C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

A/C blows warm

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 8, 2009 | 11:48 AM
  #1  
aamorello's Avatar
aamorello
Thread Starter
5th Gear
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default A/C blows warm

Im about to bring my 97 C5 in to see if it needs an A/C recharge. Im a little suspicious about how quickly it started to blow warm. It seems it was working ok and cold, then warm the next time I drove the car. I can't see any sign of leaks so, I have a couple of questions..

1. How long does a charge usually last?

2. Could there be another reason for the syptom besides a leak or recharge that I can check?

Any info would be appriciated..
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2009 | 01:22 PM
  #2  
philgrocks's Avatar
philgrocks
Instructor
Supporting Lifetime
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Silicon Valley CA
Default

Originally Posted by aamorello
Im about to bring my 97 C5 in to see if it needs an A/C recharge. Im a little suspicious about how quickly it started to blow warm. It seems it was working ok and cold, then warm the next time I drove the car. I can't see any sign of leaks so, I have a couple of questions..

1. How long does a charge usually last?

2. Could there be another reason for the syptom besides a leak or recharge that I can check?

Any info would be appriciated..
A charge should last forever. This sort of liquid does not really wear out and stop working. In my experience something else fails like the compressor. So you have some sort of leak. an A/C tech will load your system up with die (UV) that will be visible with a black light. That is going to be your first step to solving this problem.

You asked about other ideas... Does the compressor engage when you turn your A/C to on? If it does, you have lost the charge and time for some diagnostic work in the area of leaks. If it does not then something in the control path or the controller needs attention.
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2009 | 03:45 PM
  #3  
97C5owner's Avatar
97C5owner
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 2
From: Houston TEXAS
Default

Originally Posted by aamorello
Im about to bring my 97 C5 in to see if it needs an A/C recharge. Im a little suspicious about how quickly it started to blow warm. It seems it was working ok and cold, then warm the next time I drove the car. I can't see any sign of leaks so, I have a couple of questions..

1. How long does a charge usually last?

2. Could there be another reason for the syptom besides a leak or recharge that I can check?

Any info would be appriciated..
My 97 did the EXACT same thing. A charge will sometimes fix it. Also, have you recently disconnected your battery???
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2009 | 04:41 PM
  #4  
chris308's Avatar
chris308
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 104
From: Florida
Default

Originally Posted by 97C5owner
My 97 did the EXACT same thing. A charge will sometimes fix it. Also, have you recently disconnected your battery???
What happens to the AC system when you have disconnected the battery?
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2009 | 07:01 PM
  #5  
FL_Dave's Avatar
FL_Dave
Instructor
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 115
Likes: 9
From: Tampa FL
Default Oil leak

An easy check is to see if there is an oil spot under the engine a little to the passenger's side of center. If so, it is probably leaking O-rings where the lineset meets the back of the compressor. It's a simple fix if you are handy.

I had the same problem and solved it for less than $100. Search my posts if you need the details.

Dave
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2009 | 07:19 PM
  #6  
Old Rotor Head's Avatar
Old Rotor Head
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,754
Likes: 0
From: Nokomis FL
Default

I had a leaking valve stem in my '99 that drove me nuts. Changed the stem 3 years ago and no problem since.
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2009 | 08:51 PM
  #7  
aamorello's Avatar
aamorello
Thread Starter
5th Gear
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default The Battery

Yes, I replaced the battery recently. Can this the problem? Something need to be reset?
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2009 | 03:31 PM
  #8  
byoung7's Avatar
byoung7
Advanced
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Millersville PA
Default More on Battery????

I would like hear more on the relationship with removing the battery. I also have a 97 and it seems the A/C doesn't blow cold. Before I take to be checked any additional information would be nice. Thanks
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jun 9, 2009 | 10:46 PM
  #9  
casslaw's Avatar
casslaw
Racer
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Wesley Chapel Florida
Default

Two things on an a/c system this old. 1) the compressor very well could be going bad, and our compressors don't usually leak at the clutch but on the housing (in my limited experience), and 2) the seals that connect the a/c hose to the back of the compressor crack. The seal is a minor fix that is easily doable from under the car with a long extension and a 13 mm (or is it a 10?) the compressor is a much bigger job that the book rates out at a little over 5 hours (crazy books!) I recently replaced the o-rings which lasted about 3 months before the compressor went and that job just sucked, but luckily I do have access to a lift and a family full of mechanics and now the a/c is blowing ice cubes! Good Luck
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To A/C blows warm





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:49 PM.

story-0
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-20 17:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-7
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE