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Air Conditioning problem

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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 01:03 PM
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Default Air Conditioning problem

I went to go use my AC on my 94 Vette and it wouldn't blow cold air.... what is the easiest way to diagnose this issue. Where is the fuse and relay so i can rule out the easiest and how do i know of it is low on refrigerant. The car is equipped with the climate control system
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 01:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Impala Balko
I went to go use my AC on my 94 Vette and it wouldn't blow cold air.... what is the easiest way to diagnose this issue. Where is the fuse and relay so i can rule out the easiest and how do i know of it is low on refrigerant. The car is equipped with the climate control system
Take a look at the vidio that shows you how to push buttons on it and will tell you C4 Corvette Climate Control Codes - YouTube
Video for youtube corvette climate control▶ 4:46
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWIrT8tN-a8
Nov 27, 2013 - Uploaded by ChrisFix
C4 Corvette check engine light, or in this case check air conditioning system light can be used ...

Last edited by antfarmer2; Apr 23, 2015 at 01:14 PM.
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 01:14 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
Take a look at the vidio that shows you how to push buttons on it and will tell you
I did watch one and it says that the off light should flash if there is a code and nothing is flashing. .. would it tell me if it's low on coolant
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 01:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Impala Balko
I did watch one and it says that the off light should flash if there is a code and nothing is flashing. .. would it tell me if it's low on coolant
Not sure I would turn it on high and add a can my 94 had a shrader valve leaking I replaced it was putting a can in every year ......take the cap off and spit in the valve and look for bubbles
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 01:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Impala Balko
I did watch one and it says that the off light should flash if there is a code and nothing is flashing. .. would it tell me if it's low on coolant
If low on Freon the compressor clutch will be continuously cycling on and off. Do NOT randomly just add Freon, an overcharge can damage the system. You need gauges to determine the Freon level.
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 02:31 PM
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Originally Posted by aminnich
If low on Freon the compressor clutch will be continuously cycling on and off. Do NOT randomly just add Freon, an overcharge can damage the system. You need gauges to determine the Freon level.


Step #1 hook up a gauge set and check system Static, and Dynamic pressure if possible. Trouble shoot from there..
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 03:04 PM
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Originally Posted by aminnich
If low on Freon the compressor clutch will be continuously cycling on and off. Do NOT randomly just add Freon, an overcharge can damage the system. You need gauges to determine the Freon level.
If low on freon the compressor can not come on at all how do your gauges work then?
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 04:04 PM
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If the system has no freon in it the compressor clutch will not engage. If the system is low on freon the clutch will cycle on and off.

If the system is very low on freon that the compressor will not engage you could see pressure on the system but probally will not.

If they system worked last season with out an issue and now it does not then you probally have a leak.
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 04:13 PM
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Originally Posted by gtp'n
If the system has no freon in it the compressor clutch will not engage. If the system is low on freon the clutch will cycle on and off.

If the system is very low on freon that the compressor will not engage you could see pressure on the system but probally will not.

If they system worked last season with out an issue and now it does not then you probally have a leak.
that's what mine did fixed the valve and added freon worked great but how do you use the gauges with low freon and compressor not kicking on? and if you can how much pressure will there be?

Last edited by antfarmer2; Apr 23, 2015 at 04:18 PM.
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 04:19 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
If low on freon the compressor can not come on at all how do your gauges work then?
Key word is "low". Other than a major leak, which will leave an oily residue, expect the system to have a small leak with Freon still in the system. Just not enough Freon to keep the binary/trinary switch from disabling the compressor's clutch. You can bypass this switch with a paperclip as a test, but may damage the compressor if you by-pass it longer than a very short test.
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by aminnich
Key word is "low". Other than a major leak, which will leave an oily residue, expect the system to have a small leak with Freon still in the system. Just not enough Freon to keep the binary/trinary switch from disabling the compressor's clutch. You can bypass this switch with a paperclip as a test, but may damage the compressor if you by-pass it longer than a very short test.
So damage can be done and can't use the gauges with out the compressor running still learning here Every one I have had troulble with was just low from a leaky shrader valve and once I started putting freon in the compressor started kicking on kept putting freon in till line was beer can cold then spit in the valves found air bubbles then changed out the shrader valve
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 04:51 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
So damage can be done and can't use the gauges with out the compressor running still learning here Every one I have had troulble with was just low from a leaky shrader valve and once I started putting freon in the compressor started kicking on kept putting freon in till line was beer can cold then spit in the valves found air bubbles then changed out the shrader valve
You are right, and the 'backyard/shade tree' method you used worked for you. I am simply trying to advise the OP of the 'correct' way to troubleshoot his system. Potential damage from the paperclip in the binary valve is not immediate, but should not be used for longer than to verify clutch engaging or not.
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 04:56 PM
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My 95 LT1 car sat for a few years, No AC compressor would not cycle on. I hooked up my gauges added the first can compressor than came on and I finished refilling system to the correct pressures per the recommended chart in the FSM based on the outside temp. You can also jump one of the pressure switches to turn on the compressor I think its the low presser switch. Please check your FSM on refilling the system before you attempt doing anything...
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 05:42 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
If low on freon the compressor can not come on at all how do your gauges work then?
Oh but it can Come on.. the gauges will tell you (without guessing) whether or not the Pump Should, or should not engage, based on what gas there is "Currently" in the air-conditioning system. This will mitigate the possibility of you from Overcharging, and or running the pump while low on gas..
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 05:47 PM
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Originally Posted by desertmike1
Oh but it can Come on.. the gauges will tell you (without guessing) whether or not the Pump Should, or should not engage, based on what gas there is "Currently" in the air-conditioning system. This will mitigate the possibility of you from Overcharging, and or running the pump while low on gas..
I understand that but was asking if it to low how do you use the gauges what will it show and what to look for?

Last edited by antfarmer2; Apr 23, 2015 at 05:50 PM.
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 06:26 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
I understand that but was asking if it to low how do you use the gauges what will it show and what to look for?
Good Question!

Lets say that there is enough (Freon) pressure in the system in order to close the low pressure switch, The Compressor should engage, if the system is low on (Freon) the low side pressure will quickly drop, and the Low side pressure switch will open, thus shutting down the Compressor.

On the other hand this may inform you that there is a faulty High/Low pressure switch..

The FSM gives the exact pressure/performance settings.

Anyhow here is a decent Link with a detailed explanation:

http://aircondition.com/tech/questio...ith-Gauges-FAQ
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 06:38 PM
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Originally Posted by desertmike1
Good Question!

Lets say that there is enough (Freon) pressure in the system in order to close the low pressure switch, The Compressor should engage, if the system is low on (Freon) the low side pressure will quickly drop, and the Low side pressure switch will open, thus shutting down the Compressor.

On the other hand this may inform you that there is a faulty High/Low pressure switch..

The FSM gives the exact pressure/performance settings.

Anyhow here is a decent Link with a detailed explanation:

http://aircondition.com/tech/questio...ith-Gauges-FAQ
Thank you always learning mine is fixed with my back yard deal the gauges I have are long hosed and full of r22 did not want to take a chance of getting that in my r34
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 08:39 PM
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Where do I get one of these gauges and where do I put it. My car has two valves one on the fatter hose closer to the heater box and one on a skinnier hose. Is it OK to just use the gauge that comes with the cans of R34
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 08:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Impala Balko
Where do I get one of these gauges and where do I put it. My car has two valves one on the fatter hose closer to the heater box and one on a skinnier hose. Is it OK to just use the gauge that comes with the cans of R34
That is what I would do it only fits on one
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Old Apr 24, 2015 | 04:41 PM
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youtube is your friend in this case.
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