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When I bought my car, the AC didn't work...and still doesn't work. If it's not crazy expensive, I'm planning on getting it going since I have all the parts and it came with it orgianally. I'm in the process of connecting it all up (with a new evaporator) but I've come across a wire that can't figure out where it goes. There doesn't seem to be anything close that it can easily connect to. Any insight as to where this connects or could it be an option that my '76 may not have? Thanks again!
And since I'm on the topic, is it worth doing the conversion so that the condenser can use cheaper coolant?
Well, that hanging ground wire certainly needs to be connected to ground. the extra green wire off the compressor clutch? Could this car be a Automatic?? if so to the solenoid on the carb to kick up the idle.
Yes, early 77 and earlier AC equipped cars used the V.I.R. Expansion valve system. When AC is selected and pressure switch is satisfied that connector terminal should also have 12vdc to it.
Not to be picky, but that is a compressor. The condenser is the radiator in front of the radiator. Speaking of which, evaporator? That is one of the most difficult parts to replace just about on the whole damn car. in the a/c box on the firewall. I think they put the evaporator on the assembly line and then built the entire car around it. What year is your car? ok, 76. what i am doing is using all 82 parts. evap, accumulator, hoses. i think it is a better version of the VIR eliminator. theirs is an easier method.
Last edited by derekderek; Jul 4, 2021 at 10:25 AM.
Thank you for the correction Derekderek! I have been calling it a compressor but in my head, I knew it was a condenser. I do the same with my kids by calling them by each other names. I pray that I never have to replace my compressor!
I'm not even sure it's even worth fixing at this point. This a Sunday Driver or a date night car so the tops are usually off anyway. It just bugs me when I see wires not connected and for the life of me, I don't see anywhere that this connection point reaches while its middle connector is attached to the condenser.
And thanks for pointing out the ground wire. That was my next step. Fix what's obvious first.
I'm not sure where the thermal limiter is, but I might be looking in the wrong area. Here are some pictures that I'm working with.
First photo, that connector your holding in your hand is the Male end that could have a short (single wire, or maybe 2 wires) pigtail going to the Idle Stop Solenoid if you have a Automatic car.
If yours is a manual transmission car there is no Idle Stop Solenoid, so that connector may just terminate where it is.
Your second photo is the AC pressure switch.
When AC is selected power goes into the pressure switch (Tan Wire) and if system is charged correctly power goes out (Dk.GRN Wire) to compressor & Solenoid if equipped.
The Idle Stop Solenoid would be on the front drivers side of the carburetor and look like this, again only Automatics used it.
AC Condenser wire
