A/C Clutch Diode?

wylie · 07-18-2006, 10:05 AM

What is it?
My A/C is not working and I've looked at everything,fuses and contections and all is fine.
I know its probably the compressor but the only thing I'm not able to check is the A/C Clutch Diode.
Is possible that a bad Diode could stop the A/C from working?
And is there a way to test it?

2002 Venture 104,000km

MT-2500 · 07-18-2006, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wylie

What is it?
My A/C is not working and I've looked at everything,fuses and contections and all is fine.
I know its probably the compressor but the only thing I'm not able to check is the A/C Clutch Diode.
Is possible that a bad Diode could stop the A/C from working?
And is there a way to test it?

2002 Venture 104,000km

No way.
The diode is only to hold down electrical spikes.
What year and model and engine?
Is the compressor getting voltage?
Has the system go gas?
MT

time4play · 07-18-2006, 01:13 PM

Thanks MT-2500.
Wylie is a friend of mine and he posted on my behalf. I have now decided to join your wonderful forum.
I'm a newbie here and a female so go easy on me.
The van is a 2002 Chevrolet Venture extended van. I have no idea on the engine type. I think it's a 3400 but I would have to verify that. I'm thinking of taking it into the shop but I wanted to try everything possible before doing so. I've read previous posts on this forum and that this van tends to have problems because of the location of the compressor. I've checked everything that I can with the limited tools I have. I wouldn't know how to check the voltage or if the compressor has gas. It was working fine and then one day just stopped blowing cold air and it doesn't sound or feel like the compressor is kicking on anymore.

MT-2500 · 07-18-2006, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by time4play

Thanks MT-2500.
Wylie is a friend of mine and he posted on my behalf. I have now decided to join your wonderful forum.
I'm a newbie here and a female so go easy on me.
The van is a 2002 Chevrolet Venture extended van. I have no idea on the engine type. I think it's a 3400 but I would have to verify that. I'm thinking of taking it into the shop but I wanted to try everything possible before doing so. I've read previous posts on this forum and that this van tends to have problems because of the location of the compressor. I've checked everything that I can with the limited tools I have. I wouldn't know how to check the voltage or if the compressor has gas. It was working fine and then one day just stopped blowing cold air and it doesn't sound or feel like the compressor is kicking on anymore.

Welcome to AF.
Your best bet is to have a good repair shop look at it.
About all you can do with out some tools is look at all fuses.
AC clutch fuse in under hood block and HVAC fuse on end/side of dash.
A lot fuses under the hood and may be some inside / under dash or end/side of dash.
A good old type 12 volt test light workes good for checking fuses. Always check both side for power.
Does the blower motor run ok and the vents and heater and defrost switch good?
Any blinking lights on ac/heater control panel or ac light comes on.
Can you hear or see the ac compressor kick in when air first turned on?

Here is a good ac link to that may aso help or give you some ideas.
http://www.autoacforum.com/
Good Luck MT

wylie · 07-18-2006, 01:59 PM

Glad you joined time4play "nice handle"

as you can see theres allot of nice people here willing to help.

Hey MT-2500 we've done all the checking we can here in lot at work all the Fuses are fine blower and everything else is working,the wires are fine running to the compressor,the Van is accually in good shape.
When the van is running and you switch on the A/C theres nothing the compressor doesn't even try to kick in.
Some else told us it was the compressor I thought it was strange that it would just stop working like that out of the blue.

time4play · 07-18-2006, 02:04 PM

Thanks...We haven't checked the HVAC fuse in the dash. That will be my next step. The blower motor is fine and all switches are in good working order with no blinking lights. The A/C light comes on when pressed. The compressor doesn't seem to kick on at all now so I have a feeling I probably need a new one. I was really hoping it would have been something much simpler and CHEAPER though. Thanks again for your help. I'll let you know what happens.

MT-2500 · 07-18-2006, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by time4play

Thanks...We haven't checked the HVAC fuse in the dash. That will be my next step. The blower motor is fine and all switches are in good working order with no blinking lights. The A/C light comes on when pressed. The compressor doesn't seem to kick on at all now so I have a feeling I probably need a new one. I was really hoping it would have been something much simpler and CHEAPER though. Thanks again for your help. I'll let you know what happens.

Before you go for a compressor check everything out first..
On this one it would be better to find a good repair shop.
Many things needs checked. If low on freon it will not turn on.
There is switches and relays and even pcm computer controls.
A good shop with a good scanner and set of air cond gauges should be able to spot the problem.
Good luck
MT

GregA · 07-18-2006, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MT-2500

Before you go for a compressor check everything out first..
On this one it would be better to find a good repair shop.

I would have to agree - Take it to a shop that has all the right tools & can look at it for you.

You might want to look at my page about the AC Condenser going bad on my 2001 van. The TSB that it mentions was in late 2002, and the same thing MAY be happening to your van.

Take Care,

jhong1226 · 07-19-2006, 10:58 AM

I would check the Pressure Cycling Switch and try to jump the wire from the connector if the compressor kicks in ,its that part , if not its something else.

time4play · 07-20-2006, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhong1226

I would check the Pressure Cycling Switch and try to jump the wire from the connector if the compressor kicks in ,its that part , if not its something else.

Thanks for all of the information everyone. It's nice to hear it may be something other than the compressor. Do you have a pic or link of what the switch looks like? That would be a great help.

MT-2500 · 07-20-2006, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by time4play

Thanks for all of the information everyone. It's nice to hear it may be something other than the compressor. Do you have a pic or link of what the switch looks like? That would be a great help.

If the switch is a 3 wire switch do not even think about jumping it.
You can blow 2-3 K worth of computer stuff if you short it out.
With out some test equipment , Best bet is take it to a shop.
For more info a all data online sub would help.
http://www.alldata.com/products/diy/index.html

Or this ac forum link.
http://www.autoacforum.com/

wylie · 07-20-2006, 12:40 PM

I think she is going to take it in but it was nice of you guys to arm her with enough info to not be intimidated.

I hate when I hear stories about how some crooked mechanic soaked a woman because she appeared not to know.
it goes something like this.

Guys quote = $300
Woman = $700 or more.

Ruptor · 09-03-2017, 09:44 PM

Just my two cents worth. My 1999 Sunfire had an issue. went through 2 used compressors before giving up. (worked in a recycling yard. lots of good parts with a few bad mixed in. deal with a reputable yard

) finally acquired an injector probe and time and gumption to play with it. turns out the diod failed in a manner that short circuited the activation voltage. for over 2 yrs i drove without ac because of a simple diode. now that i know its purpose, i will replace it with one salvaged from a power supply, since radio shack is no more.

POST REPLY TO THIS THREAD