When A/C is on in city driving...heat goes up
08-05-2006, 11:33 PM
#1
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When A/C is on in city driving...heat goes up
Hello folks, I am the first owner of an awsome 1988 SSE VIN C
I have a serious problem when I put my A/C on.
It seems the the A/C is draining off my electrical system when it is on.
(slow wipers, slow flashers, low blower, slow windows etc....
the BATTERY indicator is significantly dropping from middle line when the A/C is activated.
The TEMPERATURE indicator is rising from the mid line toward almost
the scary red zone (especially in city driving) when the A/C is put on.
I have a 140 amps ALTERNATOR that I made it done especially thinking this should normally be sufficient but in vain.
Now I am scare to ride with it far away since it is not sufficiently dependable.
My engine is genuine since it origin with 220,000 kms
Anyone there could help me on what to do to solve this issue in a cost efficient way?
I have a serious problem when I put my A/C on.
It seems the the A/C is draining off my electrical system when it is on.
(slow wipers, slow flashers, low blower, slow windows etc....
the BATTERY indicator is significantly dropping from middle line when the A/C is activated.
The TEMPERATURE indicator is rising from the mid line toward almost
the scary red zone (especially in city driving) when the A/C is put on.
I have a 140 amps ALTERNATOR that I made it done especially thinking this should normally be sufficient but in vain.
Now I am scare to ride with it far away since it is not sufficiently dependable.
My engine is genuine since it origin with 220,000 kms
Anyone there could help me on what to do to solve this issue in a cost efficient way?
08-06-2006, 02:25 AM
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IS this with the blower fan speed set to HIGH? If so, the blower might be drawling excessive current. Maybe the battery cables are dirty. Others who are more experienced than me might chime in, but these are problems I have had in the past.
08-06-2006, 09:19 PM
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The AC pumps the fan speed up, or engages the second fan(w/HD cooling), that is about the only thing I could think of that would increase draw. Look at the fan circuit and the general health of your electrical system. There could be a short that isn't popping a fuse, or your alternator could be bad.
08-06-2006, 11:34 PM
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well, the draw does not sound like THAT much of an issue, because mine does that too..
but...the temperature is BAD...gotta hike that down! Cooling systems are pretty basic...not too many things to go wrong IMO...but i would say right off the bat...RADIATOR...mine sucked...i put a new one in there and it never gets hot, even when im in traffic when its 105 with the AC on...next would likely be the water pump, but i think the ones on the LN3s are pretty good. Other than that, check your coolant level, make sure you have a good 50/50 mix, make sure the cooling fan is turning on, then to check if you have a bad clogged radiator....
get the car up to normal operating temperature...pop hood, and slide your hand down the back of the radiator fins. Up and down lightly, if you feel any cool spots, you have a clogged radiator..., if you dont, look elsewhere...
but...the temperature is BAD...gotta hike that down! Cooling systems are pretty basic...not too many things to go wrong IMO...but i would say right off the bat...RADIATOR...mine sucked...i put a new one in there and it never gets hot, even when im in traffic when its 105 with the AC on...next would likely be the water pump, but i think the ones on the LN3s are pretty good. Other than that, check your coolant level, make sure you have a good 50/50 mix, make sure the cooling fan is turning on, then to check if you have a bad clogged radiator....
get the car up to normal operating temperature...pop hood, and slide your hand down the back of the radiator fins. Up and down lightly, if you feel any cool spots, you have a clogged radiator..., if you dont, look elsewhere...
08-08-2006, 01:43 AM
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Panda-
First of all- that is the nicest 88 SSE Ive ever seen. I can tell you really like your car. It is a beauty for sure.
I recently had my whole AC replaced. I have not had temp issues even on the hottest of days, although if Im stuck in traffic, I lower the fan speed and turn down the AC. THe symptoms that you are describing could be a few things- check your alt (I replaced mine with the upgrade) battery for sure. The engine temp may be somthing as simple as a thermostat. Not sure- but worth looking into. I do see voltage drops on mine with everything on- lowest it has gone is between the half and quarter mark.
First of all- that is the nicest 88 SSE Ive ever seen. I can tell you really like your car. It is a beauty for sure.
I recently had my whole AC replaced. I have not had temp issues even on the hottest of days, although if Im stuck in traffic, I lower the fan speed and turn down the AC. THe symptoms that you are describing could be a few things- check your alt (I replaced mine with the upgrade) battery for sure. The engine temp may be somthing as simple as a thermostat. Not sure- but worth looking into. I do see voltage drops on mine with everything on- lowest it has gone is between the half and quarter mark.
08-08-2006, 02:07 PM
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Originally Posted by T-Keith
The AC pumps the fan speed up, or engages the second fan(w/HD cooling), that is about the only thing I could think of that would increase draw. Look at the fan circuit and the general health of your electrical system. There could be a short that isn't popping a fuse, or your alternator could be bad.
I tested the fan motor by directly connect-it to the battery and it works...so I have
a short wire or a fuse burned somewhere.
Thanks for the advice!!
08-08-2006, 03:24 PM
#8
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Originally Posted by panda1956
That was it!!! The dam fan is not working when the A/C is activated.
I tested the fan motor by directly connect-it to the battery and it works...so I have
a short wire or a fuse burned somewhere.
Thanks for the advice!!
I tested the fan motor by directly connect-it to the battery and it works...so I have
a short wire or a fuse burned somewhere.
Thanks for the advice!!
08-08-2006, 03:28 PM
#9
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There should be 2 or 3 relays next to the air filter box, I believe on the SSE with Heavy Duty Cooling one relay should be a low speed relay and the other a high speed relay...
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08-08-2006, 05:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Mike G
Panda-
First of all- that is the nicest 88 SSE Ive ever seen. I can tell you really like your car. It is a beauty for sure.
I recently had my whole AC replaced. I have not had temp issues even on the hottest of days, although if Im stuck in traffic, I lower the fan speed and turn down the AC. THe symptoms that you are describing could be a few things- check your alt (I replaced mine with the upgrade) battery for sure. The engine temp may be somthing as simple as a thermostat. Not sure- but worth looking into. I do see voltage drops on mine with everything on- lowest it has gone is between the half and quarter mark.
First of all- that is the nicest 88 SSE Ive ever seen. I can tell you really like your car. It is a beauty for sure.
I recently had my whole AC replaced. I have not had temp issues even on the hottest of days, although if Im stuck in traffic, I lower the fan speed and turn down the AC. THe symptoms that you are describing could be a few things- check your alt (I replaced mine with the upgrade) battery for sure. The engine temp may be somthing as simple as a thermostat. Not sure- but worth looking into. I do see voltage drops on mine with everything on- lowest it has gone is between the half and quarter mark.
This BONNIE attract alot of attention even after 18 years and I get more attention around
than my 2005 supercharged IMPALA SS.
Your battery indicator that you described above is acting like mine when everything is on...even when I only push the break pedal and flashers on a corner street I can see the gauge needle drawing down toward dangerously to the 1st quarter pitty mark
That is why I do not used it anymore during winter since many years now since here in Quebec Canada...cold drop oftenly in the -40F so the case is getting even worse when the heating system is activated.
Still a pity situation for a so great car name and I am still in a curse to solve this for good...in this life or in the next one!! LOL
Too bad I cannot fit similar alternator like in my IMPALA in the Bonnie...