Chrysler Repair: Bird in AC Fan Relay, dodge grand caravan, chrysler corp

Question
Hi - wonder if you can help with how a Bird flying into the engine of my 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan SE could cause damage. Shortly after a small bird flew into the engine the AC stopped. When I took it to the auto shop, he indicated that the entire cooling system was stopped and had to replace the compressor, filter drier, expansion valve and V-belt, in addition to the AC relay. He later found the bird wedged in the AC fan relay. With refrigerant, recharge, and labor it came to about $1400. I am dealing with the insurance company and trying to convince them that the bird did cause the damage. Any clues how this could have come about?

The car had just gone thru its 90K tuneup a month earlier and passed its NC state inspection one day before hitting the bird! So I think it was in good shape before the collision.

thanks!
Les

Answer
Hi Les,
The fan relay is mounted in the open... an exposed position, inside the engine compartment: specifically on the left side frame rail adjacent to the fan module. It is a solid-state device rather than a typical electromechanical relay inside a metal box. The 'relay' has a multi-wire plug attached to it. It is evidentally a fragile device because the Chrysler Corp. issued a recall of the relay for the vans sold in the latter half of the '90's. That history might very well explain how the collision with the bird damaged the relay.
That is an interesting experience. I will be interested to know what comes of your claim.
Roland