2009 AC Clutch works with hard wire but no relays

[cgodby1]

I went to replace my relay for my AC clutch however none from any of the auto parts stores work but it will work if I place a wire between two spots in the fuse box. What's going on?

[Grampy]

Sounds like a permissive for the relay (in other words the relay is NOT being 'told' to turn on)

The permissives are determined by the PCM (Powertrain Control Module), and are generally designed to protect the A/C compressor from damage.

Typical permissives:
adequate refrigerant pressure sensed on the suction line (LPCO, generally too little refrigerant)
A/C demand by climate control
auxillary fans running
compressor discharge pressure (HPCO If too high it shuts down, usually due to inadequate heat sink or blocked refrigerant line)

I think our vintage Fusion(s) et al the PCM sneses refrigerant pressure via a pressure transducer (not the old days of a pressure switch)

In summary:
could be wiring,
the PCM,
the pressure transducer,
refrigerant charge,
or even the HVAC controls and / or the CAN buss.