AC total install advice

[htchbck]

30 amp should be enough doi_doi. On many cars the AC fuse (that all that stuff runs through) is rated at 20 Amps (not 100% on the festiva, haven't looked at it lately). Hows the install coming Paul?

[neanderpaul]

It's good. I am working on the controls now. I got an extra cable with my complete swap. It is like the 3 that are on the controls. I looked in my 93 with air. On the drivers side of the box that holds the fan there is another cable. It starts near the other cable and goes around the back of the box. I can't find where it goes after that. Will post a pic soon.

[htchbck]

I believe it goes from a select lever (not on the control side, on the airbox side) to a switch that cuts the compressor on when in defrost mode. The switch (at least on the one I did) doesn't have a regular plug but instead two flat blade terminals. I'll try to get a pic of my '88LX in a couple of hours.

[crazyrog17]

What if you don't want it to come on when you have the defrost on? Can you deselect it from the HVAC Panel? Does the switch even light up?

[htchbck]

Don't know I didn't really look that far into it when I was doing the install, I didn't trace the wiring or anything so that may not even be what it does. But that looked to be what it was for. Most newer cars do this. I think it helps defrost by drying out the air somehow? I'm a mechanic not a chemist/physicist but I have been told that is the reason by someone who is a physicist

[Eaglefreek]

Wow, mine has A/C but the belt was off when I bought it and the seller didn't know when the last time it worked. I was just going to suffer and sweat it out this summer since I have owned several vehicles without working A/C. However, after seeing all you're going through I may have to throw a belt on mine and see what happens. It looks like your mechanical skills are just fine. Many people have a hard time putting in washer fluid.

[htchbck]

^^^ go for it, though if it hasn't been run for a while it will most likely need a charge. Just make sure the compressor isn't locked up before you buy a belt. If you can rotate the pulley part while holding the end of the compressor still then the clutch isn't locked up. Then try rotating the end. If its not locked up, buy the cheapest belt you can get and have it charged. I'd probably have a shop make sure it holds a vacuum first though before charging, just to make sure there's no leaks Good luck!

[htchbck]

Here's the pics of the extra cable, as promised.

On the passenger side, front left of Evap box.



On the driver side, left side of heater box attached to temp door lever.



Apparently I remembered wrong, and it has nothing to do with the defrost lol.

[neanderpaul]

Done. Going tomorrow for a leak test. I'll take my R-12 with me. Let them charge it if it doesn't leak. Thanks to all who advised. Especially htchbck. Joseph texted me about 50 times since I started.

[villageidiot]

good job paul. i would say if you can take the dash out and get it all back in working order your wrench skills are just fine. after all, its all just nuts and bolts right?

[htchbck]

Awesome job Paul, can't wait to see it (and you and your family) this weekend!

[neanderpaul]

good job paul. i would say if you can take the dash out and get it all back in working order your wrench skills are just fine. after all, its all just nuts and bolts right?

Thanks man I'm really really satisfied with this one. It was the hardest job I've ever done. It took me about 20 hours I think. I had a snafu today! I was driving along after it was blowing cold and the tensioner pulley decided to cross a couple of lanes and the median! I made a u-turn and picked it up. I borrowed spacers from my white 93 auto with air and put it all back together. It's blasting the cold stuff again!

[Eaglefreek]

Congrats. I put on a belt, threw in some 134a and now have cold A/C. Thanks for the inspiration.

[skimsucka]

awesome to see you were successful!! nice work