96 A/C Problem
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
96 A/C Problem
This is my first vette and my first post. I have looked through all the other threads and have not found anything with my exact problem. I bought a 96 coupe and the A/C only blows on defrost and will not move to any other vents. i have seen multiple posts about where it will blow on defrost for 5 mins. then move to the regualar vents, Mine does not do this just stays on defrost all the time. It has the automatic climate control and non of the buttons seam to work. I can't adjust the temp. or the fan speed either. The only button that seams to work is the rear defrost button. Once i push that button it stays on for a couple of seconds then turns off.
Any help would be appreciated.
Any help would be appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
On the right side of the engine underneath the plastic valve cover about ½ way down there is a small black looking valve type unit with 3 hoses to it. That unit routes the vacuum to you’re A/C vent control (and cruse). No vacuum, no control and it blows to the defroster. Check it for cracks or just plane falling apart. This is a common problem and most likely yours.
It’s a $5 part and can be bought from GM and other auto part supplies. Don’t have the part number or picture of it. It is easy to replace.
It’s a $5 part and can be bought from GM and other auto part supplies. Don’t have the part number or picture of it. It is easy to replace.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
A place to start is the check valve. Its under the fuel rail cover on the right side of the engine. Its a cheap part called a check valve.....
buy a "universal check valve". If that doesn't do it, its your controller.
Its located above the gas pedal on the fire wall. It has soft plastic nipples that colapse with age and need to be trimmed back. Its a difficult job.....more that a couple hours but there is much written on the subject. Do a search using the words "A/C controller problem 1996". Good luck.
buy a "universal check valve". If that doesn't do it, its your controller.
Its located above the gas pedal on the fire wall. It has soft plastic nipples that colapse with age and need to be trimmed back. Its a difficult job.....more that a couple hours but there is much written on the subject. Do a search using the words "A/C controller problem 1996". Good luck.
Last edited by runner140*; May 13, 2009 at 07:42 AM. Reason: complete thought
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 156
Likes: 4
From: Plainfield IL
if its not the check valve pull the ac controller out. Its under the driver side dash with the vacuum plug going to it. The nipples on the back of the controller get soft and collapse and will not allow vacuum. Just trim down the soft tips with a razor blade and put it back together and it will work great.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
Temp Door
To check the temp door operation; push the AUTO button and with cold air coming out of the defrost vent, change the temp to 90 and check to see if the air out hte defrost vent becomes hot. If so, then the temp door is working just fine.
Most likely problem is either the vacuum check valve is shot (the one under the right fuel rail) or its the temp controller vacuum connector pinching-off. There are couple of fixes for this. All require the removal of the controller...which is a royal PITA to do, especially the first time.
Do a search for hints or PM me and I will be glad to detail it out for you.
Easy fix...just a pain to do.
LannyL81
Most likely problem is either the vacuum check valve is shot (the one under the right fuel rail) or its the temp controller vacuum connector pinching-off. There are couple of fixes for this. All require the removal of the controller...which is a royal PITA to do, especially the first time.
Do a search for hints or PM me and I will be glad to detail it out for you.
Easy fix...just a pain to do.
LannyL81
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 3
From: Independence Kentucky
A place to start is the check valve. Its under the fuel rail cover on the right side of the engine. Its a cheap part called a check valve.....
buy a "universal check valve". If that doesn't do it, its your controller.
Its located above the gas pedal on the fire wall. It has soft plastic nipples that colapse with age and need to be trimmed back. Its a difficult job.....more that a couple hours but there is much written on the subject. Do a search using the words "A/C controller problem 1996". Good luck.
buy a "universal check valve". If that doesn't do it, its your controller.
Its located above the gas pedal on the fire wall. It has soft plastic nipples that colapse with age and need to be trimmed back. Its a difficult job.....more that a couple hours but there is much written on the subject. Do a search using the words "A/C controller problem 1996". Good luck.
My 96 had the same problem when I bought it. I took it to the dealer and they didn't replace any parts so I think it was the soft plastic nipples on the controller above the gas pedal. There is a nice write-up with pictures on how to fix this problem somewhere on this board.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
My 96 had the same problem when I bought it. I took it to the dealer and they didn't replace any parts so I think it was the soft plastic nipples on the controller above the gas pedal. There is a nice write-up with pictures on how to fix this problem somewhere on this board.
Hopefully this does not have to be done.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...l-problem.html
