Servicing A/C

[BLLDOGG]

Re: Servicing A/C

Hmm.. I posted them the same day, the 5th. Static readings were 100 on both the high and low sides. That is the car and A/C off. I started the car and the a/c and the low side dropped to 95-97, fluctuating slowly. Dunno why the post isn't there, the one I posted a few minutes later is. Oh well.

ok and the temp out side was? and the running high side was?

[candela]

Re: Servicing A/C

The outside temp was 88 degrees and the high side remained unchanged at 100psi.

[BLLDOGG]

Re: Servicing A/C

what year is your car? engine?

[candela]

Re: Servicing A/C

'96 3.8

[BLLDOGG]

Re: Servicing A/C

I looked up info for an 98 Camaro. Do this for me:


The engine still idling in PARK.
The HVAC control still set to the following positions:
- A/C button to ON

- Temperature control to full cold

- Mode control knob to UPPER (IP outlets)

- Blower switch to high

Close the vehicle windows and doors.
The vehicle hood fully raised.
Both engine cooling fans operating.
Elevate and maintain the engine speed to 3000 RPM.
Cycle the A/C from ON to OFF to ON -- by depressing the A/C button on the HVAC control -- every 20 seconds for 3 minutes.
Record the low and high side pressure readings.
Are the low and high side pressure readings within 207 kPa (30 psi) of each other?

if yes:

Is the pressure rise slow on both the low and high side gages?

[candela]

Re: Servicing A/C

The '96 does not have an a/c button, doesn't even have an a/c indicator. I set the knob to either max or a/c and that's it. I can cycle the knob from a/c to vent if that is gonna have the same effect. the low and high side are within 5 PSI. The compressor does not kick on when I flip to Max or a/c.

[BLLDOGG]

Re: Servicing A/C

ok, so your compressor clutch is not engaging? Thats what your telling me?

EDIT: just saw you said that days ago. DOH!!! ok, new plan of attack. let me do some quick reading

[BLLDOGG]

Re: Servicing A/C

Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
Disconnect the clutch wires at the compressor.
Connect a jumper wire from ground to one of the compressor clutch terminals.
Connect a fused-jumper wire from the positive battery post to the other compressor clutch terminal.
Does the clutch engage?

I recommend you use the same sized fuse for the fused jumper wire that is used in the fuse block for the compressor clutch.

be careful when sticking things into the connector, you do not want to damage the terminals.

[candela]

Re: Servicing A/C

I appreciate the help.

[candela]

Re: Servicing A/C

Seems someone did that already. There is a red wire exiting the engine bay fuse box and ends at the clutch. When I saw that, I asked a mechanic and he said that is normal in camaro's coz the power circuit to the clutch fails, so I didn't think much of it.

Which means, it has been jumpered already.

[BLLDOGG]

Re: Servicing A/C

ok...hold on. supposedly, we have an orifice tube..according to SI. according to my Haynes manual, the 3.8L have an expansion valve and the 3.4L and V8s had the orifice tube. kinda goofy. someone has a misprint...I don't know who. I think SI isn't being very specific for my taste

[BLLDOGG]

Re: Servicing A/C

Seems someone did that already. There is a red wire exiting the engine bay fuse box and ends at the clutch. When I saw that, I asked a mechanic and he said that is normal in camaro's coz the power circuit to the clutch fails, so I didn't think much of it.

Which means, it has been jumpered already.

well, thats a really really bad repair but ok. I would still do what I mentioned, you might have a bad ground or power wire....or bad clutch coil or...or...or... :D

I'm going to bed. I will check back tomorrow hopefully :)

[candela]

Re: Servicing A/C

Agreed. I will do that when I get back home from work tomorrow afternoon. I'll post the results and we can take it from there. TY again kind sir.