1989 inoperative A/C
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Odenton Maryland
1989 inoperative A/C
My A/C just stopped working. I normally run in the auto mode with temp at 69 degrees. Now blowing hot air...no A/C. Any ideas on where to start? I'm new to this, so the tips new to be geared towards a novice. Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Re: 1989 inoperative A/C (MedeVette)
Check the A/C fuse. See if the compressor is engaging and if not, check the connector. Check the wires to blower motor. (Mine literally melted due to the factory crimp at the connector - it really needs to be soldered)
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 44,773
Likes: 1
From: 63.8% of all statistics are made up on the spot.
St. Jude Donor '08-'10
Re: 1989 inoperative A/C (MedeVette)
My 90 did that a couple of weeks ago. You can try disconnecting the battery for a minute or two. If there is an error code stored in the a/c control unit it will go away and the a/c will work again. Of course if there is a real problem it will happen again as this is not a fix.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Grand Prairie
Re: 1989 inoperative A/C (MedeVette)
I too am having the same problem, at least I think. I checked all fuses and were OK. My control unit is stuck diplaying --. I was advised to change to control unit but haven't had the cash to do it. Let me know how your's ends up.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Re: 1989 inoperative A/C (MedeVette)
Forgot to ask and add: What's your outside air temp? The design of the system is such, due to the pressure/temp relationship of freon and the pressure switch, you won't get a/c below 52 degrees. Now that's the temp at the condensor, so even if it's below that temperature, engine heat should eventually warm up the condensor and you'll get a/c, but if you are checking compressor operation on a particularly cold day, don't expect it to come on for awhile and then the compressor should cycle quite a bit just like it would if it was low on gas.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 0
From: Orangeburg, NY
Re: 1989 inoperative A/C (MedeVette)
Check all of the fuses first. Then disconnect the battery for ten minutres to reset the system. If the a/c still does not work, it sounds like you may be low on Freon. The unit is designed to completely shut off if there is not enough freon. Take it to a A/C mechanic. It takes them two minutes to check the pressure and no more than five minutes to add freon.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 573
Likes: 0
From: Cowpens SC
Re: 1989 inoperative A/C (89 Bob L)
The simplest way to check for low freon is to jump the pressure switch. There is a cable with 2 pins usually plugged into the evaporator canister which is the pressure switch. You can take a short piece of wire and jumper out the 2 pins on the cable and see if the clutch pulls in. If it does then you are low on freon. I have a '95, don't know if they are the same, but I will see if I can find it and send you a pic. I've done this on everal other cars just never needed to on my Vette.
