DIY: Replacing AC Amplifier

looks like the 2003-2004 part number is coming up 27760CG000. probably the dash redesign. anyone in a 03-04 year change this out yet?
 
I switched out my AC amplifier with a used one from partmyride (03 FX35 86k miles). started up fine so far. the older center console is definitely different from the newer center. I've got a sweet tape deck where the AC amp is on the 05-08. My AC amp was under the LCD display. not sure if the 05-08 ac amp would have fit.

Now that i think about it, i could probably buy a used 05-08 center console to update the look and get a newer ac amp.

i'll report back if it starts acting funny again.
 
update. the younger ac amplifier didn't help. so I went ahead and put in a new(remanufactured) starter. starts up everytime now. faster starts. no clicks or hesitation. I'm right at 105,000 miles.
 
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myl168 said:
update. the younger ac amplifier didn't help. so I went ahead and put in a new(remanufactured) starter. starts up everytime now. faster starts. no clicks or hesitation. I'm right at 105,000 miles.
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Just to confirm, the AC amplifier you bought and installed did not work but you installed a reman'd starter and that fixed your starting problems? What led you to jump to installing a starter from the AC amplifier so I can know where to start on mine.

TIA
 
StuLax18 said:
Ah yes, cold weather is here again and now this issue returns. :disapointed:
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Ain't that the truth.

A new battery solved this for me last year (I was due for one given that I was still running the OEM after 5 years), but this issue returned just the other day when I tried to fire her up when it was about -7 outside.

Gonna monitor it, if it continues to pose problems I will bite the bullet and snag a new amplifier.
 
Cold weather is here is right. Ive bought a beater car and the fx sits in the garage for a long period of time. While it sits there i keep a battery tender on it. From time to time, i start it here and there. So far i havent had this issue. This cold weather affects something.
 
HP10T said:
Just to confirm, the AC amplifier you bought and installed did not work but you installed a reman'd starter and that fixed your starting problems? What led you to jump to installing a starter from the AC amplifier so I can know where to start on mine.

TIA
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Starter is cheaper than the AC amplifier and made more sense to me. I don't see how the AC amplifier has anything to do with how the car starts.
 
myl168 said:
Starter is cheaper than the AC amplifier and made more sense to me. I don't see how the AC amplifier has anything to do with how the car starts.
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Neither do the rest of us, but the proof is in the pudding.
 
Has anyone tested for parasitic draw that was having these starting issues before/after replacing the AC amplifier? Im wondering if there could be a link between the cold weather and the seemingly flawed AC amplifier causing some sort of parasitic draw contributing to this issue.

I have been having the same problem for the past couple of winters now and am about to bite the bullet and just order a new AC amplifier, problem is I also have a parasitic draw between 90 and 100 mA which is definitely higher than any acceptable discharge level (have pulled fuses and tried to diag this time and time again but have somehow failed to isolate the circuit).
 
I never took my investigation that far, but that's what I was assuming the issue was with the amplifier.
 
smijus said:
I never took my investigation that far, but that's what I was assuming the issue was with the amplifier.
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Looks like I may have to be the $400 guinea pig on this one then. Hopefully I don't replace it and then find a parasitic draw elsewhere. Can anyone harp in on the mentions of an old part number versus a new part number? I saw a couple mentions where people posted a part number and then were told that it was the old version.
 
For my 2007 FX35, it was Part Number 27760-8Y71A, not sure if that was the same part for the 45.
 
AC amplifier controls the compressor clutch engagement. It's not supposed to be engaged when you're cranking the car, if it is, it may not start. That's just a guess. I once had a car where the AC compressor was shot. If you hit the AC button, the car would almost stall and it wouldn't start because the compressor wouldn't turn. AC compressor is extra load so if it's engaged due to bad amplifier...
 
shadow191 said:
AC amplifier controls the compressor clutch engagement. It's not supposed to be engaged when you're cranking the car, if it is, it may not start. That's just a guess. I once had a car where the AC compressor was shot. If you hit the AC button, the car would almost stall and it wouldn't start because the compressor wouldn't turn. AC compressor is extra load so if it's engaged due to bad amplifier...
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If this is what is causing the issue could you not take the belt off the A/C pulley and try turning it with your hands. If It feels stuck/stiff then the clutch isn't disengaging? I'm just guessing but it would be cool if people had a way of testing it before shelling out the money
 
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