gremlins with AC system

Headlights to tailights and everything in between.

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wfoote
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gremlins with AC system

Post by wfoote »

Picked up a 90 Legacy L wagon 5 speed. The compressor was shot it was replaced, I evacuated the system and recharged. Now for the weirdness.

I also resoldered the connector on the HVAC controller only to discover a broken defroster button. Got a serviceable unit from the pick n pull that fixed all the interior problems. Prior to changing the compressor with the new HVAC controller the pressure switch would not allow the compressor to run as designed.

The last problem is the compressor is on all the time. Even when the HVAC controller is turned off. I swapped out the four relays from a known good car with no change. The sub-fan is not on but it has been quite cool here. Is the sub-fan supposed to be running anytime the compressor is on?

Any suggestions?
84 GL Wagon - sold
84 DL Wagon - sold
92 L Wagon - sold
96 LS Wagon
93 SS daily driver
1946 BC-12D Taylorcraft restoration (airplane)
Me - retired engineer and pilot / flight instructor
Legacy777
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Post by Legacy777 »

What year controller did you get from the junkyard?

There are some differences I believe.

Also, there are two different AC systems. Calsonic & Zexel. If components are mixed & matched, that may be causing some of your problems.

I have looked through the wiring diagrams for the AC system, and it can be kind of confusing. There is a sub-fan short connector that is located I believe just behind the passenger headlight. If that is shorted (connected) both fans should come on together and function the way things should. If you have AC, this connector should be shorted.

That may also be the cause of your problems.
Josh

surrealmirage.com/subaru
1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
2020 Outback Limted XT

If you need to get a hold of me please email me rather then pm
wfoote
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Posts: 45
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 3:43 pm
Location: Idaho
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Post by wfoote »

I made sure it was a controller out of a 90 MY with the yellow connector. The car has a Calsonic system and that is what I replaced the defective compressor with.

Thanks, I will look into the connector and make sure it is shorted.
84 GL Wagon - sold
84 DL Wagon - sold
92 L Wagon - sold
96 LS Wagon
93 SS daily driver
1946 BC-12D Taylorcraft restoration (airplane)
Me - retired engineer and pilot / flight instructor
wfoote
In Neutral
Posts: 45
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 3:43 pm
Location: Idaho
Contact:

Post by wfoote »

Josh, do you have a location or picture of the shorting connector? I found what I think may be the connector, but the same connector on my other two cars is unplugged as well. (the ac works fine on those cars).

I also changed out all four relays and the AC relay under the dash with no change, the compressor still runs continuously even with the switch off.
84 GL Wagon - sold
84 DL Wagon - sold
92 L Wagon - sold
96 LS Wagon
93 SS daily driver
1946 BC-12D Taylorcraft restoration (airplane)
Me - retired engineer and pilot / flight instructor
Legacy777
Site Admin
Site Admin
Posts: 27889
Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2002 11:37 am
Location: Houston, Tx
Contact:

Post by Legacy777 »

This is probably the best I can do.
http://www.main.experiencetherave.com/s ... iagram.pdf

Look at connector F2
Josh

surrealmirage.com/subaru
1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
2020 Outback Limted XT

If you need to get a hold of me please email me rather then pm
wfoote
In Neutral
Posts: 45
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 3:43 pm
Location: Idaho
Contact:

Post by wfoote »

Thanks, I'll look for that connector.

On the plus side, I figured out why the compressor was always on. The PO decided to ground a wire coming from the thermistor that sensed the evaporator coil temp.
84 GL Wagon - sold
84 DL Wagon - sold
92 L Wagon - sold
96 LS Wagon
93 SS daily driver
1946 BC-12D Taylorcraft restoration (airplane)
Me - retired engineer and pilot / flight instructor
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