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'89 AC issue-- again.


gr8scott

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As mentioned in another thread, I recently had my AC overhauled to the tune of $1100. They flushed the system of all debris and R12 residue, replaced the compressor, receiver dryer and orifice tube, and upgraded to A134 Freon. The work came with a 12 month warranty. Today, during a 30 mile drive, the AC warning came on about coolant being low and recommended service. I turned the AC off and drove the rest of the way without it. I'm going to take it back to the shop come Monday. I don't know what they'll tell me, but since I'm not a car guy, I don't want to take the chance of being bamboozled by some highly technical explanation of why my current problem has nothing to do with the repairs they've done, but it seems to me that that sort of overhaul should have addressed every issue with the system, being it was they who diagnosed the problem. Am I correct on this?

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Guest Mc_Reatta

Pull the BCM diagnostic codes and tell us if you got the B446, 447 or 448 code set.

Could be just a tad low on refrigerant and a low ambient temp allowed the code to set, or you have a real leak they need to address, or the pressure switch died. They should tell you if the charge is truly low and address the reason why. They probably won't cover the pressure switch if that is the cause.

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Guest Corvanti

yes, you are correct! any repairs "should" be covered under warranty.

when the warning appeared on the CRT, did you push the "return button" on the screen? did the A/C seem to be working fine (cold air) after the warning showed, and before you turned it off?

others more knowledgeable on the diagnostic system may be to answer regarding the various sensors, etc. that may be involved.

not that it is related, but every couple of weeks i get a warning message upon start up that my oil level is low on the CRT. the oil is at the full level. it is either i will need a new sensor, or it's - since my driveway has a angle - where the oil may drain to the lowest point of the angle after sitting for a few days.

the point is: i just hit the return button on the CRT as there is no problem at this time. i'd try a test drive with the a/c on to check for cool air and if the warning comes on again. it's also possible you have a small leak somewhere the shop didn't pick up on, or the shop didn't run the vehicle long enough to check the pressure again after it got into all the "nooks and crannies" of the system.

hope something in all that helps! :)

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Well the problem is just hitting the button wont help I know from my reatta that it shuts down the compressor. My compressor was fried anyway! I am having it replaced today! and $1100!!! Yikeeessss! My total cost with parts, labor conversion, flushing, orifice tube, accumulator and including a brake flush is only around $600! (that is with a brand new compressor!)

Edited by 1948Lincoln (see edit history)
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Scott,

If they added dye to the refrigerant during the C/O to 134a, get yourself an inspection kit from your FLAPS. the dye floresces under UV light to a bright green. Get yourself into a darkened garage or wait till nightfall and inspect all of the components of the AC system especially the couplings and connectors. If they didn't change out the condenser with a new one, give that component special consideration. If you find a leak then at least they can't bullsh*t you about the repair.

John F.

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Guest spongebob

don't add anything to a refrigeration system except oil and freon...

if your compressor is a rebuilt then thats what you got...rebuilt compressors

aren't worth the cardboard box they come in..

if theres any psi left in the system, a soapy solution sprayed around the pulley might show you a bad seal.

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Pull the BCM diagnostic codes and tell us if you got the B446, 447 or 448 code set.

Could be just a tad low on refrigerant and a low ambient temp allowed the code to set, or you have a real leak they need to address, or the pressure switch died. They should tell you if the charge is truly low and address the reason why. They probably won't cover the pressure switch if that is the cause.

Diagnostic codes that came up were B122H, B123H, B446H, B552H and 553H. (The manual doesn't list a B553H, so maybe I was too busy writing he others down and missed the prefix letter)

I've reset all the codes, and will drive it tomorrow to see if it the warning comes up again before complaining to the shop about it. BTW, low ambient temperature shouldn't be an issue, as it was hovering in the mid to high 70's when the warning came on.

Does any of the above help with pinpointing the problem?

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Guest Mc_Reatta

B446 code is the only one related to the AC. I got the same message on mine today but ambient temp was about 65 though. Just means charge is a tad low for conditions.

This code doesn't lock out the compressor like 447 and 448 will so not too troublesome. I won't worry about mine until temp gets up to the 80s and it still does it. I'll check it again then.

If you want, you can take it back to the shop and have them check it out. Since you have plenty of charge left, they can do a quick leak check and add a tad more if warranted. It would only need a part of a can to raise it a tad. Just be aware, if you try to maximize performance at 75 deg, when it's 85 it might be a tad overcharged and not as efficient then. It really is a balancing act.

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