[rdf123]

Hi all,

Just a quick question/survey for all 2001/2002 owners. Can you hear your AC compressor kick in when you turn the AC on? On all my previous cars(not Caddy) I always could. But on my previous 02 Base Deville, it was inaudible even when the AC was maxed out and I had my head under the hood listening. I know it was working as cold air was blowing in the car. My present '01 DTS is the same way. Because I bought it in the winter I was unsure about the AC working due to the quiet compressor. It is still cool up here in Canada, but I am concerned that I will get stuck without AC this summer and wanted to get a head start on any repairs that may be needed. Is there any sort of visual check I can make on the unit to ensure it is working?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Dave S Texas]

The AC compressor will not function when the ambient temp is under 60dgF.

 

[Ranger]

Dave, I think that is closer to 35 degrees. It certainly will work under 60.

Rdf, watch the compressor clutch and have someone turn the A/C on. You should see it engage. If it is too cold for that then go to defrost.

 

[Dave S Texas]

I should have typed 50dgF, not 60dgF. The ambient temp t-stat should not close the electrical circuit in cold temps to protect the internals of the compressor. The control is needed due to poor oil circulation in cold ambient temps, but also gaskets/seals/reed valves being cold. The sensor will delay compressor operation until it senses the ambient temp it is set for.

 

[Ranger]

I'm gonna have to research this. I know I read in earlier manuals I had that the compressor ran in auto down to 35-40 degrees F.

EDIT: According to the '03 FSM the compressor will run at 38 degrees F or above.

 

[rdf123]

Hi,

Thanks for the help....it is still about 31 degrees up here( If I did the conversion right), and by the time it warms up, I am on the road for work. If/when we get a warmer day up here I will get someone to sit in the car and press buttons for me. I will let you know how it turns out.

 

[rdf123]

I found the compressor and it is starting up no problem...but it still seemed to be blowing warm air. Then today I started the ac and was feeling the vents and happened to have my hand go past the passenger side vent which was blowing cold. I know I saw a post somewhere around here about that exact problem...so I am going to search for it and hopefully have a much cooler ride this summer.

 

[Ranger]

Cold on the passengers side and warm on the drivers? It needs a refrigerant top off.

 

[rdf123]

Thanks Ranger,

I was just reading that in one of your earlier posts about the same problem. Guess I will have it topped up this weekend if I can find the time.

Rob

 

[rdf123]

Ranger,

I was going to get the refrigerant topped up, but on a whim I decided to pull the codes.....and got B0429. Would this code go away after the refrigerant is topped off or am I looking at a more expensive repair?

Thanks

 

[Ranger]

No, that is a common code for the rear temperature actuator. It just means that it is not in the commanded position. It has nothing to do with the A/C. A mechanic at my dealer told me that it takes very little to set that code so it may not even be out of sync enough for you to notice. The again you may never use the rear heater control.