Date:         Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:17:20 -0400
Reply-To:     Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: AC cutting out momentarily
Comments: To: Michael Hart <mjhart853@YAHOO.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <4036A4E4-60E4-4AC7-AC5A-589411B601D1@yahoo.com>
Content-type: text/plain; CHARSET=US-ASCII

Fan cutting out? That's not a freon issue. That's more indicative of a electrical issue. 3 possibilities occur to me. Thermostat switch (that which turns on the AC and sets the temperature. Speed control switch. That's the one with the 1-2-3-4 numbers on it. Wiring harness issue in the D pillar.

If you have had condensation from the evaporator falling inside the cabin, then it is possible the condensation has made it into the wiring harness in the D pillar. This can lead to corrosion of the wiring, leading to resistance, leading to melting of connectors, etc.

But an intermittent issue is most likely the first scenario. The thermostat switch is a rheostat (variable ohm resistor), which over time can age, and become loose. If it is loose enough it won't maintain the proper connections, and that could "turn off" the AC.


On Aug 10, 2011, at 9:47 PM, Michael Hart wrote:

> AC stops for a second or two. Just one time at first, now a few times in a row.
> Blower fan stops then comes back on.
> I rebuilt all hoses 2 years ago (kept to R12, new dryer, etc); system has blown cold ever since.
> Is this a sign of low freon pressure or more likely a fan electrical fault? How to Diagnose? Late rear Westy factory AC system (87).
> Thanks
> Mike
> 87 2WD Westy