Strange AC issue. Help needed.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
From: Gurnee IL
Strange AC issue. Help needed.
My AC works most of the time, but occasionally when I attempt to turn it on, the AC light just flashes a few times then turns off. And the AC wont work. Sometimes it will work 5 minutes later, other times it takes a few hours before it properly working. I try to turn off the car and turn it back on, but that never fixes the problem. I know how to get into the Diagnosis mode and sometimes there are code for the AC, and sometimes there are none. If there are code present, I clear them, but that doesnt always fix the problem, just sometimes. Id say 50/50.
Im thinking the AC/heat module might need to be replaced, but wanted to check with you guys to see if you had any other options. I bought this car a few months ago, and that was one of the last this the previous owner had fixed (the control module).
Thoughts on whats wrong, or how to fix it would be appreciated. Thankyou!!
Im thinking the AC/heat module might need to be replaced, but wanted to check with you guys to see if you had any other options. I bought this car a few months ago, and that was one of the last this the previous owner had fixed (the control module).
Thoughts on whats wrong, or how to fix it would be appreciated. Thankyou!!
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,545
Likes: 209
From: Huntersville, NC
My 2000 has a somewhat similar problem (well had two but down to 1) the AC switch on the control panel does not always turn on the AC. It seems the detent click doesn't work properly. I think there may be a little part broken or something got spilled, like a soft drink and got behind the switch. When everything is off, hitting the fan button turns the system on. Also to get it to come on or turn it offusing the AC on button, I have to wiggle the button as I push it.
The second problem I had was crud in the condenser. There are a lot of posts about sucking up leaves and plastic bags, but the stuff in my condenser was a combination of bug legs and sand grit. It was hard to see because all the stuff was in the fins. All I saw was a few bug legs sticking out. It was easily blown out with an air nozzle, but I got almost a half cup of grit and bug legs. After that cleaning, the AC worked like new (except for the switch problem).
The second problem I had was crud in the condenser. There are a lot of posts about sucking up leaves and plastic bags, but the stuff in my condenser was a combination of bug legs and sand grit. It was hard to see because all the stuff was in the fins. All I saw was a few bug legs sticking out. It was easily blown out with an air nozzle, but I got almost a half cup of grit and bug legs. After that cleaning, the AC worked like new (except for the switch problem).
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,360
Likes: 1,127
From: Dyer, IN
My AC works most of the time, but occasionally when I attempt to turn it on, the AC light just flashes a few times then turns off. And the AC wont work. Sometimes it will work 5 minutes later, other times it takes a few hours before it properly working. I try to turn off the car and turn it back on, but that never fixes the problem. I know how to get into the Diagnosis mode and sometimes there are code for the AC, and sometimes there are none. If there are code present, I clear them, but that doesnt always fix the problem, just sometimes. Id say 50/50.
Im thinking the AC/heat module might need to be replaced, but wanted to check with you guys to see if you had any other options. I bought this car a few months ago, and that was one of the last this the previous owner had fixed (the control module).
Thoughts on whats wrong, or how to fix it would be appreciated. Thankyou!!
Im thinking the AC/heat module might need to be replaced, but wanted to check with you guys to see if you had any other options. I bought this car a few months ago, and that was one of the last this the previous owner had fixed (the control module).
Thoughts on whats wrong, or how to fix it would be appreciated. Thankyou!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
From: Gurnee IL
The second problem I had was crud in the condenser. There are a lot of posts about sucking up leaves and plastic bags, but the stuff in my condenser was a combination of bug legs and sand grit. It was hard to see because all the stuff was in the fins. All I saw was a few bug legs sticking out. It was easily blown out with an air nozzle, but I got almost a half cup of grit and bug legs. After that cleaning, the AC worked like new (except for the switch problem).
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,360
Likes: 1,127
From: Dyer, IN
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
From: Gurnee IL
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,360
Likes: 1,127
From: Dyer, IN
Really helps if you write them down....might help pinpoint the issue you're having.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
From: Gurnee IL
This feels like a power issue. For some reason, I cant get my AC to turn on at times, and when it does, it works fine. To me, that seems like its a problem with the mechanism that tells the AC (the condenser) to kick on or not. Once it turns on - my ac is working fine.
The condenser was just replaced with a new one about 3 months ago too as it was leaking. It blows cold air just fine now. Just not very strong, which is another concern of mine, but since it cost me $700 to replace the condenser, I dont want to have to worry about replacing the blower too, which I assume is why its not blasting out cold air as it should.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
From: Gurnee IL
I found the paper I previously wrote them down on. The codes are: B0361 and B0441. They pop up occasionally still, but i clear them when this AC issue happens as it seems to help fix it.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
From: Gurnee IL
I just tried that, and it didnt work. Are you talking about the Up and Down buttons that control high and low (degree of air velocity) when you say the 'fan button'? If not, can you clarify which button you mean?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,360
Likes: 1,127
From: Dyer, IN
Both these codes are specific for the left actuator. PM me your email, and I'll send you the service manual procedure.
