C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

94 LT1 A/C issues...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 03:50 PM
  #1  
mcsports965's Avatar
mcsports965
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Default 94 LT1 A/C issues...

Hi so after taking my car on a few road trips to the dessert this past month I used the A/C pretty much the whole time with no problems at all. All of a sudden a few days ago it just quit working all together. Air comes out of all the ducts just no more cold air.
anyone have any idea where I can start and find the problem?
Also as I was checking the fuses for the A/C i noticed both A/C fuse and A/C clutch fuses were missing, is this normal?
please help!
thank you!
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 04:52 PM
  #2  
mcsports965's Avatar
mcsports965
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Default

Ok so after investigating a little more here are some other findings i have found:

1) With the car running on A/C turned on all the way i get normal temp air
2) after about 30 sec of the car first turning on the Fan will go on after A/C is switched on
3) the lower A/C aluminum hose running to the condenser does get cold
4) the top aluminum A/C coming from the condenser stays warm
5) there is also a little bit of air leaking from the main aluminum A/C pipe that runs into where the blower fan it

Anyone have any idea what could be going on here?
Could it be possible that the condenser is clogged?
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 05:04 PM
  #3  
pcolt94's Avatar
pcolt94
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Default

So far I don’t see any reason for those fuses to be missing. The A/C clutch is for the clutch of the compressor and is fuse #18, 10 amp. Fuse #43, 5 amp is for the A/C programmer which controls almost all A/C related functions including the fan and vent control. I do not see how that fuse can be missing and you have fan and vent control, I don’t understand that.

But if you had these fuses installed 18 & 43, then you could check these items.

Several places to start on this problem. First check to see if the compressor is turning, or engages and then drops out right away. If not turning at all check the low pressure cycling switch. Check the seating of the connector to see if it is dirty or corroded. You can also jump out the connector and see if the compressor starts.

If you have the automatic C68 HVAC system, do you have any flashing LEDs?
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 05:06 PM
  #4  
mcsports965's Avatar
mcsports965
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Default



Is the bottom A/C line the intake line to the condenser and the top the output?

also here is where it is leaking air.
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 05:16 PM
  #5  
pcolt94's Avatar
pcolt94
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Default

I guess forget all I said in my first post. I'm not sure not exactly what is really happening.

So now if seems like the compressor is running, so forget about Freon and much of the electronics. All I can suggest now is to check the connector on the fan power module under the hood on top of the evaporator box.

Also check the 3 way vacuum check valve under the plastic cover right side of the engine. If the valve is broken or cracked it will affect your vents and air flow.

Top line is the Freon leaving the evaporator on the way to the compressor (to be compressed)

All being considered it does not sound like the vents are working. Check the vacuum lines.
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 05:16 PM
  #6  
mcsports965's Avatar
mcsports965
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Default

I dont have the automatic C68 HVAC system on my car, not sure how to check for codes without that unit.
The compressor is turning and I can hear the clutch kick in.
The connectors are dirty but not corroded... cleaned all of them.
the fuses missing are the 5a AC MDL & 10a AC clutch but A/C has always worked without a problem before when they were missing....
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 05:19 PM
  #7  
mcsports965's Avatar
mcsports965
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Default

Originally Posted by pcolt94
I guess forget all I said in my first post. I'm not sure not exactly what is really happening.

So now if seems like the compressor is running, so forget about Freon and much of the electronics. All I can suggest now is to check the connector on the fan power module under the hood on top of the evaporator box.

Also check the 3 way vacuum check valve under the plastic cover right side of the engine. If the valve is broken or cracked it will affect your vents and air flow.

