97 c5 heat problem
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Massapequa NY
97 c5 heat problem
Hi guys I just bought a 97 c5 and my driver side heat is having problem. My passenger heat works great but my driver side doesn't. Eventually it starts to work after like 20-30 minutes of running. Any suggestions on what it could be? Thank you in advanced.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
The codes from the DIC are much better than a OBD reader. No codes...Ok, then what I hear being reported is that the refrigerant can be low and result in issues even with the heat. I really expected to hear you getting a 361 or 363 code though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 426
Have you had any unrelated engine work done?
Has the battery been replaced or disconnected recently?
If so the HVAC actuators may need to be re-syncronized. You can either press 'reset' while in the DIC's manual mode, disconnect the battery for a few minutes or pull fuse #27 for a few minutes.
When you re-energize the circuit you'll hear the HVAC doors moving around for about a minute. When they are done check the codes and turn on the engine, get it warm and see if the doors are working correctly. You many need to do this several times to get them up to speed.
There are other things that can be wrong but this is the easiest and cheapest first fix.
Has the battery been replaced or disconnected recently?
If so the HVAC actuators may need to be re-syncronized. You can either press 'reset' while in the DIC's manual mode, disconnect the battery for a few minutes or pull fuse #27 for a few minutes.
When you re-energize the circuit you'll hear the HVAC doors moving around for about a minute. When they are done check the codes and turn on the engine, get it warm and see if the doors are working correctly. You many need to do this several times to get them up to speed.
There are other things that can be wrong but this is the easiest and cheapest first fix.
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From: Fremont CA
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Those codes point directly to the driver's side actuator. Clear both of them and it will cause the system to recalibrate. If the codes come back, then you need a new actuator which you can replace yourself.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 27
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From: Massapequa NY
I figured that but why does it randomly work? I just cleared the codes but I was just driving it so the heat was still working. I'll have to try in the morning. Thank you for the quick help!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
That picture is the driver's side actuator. Its located on the side of the hvac up above the gas pedal. Its a PITA to get too but it can be done as I replaced mine. Someone in here managed to glue it back together but there's oem replacements available and aftermarket too. I went the aftermarket one from Rockauto and it appeared to be the exact same unit and a lot less $. I put it in and its working to this day.
No need to pull that fuse to recalibrate if the codes are present because when you clear the code, it will initiate the calibration sequence on its own.
No need to pull that fuse to recalibrate if the codes are present because when you clear the code, it will initiate the calibration sequence on its own.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 834
Likes: 0
From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
97 here myself, had the same issues occassuonally for the past 2 yrs. I usually have to add a full bottle of r134 each summer. Also I've been trying to gently turn the temp. Wheel up and down, instead of just spinning it 1000rpm to get to min/max. So far so good.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 5
From: Rockwall TX
I would suggest the first thing is to make sure your AC is working properly. Then check and see if the codes come back. I had these same issues before (with a new actuator), drove me crazy, but one thing I learned is first make sure the AC is working correctly, then worry about the codes.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,785
Likes: 8
From: Sacramento California
Sorry to hijack, but similar problem. I also have a 97. It quit blowing cold last summer. When I turn the AC on, The compressor engages and seems to be working but I get no cold air. If the refrigerent is old, low, whatever.... will I get codes popping up? My heater works fine.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 358
Likes: 3
From: Brunswick Georgia
yeah i had thoses problems to recharge it and reindex. make sure to disconnect the battery with the passenger temp at the 12 o clock pos i did notice to when you turn the temp **** slow down or up it works better. its like it needs time to open up so il go to 63 wait then 62 wait and so on. but going up in temp was fine.also my code never went away but it does work fine
Pro
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 647
Likes: 0
From: Oradell New Jersey
i went thru the same thing last summer with my AC, driver side was not getting cold, passenger was. i ripped everything apart, only to find out i needed some refridgerant... i actually let some of the old stuff out and refilled with new to get it to work
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
For cooling issues, always check the refrigerant charge levels but for heating, if one side is hot and the other isn't and codes are present, most likely its out of sync or broken.
B0361 Left Actuator Feedback Short to GND
B0363 Left Actuator Feedback Open
When I see these codes, the actuator is most likely messed up, but clearing the codes will force it to recalibrate itself. If the codes come back, buy a new actuator.
Here are the other codes, FYI:
B0365 Right Actuator Feedback Short to GND
B0367 Right Actuator Feedback Open
B0441 Left Actuator Out of Range
B0446 Right Actuator Out of Range
B0361 Left Actuator Feedback Short to GND
B0363 Left Actuator Feedback Open
When I see these codes, the actuator is most likely messed up, but clearing the codes will force it to recalibrate itself. If the codes come back, buy a new actuator.
Here are the other codes, FYI:
B0365 Right Actuator Feedback Short to GND
B0367 Right Actuator Feedback Open
B0441 Left Actuator Out of Range
B0446 Right Actuator Out of Range