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

1993 Corvette AC Problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 25, 2022 | 06:27 PM
  #1  
PsychoPyro's Avatar
PsychoPyro
Thread Starter
4th Gear
 
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Default 1993 Corvette AC Problem

Hello everyone. I'm having a problem with my AC, in which it only blows hot air. I checked the pressure of the system and it was fully pressurized. The first thing I noticed was that the clutch for the compressor wasn't coming on. I'd read that the high and low pressure switches could be the issue. I read that you can bypass the low pressure switch by shorting the two female connectors together with a paperclip. I did so and the clutch briefly engaged before never coming on again, even with the connectors shorted together. I also got the 09 code from the thermostat. I thought the low pressure switch was the issue, so I replaced it, but it didn't fix it. I couldn't angle my multimeter probes the right way to check resistance, so jumping the connectors together was the only way I knew how to test the switches. Is there something else I should be looking for?
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2022 | 06:39 PM
  #2  
billschroeder5842's Avatar
billschroeder5842
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Supporting Gold
Veteran: Navy
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
Likes: 1,174
From: Southlake, TX
Default

Originally Posted by PsychoPyro
I also got the 09 code from the thermostat. I thought the low pressure switch was the issue, so I replaced it, but it didn't fix it.
A code 09 is telling you that you are low on freon. Replacing switches is not your problem. Get your system recharged and you will be good.
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2022 | 06:56 PM
  #3  
PsychoPyro's Avatar
PsychoPyro
Thread Starter
4th Gear
 
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Default

I'll try adding more freon and see if it works. Fingers crossed!
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2022 | 11:07 PM
  #4  
jv9999's Avatar
jv9999
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 381
From: Lunenburg MA
Default

Originally Posted by PsychoPyro
I'll try adding more freon and see if it works. Fingers crossed!
It's your money, but given the price of R12 these days I'd make sure there are no leaks or other issues before I added a random amount.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2022 | 12:30 PM
  #5  
mrlmd's Avatar
mrlmd
Drifting
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,965
Likes: 343
From: Shell Point (Crawfordville) Florida
Default

As long as you have the 09 code, your compressor will not go on even with shorting the low pressure switch. You must first eliminate the code by disconnecting the battery for 15-30 sec., then with the code gone, short the switch to engage the compressor and add Freon. You cannot add Freon if the compressor is not running.
Or bring it to someone who knows what they are doing, and find the source of the Freon leak otherwise you will soon be back where you started form.
Reply
Old Jul 31, 2022 | 09:43 AM
  #6  
ZWILDZR1's Avatar
ZWILDZR1
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 891
Likes: 175
From: PA
Default

In 2019 my 91 ZR1 needed freon . I took it to a local shop that added freon while I watched . The code 09 was still present . They hooked it up to their machine and added just under 2 lbs of 134A . They had no issues filling the system . Afterwards it was still blowing hot air . I called Marc Haibeck the ZR1 specialist who told me to disconnect the positive battery terminal and it should work . Sure enough the code was reset and it started blowing cold .

What I wonder is how is it that no one can add freon with the compressor not working when doing it using say an AC pro/ their own hose and gauges but the guys at the shop had no issue filling the system. Yes the compressor was not running. They even tried to jump it at the switch and didn't understand as long as that code was present it would not run. Once the code was reset it came right on and the system worked.
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2022 | 03:20 PM
  #7  
pcolt94's Avatar
pcolt94
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Default

Originally Posted by ZWILDZR1
In 2019 my 91 ZR1 needed freon . I took it to a local shop that added freon while I watched . The code 09 was still present . They hooked it up to their machine and added just under 2 lbs of 134A . They had no issues filling the system . Afterwards it was still blowing hot air . I called Marc Haibeck the ZR1 specialist who told me to disconnect the positive battery terminal and it should work . Sure enough the code was reset and it started blowing cold .

What I wonder is how is it that no one can add freon with the compressor not working when doing it using say an AC pro/ their own hose and gauges but the guys at the shop had no issue filling the system. Yes the compressor was not running. They even tried to jump it at the switch and didn't understand as long as that code was present it would not run. Once the code was reset it came right on and the system worked.
It's all about differential pressure. Freon flows from low pressure to high pressure. An AC system at static rest has the same pressure as a 12 oz can since Freon pressure is temperature dependent regardless of amount. And that is why you add to the low pressure port when it is running cause the pressure is low approx 23 to 46 depending on cycling and the pressure in the can is much higher till it runs empty (or gets cold).

At a shop with professional equipment they can put in a measured amount with a pump that has more pressure than the system at rest (static). Which is why they can fill it without it running.
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2024 | 04:36 PM
  #8  
BP93's Avatar
BP93
1st Gear
 
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Default AC issue

93 Corvette Running hot. AC clutch would not come on for AC or defrost. Main fan would not come on till 235F. Checked coolant recovery tank, which was low. Added coolant. Disconnected battery fór 1 minute or so as previous poster did. Started car up, AC clutch ing engaging and AC working, Car not driven much.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 1993 Corvette AC Problem

Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

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

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

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

 Verdad Gallardo




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:40 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
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-9
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