Hitachi A/C questions, 85 GL

[Andy FitzGibbon]

The car is a 1985 GL wagon with a Weber and Hitachi A/C. Over the winter (the car was in storage from November-March) the A/C died. The compressor clutch doesn't engage when the A/C switch is depressed.

I followed the "Compressor Clutch Diagnoses" flow chart in the 1989 FSM (section 4-7, page 63). The clutch did engage when I shorted the red/black wire on the A/C relay to ground, as the chart says to do. I worked my way through the chart and eventually came to the last box, "replace thermostat".

I pulled the A/C thermostat out of my Loyale, which was blowing cold when it was parked (that was over a year ago). Did not install it into the evaporator box of the GL, but hooked up the leads to see if it worked. And... nothing.

Anybody have any good ideas about where to go next?

Thanks,

Andy

[Quidam]

Hi Andy,

 

If you need any parts, I've probably got them...I'd have to look.

 

Doug

[82glsw]

Is it possible that it is low on freon? I know the compressor wont kick on if it low.

[misledxcracker]

Betcha it's the little "pulser" that's on the V-belts. That thing has to be pretty close, or the AC won't work.

 

Also won't work if you run one v-belt instead of two, in some cases.

[Andy FitzGibbon]

The pulse generator is adjusted correctly and should work fine, but it's possible that it's gone bad. I found another flow chart that has a test procedure for it, which I will try. I am running two belts.

I suppose it's possible that it's low on freon, but there are no leaks that I know of.. something to check, though.

Doug, thanks for the parts offer.

I will update when I get another chance to work on it.

Thanks for all the replies,

Andy

[Andy FitzGibbon]

Pulse generator tests OK, as does the relay. The next step is to test voltage to the pulse amplifier, but I won't have time to tear the glove box out again until next week. Any ideas are still welcome.

Thanks,

Andy

[Andy FitzGibbon]

No voltage to the pulse amplifier mounted above the evaporator... flow chart says "faulty switches or wiring". Took apart the HVAC mode switch in the dash today and cleaned the electrical contacts- still nothing. Hmmm.

Andy