Date: 25 Feb 1999 17:58:18 GMT From: homepaulnopsamcom (HomePaul) Subject: Re: AC compressor and Heater
Thoughts on both problems: Yeah, the AC compressors are noisy. My previous 9000, an '86T, always had a noisy compressor above, say, 3000 rpm. I did have to replace the clutch, which had all but failed, working only when the car was cool, and not when it was hot under the hood. Cost was around $100, from IPS. I did that myself, with compressor in situ. I agree with your mechanic; drive it till the compressor dies, then replace, etc. Mine kept going well past when I sold the car 4 years/120k miles later. As for the heater, check a couple things: 1) Clean the thermosensor behind the little air intake grille. Dust and crud will make the system act erraticly. 2)Also check to see whether the little suction fan integral to that unit is working. No airflow across the sensor will again cause the ACC to do weird things, even if you don't get any trouble codes after running the self-diagnostic. If the suction fan motor is kaput, you might even try to retrofit a computer CPU fan, or if it turns slowly, a few drops of light machine/sewing machine oil will do wonders. Paul '93 9000 Aero,ex-'86 9000T