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1990 a/c issues

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Old Jul 9, 2012 | 01:01 PM
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Default 1990 a/c issues

Hi ...

My dad has a 1990 coupe that has had an interesting a/c issue the last year or so. The basic issue is that the climate control button blinks and the system will only blow hot air. It doesnt sound like the compressor is kicking on. I have tried to disconnect and reconnect the battery and the a/c will work fine for a while then all of a sudden stop. We had the system pressure checked and there are no issues there either. Any thoughts?
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Old Jul 9, 2012 | 01:33 PM
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Originally Posted by gibbyflhx
Hi ...

My dad has a 1990 coupe that has had an interesting a/c issue the last year or so. The basic issue is that the climate control button blinks and the system will only blow hot air. It doesnt sound like the compressor is kicking on. I have tried to disconnect and reconnect the battery and the a/c will work fine for a while then all of a sudden stop. We had the system pressure checked and there are no issues there either. Any thoughts?
My compressor gave up the ghost recently. Started blowing warmer air even with correct pressure. That's an $800 repair (because you have to replace the dryer, too). Good luck!
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Old Jul 9, 2012 | 04:26 PM
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Has the Bose radio been changed out? If so aftermarket resistors are required when connecting the new radio to the Vette harness. AC control issues will develop without the resistors. IIRC 90 thru 92 models are effected. Info in the audio section.
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Old Jul 9, 2012 | 07:15 PM
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Wow, thanks for the info, I'm getting a new system tomorrow and I would have never known this! Called the stereo guys and they said they have never heard of this and never had any issues, is this a 1990 specific problem or C-4's all together?
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Old Jul 9, 2012 | 07:16 PM
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Oh, I guess I should read more carefully, you did say "IIRC 90 thru 92 models are effected" What is IIRC?
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Old Jul 9, 2012 | 10:16 PM
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I would jump the pressure switch and see if it is the compressor. If it is new ones sell on ebay for a LOT less.
Got one for my 87 $600 at dealer, $169 on ebay for the same thing exact same thing.
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Old Jul 9, 2012 | 10:49 PM
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Originally Posted by gibbyflhx
The basic issue is that the climate control button blinks and the system will only blow hot air.
My guess is the system is low on freon. You have the C68 (electronic) climate control, correct? If so, you can "pull" the error code that's causing the light to blink. Press and hold both the [fan up] and [fan down] button simultaneously for 5 seconds, and then press [fan auto]. An error code should appear on the display. Error code 09 is low freon. Once the code is set, the compressor will not start again until the code is cleared.

[IIRC = If I Recall Correctly]

Good luck
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Old Jul 9, 2012 | 11:32 PM
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Had some time, link to TSB:

http://www.corvetteforum.net/c4/dave8476/index4.shtml

Aftermarket radio head installed in my 90 without resistors = AC would blow cold at engine start up, control panel had a flashing light for a minute then AC would blow hot air. 2 resistors from the Shack fixed the AC problem. Resistors cost about 2.50 for a 5 pack.

GL (good luck)
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Old Jul 10, 2012 | 07:18 AM
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Well I pulled the code last night, it is an 09 (Low refrigerant). The weird part is it worked before one the way to lunch and didnt work after lunch. I cant imagine the refrigerant leaked out in 20 minutes. The system was also checked a few months ago and it was full
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Old Jul 10, 2012 | 07:26 PM
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Just had a new Alpine stereo and speakers put in my 1990 with no issues at all with the A/C.
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Old Jul 10, 2012 | 08:16 PM
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Originally Posted by gibbyflhx
I cant imagine the refrigerant leaked out in 20 minutes.
Probably not. The freon pressure is based upon a number of factors including air temperature. The pressure might have been "borderline." Have the pressure checked and remember you have to clear the code from the HVAC before the compressor will engage again.
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 12:18 PM
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How do you clear the error codes?
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 02:16 PM
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Originally Posted by MartinZZ
How do you clear the error codes?
Disconnect the battery negative cable for a few seconds.
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 10:00 PM
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Originally Posted by ghlkal
My guess is the system is low on freon. You have the C68 (electronic) climate control, correct? If so, you can "pull" the error code that's causing the light to blink. Press and hold both the [fan up] and [fan down] button simultaneously for 5 seconds, and then press [fan auto]. An error code should appear on the display. Error code 09 is low freon. Once the code is set, the compressor will not start again until the code is cleared.

[IIRC = If I Recall Correctly]

Good luck
Originally Posted by ghlkal
Probably not. The freon pressure is based upon a number of factors including air temperature. The pressure might have been "borderline." Have the pressure checked and remember you have to clear the code from the HVAC before the compressor will engage again.
Originally Posted by Churchkey
Disconnect the battery negative cable for a few seconds.
All is correct information. If you are not geared up to put R134 in, then go to a A/C shop. Have them do a leak test first with a sniffer. If all is OK, then have the system charged and do another leak test.
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