'96 Z AC Problems

Hi There!

I'm new here, and I'm having problems with my '96 Z's air conditioning....The whole heating/ac system seems to be messed up.....Here's the problems:

1. I only get airflow by my feet, regardless of the position of the climate control (?) switch

2. The A/C AND the heat don't work.....The compressor and clutch are ok, and I believe the heater core is ok. The blower motor works, and operates at different speeds.

3. The A/C compressor clutch will NOT kick in when the climate control switch is turned on. Also, the relay in the engine compartment won't click - BUT if I short the front and back terminals (the ac control), the compressor will kick in.
(By the way, when I checked with a voltmeter, there's always 12 volts going to the relay from the switch)

4. HOWEVER, if I short the relay, and get the compressor running it still doesn't cool the air. BUT the smaller diameter line coming from the ac radiator is cool, not cold.

5. The relay is not bad, as I swapped out a working relay and it still didn't do the trick.

So....What the heck is wrong with my car? Anyone have any suggestions? Any help would be really appreciated!

I'm thinking that: The A/C needs to be recharged, and that the switch for the climate control (the one that selects Max, A/C, feet, cabin, defroster) is messed up. Do y'all think I'm on the right track? Does anyone have a link for a wiring diagram?

Arrghhhh! And people say I'm relaxed! And those leather seats are gonna drown me in my own sweat! Arrgh!

first of all, the reason that your compressor does not turn on is because there is not enough R-134a in the system to close the pressure switch to turn it on. QUIT shorting out the relay, having it pump air is vary damaging to the system.

the other problems are vacum related. check all the lines going to your control panel.

and have your AC systme fixed by a certified person.

Hey, thank you!

I appreciate the info. I will try replacing the coolant. By the way, where do you think the old stuff went? :uhoh:
Could the seals have let some out over the winter? I'm the third owner of the car, and it first came from texas, then it went to va, and now I have it in maryland. I bought it with 87k on it, now it's got 93k miles on the odo.

I've got a buddy with the tools needed to work on an a/c system, and we're thinking that if we put a vacuum pump on the system to see if it will hold a vacuum, that it would be a good indicator to see if there's a leak. What's your take on this?
He has other tools too...I'm wondering if there's any checks that you would reccomend?

Also, I've got a haynes techbook, but I'm wondering if you or anyone else knows where I can get some good diagrams for this. I know the shop manual is probably the way to go, but does anyone know of anything else?

Thanks again!

5150,
Josh

I've got a buddy with the tools needed to work on an a/c system, and we're thinking that if we put a vacuum pump on the system to see if it will hold a vacuum, that it would be a good indicator to see if there's a leak. What's your take on this?
He has other tools too...I'm wondering if there's any checks that you would reccomend?


a vacuum pump is a good thought, but its probably not going to show the small leak that will allow the coolant out, and I doubt you will be able to put the same pressure on the system that the coolant does, which may be the only time the leaking condition is present. You can however, go to a parts store and get a dye that you inject into the system, and this will make any leaks clearly visible. Good luck

a vacuum pump is a good thought, but its probably not going to show the small leak that will allow the coolant out, and I doubt you will be able to put the same pressure on the system that the coolant does, which may be the only time the leaking condition is present. You can however, go to a parts store and get a dye that you inject into the system, and this will make any leaks clearly visible. Good luck

a vacum pump will show any leaks in the system. It just wont show you the location of the leak.

pull your vacume on the system and shut it off, close the vlaves on your gauges and let it sit for 30 min. if you have a leak, your vacume will bleed off.

Well, you were right!

The freon recharge got the clutch kicking in, and the vacuum feed line was clogged. I jumped the line under the hood, and everything is working good. I don't think I put the vacuum switch together QUITE right, as it hisses sometimes.

Thanks for the 100% correct advice!

- Josh U