor, etc.). Then turn on the blower motor to see if the compressor relay run the blower motor.

To test the control side, your volt meter is a safe tool to use on the voltage DC setting or the resistance setting to protect the PCM. Do not use the current setting on the volt meter. The control side has two pins. Figure out which pin is the 12V power using the DC volts on your meter, then use resistance/continutiy to ground to see if the PCM is commanding the relay by grounding the non-12V control pin.

 

Ok, just checked the control side. I got OL when off and 1.2 when on. We also have another 03 Accord and I took the relay from that car and put it on. So, now I'm really confused.

I'm wondering if the pressure switch is the culprit after all. I even gave the system extra charge (with compressed air) to get the pressure switch something to work with. I'd be nice getting this working before winter! lol!