Ipdm
 

So I’m having issues with my car AC working intermittently. I took it to Nissan who said I need an entire new IPDM because the “ac relay is integrated in it”. In the amount of $1600. I did some research and found the IPDM, opened it up and it’s essentially a fusebox which makes no sense that I would have to replace the entire thing. So my first question is, does this sound legit or like they are trying to screw me? Second, I took a picture of it and it looks like I’m missing one of the switches. Which seems funny because my AC hasn’t kicked on at all since I took it to Nissan. Does anyone else have a pic of their IPDM and is it missing the same spot mine is?

The relay may be soldered to a circuit board. That would make it difficult for a car mechanic to replace. Find someone that knows how to solder and buy a new relay.

That empty spot is probably for an option you don't have. FSM (link in my sig) will tell you what goes there.

That's the back side I believe the relay you are looking for is inside the unit and requires you to take it apart. Pretty sure it's a micro size solid-state relay. On the 350 they clipped in and they PROBABLY haven't changed it. Good luck figuring out which one it is as there is no diagram and it's board triggered. Gone have to pull and cycle test each one. Or get a known good salvage ipdm and swap them all. It could have changed to soldered relays so do at your own risk

Yes that relay is missing, that space is not used. So ever since you got it back your AC hasn’t worked at all? Do an IPDM auto active test- it’s easy and you can do it in your garage or driveway. This test will help in diagnosing your issue by commanding the compressor clutch on/off 5 times. To start the test have your driver door open and ignition off, turn your ignition on(key on engine off), press the door switch 10 times, turn ignition off then back to the on position. at that point your horn will honk once indicating test start. A series of the following operations repeats three times or until you turn your ignition off.
Oil pressure warning lamp blinks, front wiper lo/hi, park, license plate, side marker, and tail lamps, headlamps, a/c compressor (on and off 5 times), cooling fans. Then it repeats. Again ignition off stops the test.
So what I would do is start the test, grab a flash light and watch for your clutch to engage, you should also hear it. Report back with your findings and based on that go from there on what to do next!