A/C Refrigerant SUCCESS!

[Geoff Meador]

It's one for the FAQs, ladies and gentlemen.

Thanks to CBOYLE's common sense suggestion in the previous thread, I performed a simple reset of the computer this evening.

"When all else fails, reboot." I don't know how many times I've told others that.

While doing so, I noticed the instructions for A/C service printed plainly on top of the radiator.

They include, as steps 3 and 4, resetting the computer.

Yet another instance in which the service shop fails to follow the exacting demands of a computerized automobile.

No more low (or very low) refrigerant warnings, no more disengaged compressor.

Thanks for your suggestion, CBOYLE. Howard, you might want to give it a try!

[Howard]

I've never noticed any instructions there, got to look. I have reset the codes in the computer many times. Are you talking about going into the service screen on the CRT? If you are, yep that's what I've done. Is there something else I'm missing? Thanks for this useful info. Howard

[Geoff Meador]

Howard,

Just disconnect the negative battery cable for a few seconds. That will clear the memory of the computer and reset the error codes.

This is a REQUIRED step in refilling the A/C system. The error WON'T go away without doing this.

Note that you will lose saved radio presets, calendar events, etc. but it is well worth it!

[nic walker]

Gentlemen,

Have a question.....

At what point .....temperature wise.....is it advantageous to reset. Before you have to continiously perform the operation. In March weather in Virginia we keep bouncing around temperature wise. Is a constant 65*, 70*, 75*, or 80* the point at which the procedure of disconnecting the ground will last???

Nic

[Geoff Meador]

I don't think the temperature has anything to do with the solution. The car is programmed to KEEP warning you until it is reset.

Those are the official instructions for charging the system.

My car was warning me constantly this week, regardless of temperature. Temps here ranged from 30 to 80 degrees.

[nic walker]

Geoff,

If I reset it (which I did last June and it lasted the summer-did not know that this would work or would have done it way sooner-reason for question is I don't know how much sooner?) as soon as it gets cool / cold again it goes into non operational mode where when cut on the left "auto" display will not display and it is on econ blowing ambient air. I believe the temperature controls the point at which the a/c will function (clutch will engage)?????????????? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/image.../confused.gif" alt="" /> Definitely no expert here - very easily could be totally wrong.......

Nic

[charlie1]

only need to reset computer when compressor clutch will not engage.(remove battery ground wire for 30 seconds)
happens when freon is low. or if you pull off wire to low pressure switch.
some additional addition advice.
try and stay away from r 134 conversion unless absoutly necessary.
i know some conversions have been successful. but just another problem to consider in the equation. (if you have a problem)
also their were a awful lot of 1989 and 1990 gm products that had defective evaporator coils. if leaking freon check this out !
just my two cents.
charlie