AC compressor not working
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville Tennessee
AC compressor not working
Can anyone give some advice on what might be happening with my recently purchased '98 vert? I was going to run the air today and when I did, the light on the AC button went out after about 5 seconds after I pressed it.
I'm a total nube to the forum, don't know how to read codes or even where to charge the AC on my vette.
I'm not trying to restore my car, just trying to get some enjoyment out of it. It has 199,000 on the odometer and runs like a scalded cheetah! I'm grinning from ear to ear, but it's getting a little humid and warm in Tennessee. Any help would be appreciated.
I'm a total nube to the forum, don't know how to read codes or even where to charge the AC on my vette.
I'm not trying to restore my car, just trying to get some enjoyment out of it. It has 199,000 on the odometer and runs like a scalded cheetah! I'm grinning from ear to ear, but it's getting a little humid and warm in Tennessee. Any help would be appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,010
Likes: 784
From: Tollesboro Kentucky
Sounds like the charge in the system is low.Easy to check codes on these cars.I don't have my manuals handy but I would think there would be a code for this condition.Alot of threads on here on how to retrieve the codes.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 5
From: Rockwall TX
There won't be any codes for this problem, but, make sure your outside temp is working correctly, and if it is, it probably as mentioned, needs the system checked for leaks. The AC valves are located on the passenger side of the engine, on the top and easy to see.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Titusville Florida
Yeah i agree check the pressure level on the ac system, if it is low take it to a A/C shop and have them charge it, or you can do it yourself, just buy a cheap gauge from advance auto parts and a can or two of R-134. once it is charged (the gauge should read in the green, about 30 PSI) then you should be good. If you still have the same problem you probably have a leak somewhere, buy a can of R-134 with green dye, charge again and look for the green dye, that will indicate where it is leaking. You could need a new A/C compressor or it could be as simple as tightening the schrader valve on the low side of the system. If you need a new compressor you will probably be looking at 1,100 $ for parts and labor, I just replaced mine, it took me 3 days but saved me a lot of money, but its not easy, and very time consuming!
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Titusville Florida
By the way the low side valve is located right by the battery heat shield, it will have a black cap on it. If you buy a gauge and do this your self the gauge will only fit on the low side. valve
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
It seems that charging of your system is low. Firstly, you have to charge your system fully. Make sure about pressure level on the AC system and your outside temperature is moderate. These problems may affects the AC system.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville Tennessee
Hey everybody, I pulled the codes and the following showed up:
B0361 H (left actuator feedback short to ground)
B0363 H (left actuator feedback open)
B0441 H C (left actuator out of range)
P1545 H C (A/C clutch relay control circuit)
P1546 H C (A/C clutch feedback circuit low voltage)
Now that I have the codes, can anyone let me know what they mean? Do I need a new compressor and clutch? Is there something wrong with my ac controller? I don't want to just throw new parts at it and not solve the problem. Summer is coming and don't want to roast in my car. Thanks for the help all!
B0361 H (left actuator feedback short to ground)
B0363 H (left actuator feedback open)
B0441 H C (left actuator out of range)
P1545 H C (A/C clutch relay control circuit)
P1546 H C (A/C clutch feedback circuit low voltage)
Now that I have the codes, can anyone let me know what they mean? Do I need a new compressor and clutch? Is there something wrong with my ac controller? I don't want to just throw new parts at it and not solve the problem. Summer is coming and don't want to roast in my car. Thanks for the help all!
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Titusville Florida
Hey everybody, I pulled the codes and the following showed up:
B0361 H (left actuator feedback short to ground)
B0363 H (left actuator feedback open)
B0441 H C (left actuator out of range)
P1545 H C (A/C clutch relay control circuit)
P1546 H C (A/C clutch feedback circuit low voltage)
Now that I have the codes, can anyone let me know what they mean? Do I need a new compressor and clutch? Is there something wrong with my ac controller? I don't want to just throw new parts at it and not solve the problem. Summer is coming and don't want to roast in my car. Thanks for the help all!
B0361 H (left actuator feedback short to ground)
B0363 H (left actuator feedback open)
B0441 H C (left actuator out of range)
P1545 H C (A/C clutch relay control circuit)
P1546 H C (A/C clutch feedback circuit low voltage)
Now that I have the codes, can anyone let me know what they mean? Do I need a new compressor and clutch? Is there something wrong with my ac controller? I don't want to just throw new parts at it and not solve the problem. Summer is coming and don't want to roast in my car. Thanks for the help all!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
HANG ON,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 
First thing that you need to do is get a schematic for your car and start checking FUSES, RELAYS and power and grounds to the system electronics..
I can tell by the DTCs that you have, you have a Dual Zone System.
Turn the system OFF, clear ALL the DTCs and turn the system back ON. See if the same DTCs come back.
Start with the basics
Fuse 18:
First thing that you need to do is get a schematic for your car and start checking FUSES, RELAYS and power and grounds to the system electronics.. I can tell by the DTCs that you have, you have a Dual Zone System.
Turn the system OFF, clear ALL the DTCs and turn the system back ON. See if the same DTCs come back.
Start with the basics
Fuse 18:
Last edited by Bill Curlee; May 22, 2013 at 02:58 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville Tennessee
Dang Bill, I know you're like the Jedi master when it comes to these cars, but I don't know where to begin troubleshooting the schematics. I was going to shoot some charge in it this weekend, and also replace the compressor clutch since I had the clutch feedback to ground code... You're right that its a dual zone system. I did check and clean the grounds for the ebctm on both the drivers and passenger side because my abs and traction control lights are on constantly. I'll check any fuse or relay you might advise... I just gotta know where they are on my car. I bought this last week and have been driving it every chance I get... So happy to have it. I plan to keep it for a good long time, and want to fix all the bugs that matter along the way.
Thanks for your advice and any guidance you might provide.
Thanks for your advice and any guidance you might provide.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville Tennessee
Bill, long story short... you're the man. I checked the fuse block near the battery and someone had literally pulled the A/C relay from the fuse block. I popped a new one in for 24 bucks, charged the system to 40 psi and BAM! cold air!
thanks for the encouragement to check the basics.
thanks for the encouragement to check the basics.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville Tennessee
the relay I put back in the fuse block was relay 46. The only DIC code I'm getting is the B0441 history and current (left actuator out of range). I have purchased the hole guts to the HVAC ducting from a new friend on the forum located near me. I'll attempt once I do some more research on the forum.