Top line is the Freon leaving the evaporator on the way to the compressor (to be compressed)

All being considered it does not sound like the vents are working. Check the vacuum lines.
Thanks for the info and help!
Actually a few months ago that 3 way vacuum check valve was completely corroded so i just spliced it all together with a T connector and smaller pieces of vacuum tubing. I wonder if that can be it?
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 05:23 PM
  #8  
mcsports965's Avatar
mcsports965
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Default

Sorry my mistake, actually the AC clutch fuse is not missing, Just the AC MDL fuse is...
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 05:25 PM
  #9  
pcolt94's Avatar
pcolt94
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Default

Please get the fuse numbers. It looks like MDL is for the C68 system. So it's probably OK not to have it. Obviously you have a clutch fuse in there somewhere if the compressor is running. The problem is not there. With a fuse # I can give more info.

Check the vacuum items. Can't offer more solutions because I don’t really fully understand what the exact problem is.
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 05:32 PM
  #10  
mcsports965's Avatar
mcsports965
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Default



Here you can see where I "Ghetto Rigged" that 3 way vacuum check valve...

I did this months ago and AC always worked... hmmm
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 05:37 PM
  #11  
mcsports965's Avatar
mcsports965
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Default

It is Fuse #1 & Fuse #43 that is missing, AC MDL & AC prog
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 05:52 PM
  #12  
pcolt94's Avatar
pcolt94
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Default

Fuse #43 should be missing also because it for the C68 system and you have a C60. You don’t have a programmer.
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 06:32 PM
  #13  
RUU's Avatar
RUU
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,268
Likes: 142
From: Ottawa Ontario
Default

Originally Posted by mcsports965


Here you can see where I "Ghetto Rigged" that 3 way vacuum check valve...
FWIW, the check valve you "Ghetto Rigged" is only about $5 at the dealer.
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 08:45 PM
  #14  
mcsports965's Avatar
mcsports965
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Default

New findings:

I guess before the AC compressor was never turning on... I decided to jump the low pressure switch and immediately the AC compressor kicked in, I didnt leave it on long enough to see if cold air started to come out the vents however.

Does this just mean my Freon levels are to low thats why my AC quit working???

thanks for all the help and patience once again!
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 09:15 PM
  #15  
pcolt94's Avatar
pcolt94
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Default

A set of gauges would tell you if the Freon was low and that is how you would really know. However if you jump the cycling switch and it get icy cold, then the Freon is probably not low.

You might then try changing the cycling switch and see if that fixes the problem. Not sure if that switch is adjustable or not. Might try bumping the adjustment, might give you a clue.

Usually if the system was working good, and it then quit, it's probably not low Freon. A leak would give you poor cooling for a while and then the compressor would cycle off to quickly for any real cooling.
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 10:15 PM
  #16  
mcsports965's Avatar
mcsports965
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Default

Originally Posted by pcolt94
A set of gauges would tell you if the Freon was low and that is how you would really know. However if you jump the cycling switch and it get icy cold, then the Freon is probably not low.

You might then try changing the cycling switch and see if that fixes the problem. Not sure if that switch is adjustable or not. Might try bumping the adjustment, might give you a clue.

Usually if the system was working good, and it then quit, it's probably not low Freon. A leak would give you poor cooling for a while and then the compressor would cycle off to quickly for any real cooling.
Absolutely right, went down to Kragen, got a recharging kit with gauges and 18oz R-134a+ for $50 and checked the pressure. Turns out it was super low, went through the whole entire can and about 3/4 of the bottle the compressor kicked in. Even with the whole bottle I was barely able to get about 18psi at about 65 outside. Still seems a little low.
I also think I found out how I lost so much freon, when I disconnected the coupler from the low pressure line the ball valve inside continued to leak freon, I messed with it using needle nose pliers until I couldnt hear anymore hissing but I still think its going to eventually leak all out again.
Would all I need is that metal/rubber section of hose to fix that ball valve???

thank you again for all the help!
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 10:36 PM
  #17  
pcolt94's Avatar
pcolt94
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Default

High side pressure fitting is a ball valve and go bad a lot. The fitting can be replaced but the system has to be evacuated and then filled again and done properly. If the low pressure fitting is bad which is where you added the Freon, I think the whole line has to be replaced but not sure.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 94 LT1 A/C issues...





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:43 PM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE