A/c issues. - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

mgbrv8 · 07-03-2012

I got a report from my dad about my 91 zr1. My dad took it out the other day and the Ac was working fine. But then it started getting warn so dad moving it from auto to recirculate but still warm. Then he said the green light started flashing and what ever setting he put it on the light would flash and it wouldn't cool. Any ideas I'm a few thousand miles from home and I don't know what to tell him?

Dave

White Bullet · 07-03-2012

I believe that the flashing light indicates that the freon is low. So check it first and work further into the system if needed.

VetteMed · 07-03-2012

The flashing light indicates a trouble code - usually 09 for low refrigerant, which would fit with the description in this case.

scottfab · 07-03-2012

Most common problem is low freon.
Good luck if you still have an R-12 system.
If it was converted to R-134 then first look
to see if the compressor clutch is engaging
every so often. If so then add 12oz of R-134
via the fitting at the dryer (canister near the radiator).
Be aware this is a short cut that works in the vast
majority of cases. If it is your unlucky day and the
system still uses R-12 then you could be in for a
bit more work converting over to R-134.

If you're wondering how to tell if the system was
converted, look at the service port at the dryer canister.
Remove the black cap. (twist off)
If the metal fitting has threads on the outside then it's R-12. If it is a quick connect (similar to an air hose) fitting then it's R-134.

mgbrv8 · 07-03-2012

Thanks guys I will let him know.

Dave

ghlkal · 07-03-2012

After you add "freon," you may have to clear the code from the HVAC before the compressor will come on again. On mine, the compressor would not turn on after adding R134a (my system was converted). I think this is a safety feature to keep the compressor from burning up. I reset my code 09 (low freon) by disconnecting the battery for 30 seconds. (The manual says you can pull some fuses, but I pulled three labeled AC and it didn't reset). Once there are no codes in the HVAC, if the system has enough freon the compressor should come on. If not, there's a problem somewhere else.

VetteMed · 07-03-2012

All you have to do is pull the CTSY fuse (top left). That resets the HVAC.

scottfab · 07-03-2012

If you decide it's more than just topping off the gas here are some links that might help:

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/Old_Proj/old_proj21.htm

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/Old_Proj/old_proj20.htm

rhipsher · 07-04-2012

This has been a subject I've totally ignored with my Z. One year after I bought it the a/c stopped blowing cold. But since its not a daily driver I didnt really worry about it. So one day I was at my buddy Luises house. And he has two big tanks of R12 freon and the gages. So he hooked his gages up to it and I turned the engine on but it was so empty that the compressor wouldn't come on and wouldnt suck any freon in. So he jumped a connection and tricked the compressor to come on and it started filling up with freon. For the first time in years the lines started getting ice cold and I put my hand in front of the vent and it was blowing cold. I was so jazzed. Drove all the way home nice and cold. The next day the feon had leaked out. After pulling some of the orings out i could tell they were old and hard and thats probably where my leaks are.

USAFPILOT · 07-04-2012

Rick, how the hell can you not have a/c in Houston? Mine works but not good enough. I wish there was a cheap mod that would triple the power of my a/c for this town.

07-03-2012	#1
mgbrv8 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 793	A/c issues. I got a report from my dad about my 91 zr1. My dad took it out the other day and the Ac was working fine. But then it started getting warn so dad moving it from auto to recirculate but still warm. Then he said the green light started flashing and what ever setting he put it on the light would flash and it wouldn't cool. Any ideas I'm a few thousand miles from home and I don't know what to tell him? Dave

07-03-2012	#2
White Bullet Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Gainesville GA Posts: 231	Re: A/c issues. I believe that the flashing light indicates that the freon is low. So check it first and work further into the system if needed. __________________ 1991 ZR1, White/Red.

07-03-2012	#3
VetteMed Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,828	Re: A/c issues. The flashing light indicates a trouble code - usually 09 for low refrigerant, which would fit with the description in this case. __________________ 2004 Z06/Z16 LeMans Commemorative Edition 1991 ZR-1 #302 White/Gray (sold) 1991 ZR-1 #1147 Red/Saddle (sold)

07-03-2012	#4
scottfab Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Portland Oregon metro area (Washington side) Posts: 3,207	Re: A/c issues. Most common problem is low freon. Good luck if you still have an R-12 system. If it was converted to R-134 then first look to see if the compressor clutch is engaging every so often. If so then add 12oz of R-134 via the fitting at the dryer (canister near the radiator). Be aware this is a short cut that works in the vast majority of cases. If it is your unlucky day and the system still uses R-12 then you could be in for a bit more work converting over to R-134. If you're wondering how to tell if the system was converted, look at the service port at the dryer canister. Remove the black cap. (twist off) If the metal fitting has threads on the outside then it's R-12. If it is a quick connect (similar to an air hose) fitting then it's R-134. __________________ Scott Vett owner since 1979._It's about the car and the people Last edited by scottfab; 07-03-2012 at 12:15 PM.

07-03-2012	#5
mgbrv8 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 793	Re: A/c issues. Thanks guys I will let him know. Dave

07-03-2012	#6
ghlkal Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 887	Re: A/c issues. After you add "freon," you may have to clear the code from the HVAC before the compressor will come on again. On mine, the compressor would not turn on after adding R134a (my system was converted). I think this is a safety feature to keep the compressor from burning up. I reset my code 09 (low freon) by disconnecting the battery for 30 seconds. (The manual says you can pull some fuses, but I pulled three labeled AC and it didn't reset). Once there are no codes in the HVAC, if the system has enough freon the compressor should come on. If not, there's a problem somewhere else.

07-03-2012	#7
VetteMed Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,828	Re: A/c issues. All you have to do is pull the CTSY fuse (top left). That resets the HVAC. __________________ 2004 Z06/Z16 LeMans Commemorative Edition 1991 ZR-1 #302 White/Gray (sold) 1991 ZR-1 #1147 Red/Saddle (sold)

07-03-2012	#8
scottfab Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Portland Oregon metro area (Washington side) Posts: 3,207	Re: A/c issues. If you decide it's more than just topping off the gas here are some links that might help: http://www.zr1netregistry.com/Old_Proj/old_proj21.htm http://www.zr1netregistry.com/Old_Proj/old_proj20.htm __________________ Scott Vett owner since 1979._It's about the car and the people

07-04-2012	#9
rhipsher Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Houston 90 Red ZR-1 Posts: 2,320	Re: A/c issues. This has been a subject I've totally ignored with my Z. One year after I bought it the a/c stopped blowing cold. But since its not a daily driver I didnt really worry about it. So one day I was at my buddy Luises house. And he has two big tanks of R12 freon and the gages. So he hooked his gages up to it and I turned the engine on but it was so empty that the compressor wouldn't come on and wouldnt suck any freon in. So he jumped a connection and tricked the compressor to come on and it started filling up with freon. For the first time in years the lines started getting ice cold and I put my hand in front of the vent and it was blowing cold. I was so jazzed. Drove all the way home nice and cold. The next day the feon had leaked out. After pulling some of the orings out i could tell they were old and hard and thats probably where my leaks are. Last edited by rhipsher; 07-04-2012 at 12:40 AM.

07-04-2012	#10
USAFPILOT Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Spring TX Posts: 1,348	Re: A/c issues. Rick, how the hell can you not have a/c in Houston? Mine works but not good enough. I wish there was a cheap mod that would triple the power of my a/c for this town. __________________ 1994 #293 ZR-1 Stainless Works Long Tube Headers, B&B catback w/ X-Pipe, 18" Shelby Series One Wheels, SLP CAI.