I've had this 96 coupe with LT1/Auto for about 2 months. It has 119K on it and everything worked when I bought it. It is dead stock except for the green antifreeze the previous owner installed. I noticed the temp start to go up several weeks ago while stoped in traffic. At 228 degrees the fans kicked on and the temp went back down. Normal on the analog gauge is about 215 degrees, 200 on the digital gauge. I started nosing around. No fault codes on the scanner.
I figured out pretty quick the air conditioning pump was not coming on when I turn it on, but if I start the car with the temp control all the way down, the pump comes on. I can drive in traffic and as long as I don't turn the heat up too much, the pump keeps going and the car stays at 215. If I turn the temp control down and turn the AC on while the car is running, the pump will not come on, even though the AC light comes on. Jane has the manual air/heat controls.
I've got a service manual coming, but I'm wondering if there's a common problem or not so common, some of you have run across that might cause this.
I've checked the fans and fan relays, all good. I'm convinced this is an AC problem. One other tell tale sign is the windows fog a bit more than they should with the defrost on, so the air is not getting de-humidified by the AC like it should.
If I start the car with the AC switch on, the pump does come on. When the pump is running the accumulator is nice and cold, and the air temp seems pretty cool and dry in the cab.
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance.

 

A common problem with these cars is for the A.C. condensor to deteriorate and need replacing.When you do this,clean and check your radiator.I think that you`ll find that the cars runs a bit cooler after this.Also with a full charge of refridgerant,your A.C. will function better.By the way,where do you live?

 

If the compress or either does not come on or does not stay running your freon is low....

The fans will come on high if the A/C is selected. I also agree with previous post... the front end of these things are like a vacuum cleaner... so you could also have a lot of gunk clogging up the air to the radiator...

Hope this helps... MO

 

Check your A/C's high and low pressure switches, too.

 

Thanks all.
I live in Arlington Washington.
Radiators clean, pressure switches were also a topic when talking to the local Chevy Service dept.
I've got my manuals now, just need some time to play a bit.