The AMC Concord is a compact car manufactured by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from 1978 to 1983. It is the replacement for the AMC Hornet and featured a boxy design that is popular during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Concord is available as a two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and five-door wagon. It is a popular car during its production years, thanks to its fuel efficiency and affordability. In this article, we will explore the electrical components of the AMC Concord, specifically the fuse box and relay.
Fuse Box
The fuse box in the AMC Concord is located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. It contains a range of fuses that protect various electrical components of the car, including the headlights, radio, and windshield wipers. The fuse box is a crucial component of the car’s electrical system as it prevents damage to the car’s electrical components in case of a power surge or short circuit.
The fuse box is easily accessible and can be opened by pulling the fuse box cover. The cover contains a diagram that shows the location and function of each fuse. If a fuse has blown, it can be replaced with a new one of the same amperage. It is important to use the correct amperage fuse as using a higher amperage fuse can damage the car’s electrical components, and using a lower amperage fuse can cause the fuse to blow again.
Relay
The relay in the AMC Concord is responsible for controlling various electrical components of the car, including the headlights, power windows, and fuel pump. It is located in the engine compartment and is easily accessible. The relay is an electromagnetic switch that is activated by a low voltage signal from the car’s electrical system.
If a relay fails, it can cause various electrical components to stop working. A failed relay can be diagnosed by listening to a clicking sound when the component is activated. If the clicking sound is absent, it is likely that the relay has failed and needs to be replaced. It is important to use a relay that is compatible with the AMC Concord, as using an incompatible relay can cause damage to the car’s electrical system.
(1978-1983) AMC Hornet fuse box and relay with Diagram
| No. | Amps | Assignment/Designation |
| 1 | 10A | Parking lights, key/headlights warning buzzer |
| 2 | 15A | Stop light and hazard warning |
| 3 | – | – |
| 4 | 3A | Cluster illumination |
| 5 | – | – |
| 6 | – | – |
| 7 | 25A | Heater/blower motor, A/C clutch |
| 8 | 15A | Radio, cigar lighter |
| 9 | 15A | Turn signals, backup lights, windshield washers |
| 10 | 5A | Gauges, seat belt warning |
| 11 | 30A | Power door lock, power windows circuit breaker |
| 12 | 25A | Heated rear window |
Circuit Breaker:
- Headlights — 20 amp. the circuit breaker in the headlight switch
- Windshield Wiper — 6 amp. the circuit breaker in the wiper switch.
- Power Windows & Tailgate Switches — 20 amp. circuit breakers located in the instrument panel.
The electrical components of the AMC Concord, specifically the fuse box and relay, are essential to the car’s proper functioning. Regular maintenance of these components is necessary to ensure that they continue to function properly. By understanding the function of these components, car owners can diagnose and repair electrical problems in their AMC Concord.
