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

A/C problem this weekend

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Old Oct 7, 2002 | 10:51 PM
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Default A/C problem this weekend

Took the Vette out this weekend to a work party, and the A/C started acting funny. It worked on the way to the party, but on the way home the fan would blow, but no cold air. I turned it off/on several times, but nothing worked. I stopped for gas, and when I started the car to leave it started working again.

Anyone ever had this happen to them?

Thanx in advance for the replies!
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Old Oct 7, 2002 | 11:07 PM
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Default Re: A/C problem this weekend (baddmann)

If you have electronic air, you can check the freon level by :
1. Push and hold the fan "up" arrow and fan "down" arrow at the same time for 5 secs.
2. The LCD (liquid crystal display) will show "-00."
3. Push "AUTO FAN" and the LCD will show any fault DTCs stored.
code 09 means low freon detected.
If other codes appear, post them, and we will try to go on from there.
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Old Oct 7, 2002 | 11:59 PM
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Default Re: A/C problem this weekend (baddmann)

The A/C on my '86 is intermittent - it's the compressor clutch. When I had it in the garage with the hood up just before a trip when I would need it, the clutch would not kick in - until I "tapped" it with a rubber mallet, then it snapped right in and was good for the trip. I got a new eBay clutch but haven't installed it yet. Cycling the switch form OFF to MAX a few times usually works. Good Luck.

Ray
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Old Oct 8, 2002 | 12:02 AM
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Default Re: A/C problem this weekend (Oldman)

If you have electronic air, you can check the freon level by :
1. Push and hold the fan "up" arrow and fan "down" arrow at the same time for 5 secs.
2. The LCD (liquid crystal display) will show "-00."
3. Push "AUTO FAN" and the LCD will show any fault DTCs stored.
code 09 means low freon detected.
If other codes appear, post them, and we will try to go on from there.
I will give this a shot, but if it was blowing cold, then not, then blowing cold again I don't think it was a freon prob... It seems more like the clutch. It's in my parents garage right now, so I will have to go over there tomorrow.
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Old Oct 8, 2002 | 07:06 AM
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Default Re: A/C problem this weekend (baddmann)

The a/c unit will still blow cold until the pressures inside the system fall below the control settings of the safety devices on the low side. you can put a meter accross the low pressure switch on the large line by the evaporator near the firewall on the passenger side. as the a/c cycles, watch the meter...if the low pressure switch is cycling the clutch on/off, then you need to get the pressures checked in the system..it may be close to being out of refrig. However, other items as well can make it cycle more often than needed......loose connections, wiring etc. check all your connections, relays, and terminals. hope it helps.
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Old Oct 8, 2002 | 08:54 PM
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Default Re: A/C problem this weekend (Oldman)

Is this test done with ignition on engine off or engine on? I have a similar problem. My A/C is blowing hot air w/ the A/C clutch engaged.
Thanks
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Old Oct 8, 2002 | 09:09 PM
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Default Re: A/C problem this weekend (89NYFINESTVETTE)

I just did the test with ignition on engine off and I received no codes. As I thought that would be to easy and was hoping for a 09 code. Now I guess I will have to search for another problem. I just changed the condenser and the canister. I filled the system with three 12 oz cans and the clutch is engaging but no cool air. I was going to try another can, But this test is telling me that the freon is not low. As soon as I added the third can the clutch was staying engaged. Prio to the third can the clutch was engaging and disengaging. That was telling me that it was not full. So I added the third can. Is there anything that I should be looking for or testing to see why I am not getting the cold air?
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Old Oct 8, 2002 | 09:38 PM
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Default Re: A/C problem this weekend (baddmann)

I have the same problem with mine. I also have the 09 trouble code (low freon) I have not repaired my problem yet. Hopefully a shot of freon will do the trick.
Let me know what you come up with baddmann.
Good luck :cheers:
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Old Oct 8, 2002 | 11:02 PM
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Default Re: A/C problem this weekend (89NYFINESTVETTE)

89NYFINESTVETTE, did you pull a vacuum on your system prior to charging. if not, that is your problem.
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Old Oct 9, 2002 | 03:01 PM
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Default Re: A/C problem this weekend (baddmann)

Sounds like the clutch. I just went through the same thing on my car last month. It would blow cold and then not blow cold air. I have the original nippondenso compressor and as the clutch was going out it would sling out this black goo that stuck to the hood and hoses. After replacing the clutch I got nice cold air. Consider replacing the clutch as a unit. The bearing on mine was very worn.
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Old Oct 9, 2002 | 09:53 PM
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Default Re: A/C problem this weekend (Rich_01659)

Hello Rich_01659, I am not sure what that means. Should I have had the air in the system removed prio to adding the freon?
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Old Oct 9, 2002 | 10:07 PM
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Default Re: A/C problem this weekend (Rich_01659)

I forgot to add that the A/C line going into the firewall was sweating. Maybe this will help with trying to figure out the problem. Thanks
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Old Oct 12, 2002 | 01:04 AM
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Default Re: A/C problem this weekend (89NYFINESTVETTE)

yes, you must remove the air in the system prior to charging. regardless of what you see happening, if you did not pull a vacuum the thing just will not work properly.
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Old Oct 12, 2002 | 06:40 PM
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Default Re: A/C problem this weekend (Rich_01659)

I am assuming by the sound of this that I will need someone with a machine to do this? I don't think I am ca[able of removing air from a system, Unless there is a trick.

Thanks
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Old Oct 13, 2002 | 11:34 PM
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Default Re: A/C problem this weekend (89NYFINESTVETTE)

no tricks, you need a vacuum pump.
good luck
rich
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