Method to bench test HVAC Programmer?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,392
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From: Merritt Island, FL
Method to bench test HVAC Programmer?
I have a HVAC programmer module (1996 automatic climate control), and want to test it to determine if it's functioning properly. Is there any way to bench test one of these?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
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From: Tampa Florida
Where there is a will there's a way. Know that even if you did power it up on the bench it would still be difficult to determine/conclude if it would be 100% functional once installed on an actual car with the rest of the AC system connected to it. It will/would be way easier to just plug it into the car and then check it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Orlando FL
You would have to have almost all the same electronic and boxes that the vette has in a test set up. The programmer works on a serial bus and a few discrete signals. There is also a lot that interaction that goes on during operation and you can't just put power to the box and have it do any of it's normal functions.
In some of the military testing for verification on Helicopters I worked on in a test setup, almost the entire helicopter electronics is duplicated for the entire system that is being worked on. Then any box can be connected and checked out for operation. If a box was bad, then it went to a lower level repair station.
So unless you are really geared up to test the boxes or modules, I would have to say that there is no way to test the operation of the programmer or control head. Some of the smaller less complex parts can be checked on a case by case basis
In some of the military testing for verification on Helicopters I worked on in a test setup, almost the entire helicopter electronics is duplicated for the entire system that is being worked on. Then any box can be connected and checked out for operation. If a box was bad, then it went to a lower level repair station.
So unless you are really geared up to test the boxes or modules, I would have to say that there is no way to test the operation of the programmer or control head. Some of the smaller less complex parts can be checked on a case by case basis
Last edited by pcolt94; Nov 15, 2011 at 08:07 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: San Diego, Ca
A Tech 2 with the right cartridge will emulate the Controls and you use that to troubleshoot via the CCM link. Or you can access the Data Stream and get a binary number for the inputs and outputs (see Tech Tips) and with some logic, maybe figure it out. Board failures on this Year seem to be rare so you could post what it is or isn't doing. Most failures are: Temp Door isn't moving: stripped drive gear. Compressor isn't engaging: Open or intermittent Low Pressure Switch; Relay failure; Low or no gas for which there will be a troublecode; or Pressure Sensor failure for which there should/may be a code in the OB2 data stream. Or air flow is through the Defroster only - harness nipples are collapsed at the Programmer blocking vaccum and if it can't suck, it won't blow.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,392
Likes: 218
From: Merritt Island, FL
Well, I don't have a '96... I bought this module in a lot of spare parts from someone who turned their 96 into a track car, he said the HVAC worked totally fine when removed, but before I sell it I figured I'd see if there was any way to verify it. I guess i'll sell it as-is.
