96 LT4 AC problem

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May 9, 2008 | 08:41 PM

bgrant_12002

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From: Somewheres in FL

96 LT4 AC problem

OK, so it's getting hot here in FL.......and now the ac is not working in my 96 LT4. I went to auto parts store and put some refrig/134a with dye into the low side and it got a bit better. The compressor is cycling on and off quickly, on the gauge that came with the bottle, looks like 25, then rapidly down to 0 after the compressor kicks off. I thought this sounds like a system leak, but it does still get slightly cool, even after charging, then letting it sit for a couple of wks, and I dont see any of the yellow dye, even with a UV light, after a 30 min drive. Any tips?

May 9, 2008 | 09:30 PM

Port A Vette

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From: Port Aransas TX

AC problem

You may need to get a better charge on it. The system will cycle on and off when there isn't a sufficient charge in the system.

Larry

May 9, 2008 | 10:06 PM

ScottBeck

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From: Ellisvile Missouri

It sounds like it is going off on low pressure. Have somebody rev the car to 2000 rpms and check with guages. After running dye through the system if no leaks are visable it may be in the evap coil. But it sounds like the system is still low

May 9, 2008 | 10:09 PM

bgrant_12002

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From: Somewheres in FL

thx. I'll throw another bottle in it and see how it goes.

May 10, 2008 | 10:34 AM

bgrant_12002

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From: Somewheres in FL

allright.....here's the skinny. I dont think it's a refrigerant low issue b/c the inlet evap pipe and accumulator both feel cool. Also, It will not even take the rest of the refrig in the bottle.........The bottle I'm using isnt empty yet, probably still half full. The gauge on the bottle when connected to the low side port, actually shows 45 when the compressor kicks in, then when the compressor cycles off, it slowly, over 4 sec or so goes back to about 15. There arent any signs of leaks, and with this bright yellow dye, I dont think there'd be any problem telling that.
I can hear, what ever the switch is on the low side, near the firewall "click" about every 5 seconds. When it does, I notice that the compressor kicks in each time. (So, the compressor is cycling on/off about every 5 seconds or so)
Sounds like a sensor issue to me...........anyone got any ideas? My haynes book is worthless other than putting refrig in.

May 10, 2008 | 11:02 AM

bgrant_12002

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From: Somewheres in FL

Here is some info from the AC diagn codes:

00-00
01-64
02-97
03-77
04-92
05-106
06-28
07-00
09-10
10-95
11-00
12-155
16-95
17-119
19-104
20-124
21, 22,23-all 00
24-150
30-56
31-152
34-153
35,36-00
37-14

May 10, 2008 | 12:17 PM

MikeC4

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From: Austin Texas

Still sounds like low R134 charge. Here is a trick I use to speed up the charge process- Get a pot of very HOT water and put the R134A in the hot water during charge. This will increase the pressure of the R134 in your can against the backpressure of the Low side of your AC system. This method will allow you empty a can in a minute or so. For those who would be nervous about this, I have done this for 20 years and never, ever had a problem. I usually "dip" the R134 can in and out of the hot water at first(ie R134 can is full), and then just leave it in the hot water when the R134 can is about 1/2 full....(after a few minutes the water will actually become luke warm due to heat exchange)...