a/c connector location...

BarryJB · 05-20-2009, 06:07 PM

My 85 Carrera has been refurbished (body & interior) and I am trying to locate a connection in the A/C system which I am sure was has become separated or not reconnected. Symptom: The compressor clutch won't and the front condenser blower isn't (so I can't recharge or use the system). I've checked the a/c relay - it's good - and the front blower works if I short the relevant pins in the a/c relay socket. The clutch works if I provide it 12V directly.

Referring to my Bentley, Page 970-47, this shows a perfect culprit 1/2 way down left hand side of page, a connector marked "J/C (4 POLE) (LT)" - a 4-wire junction which if it was disconnected would recreate these exact symptoms. It's sort of an a/c Grand Central

Does anyone know where this connector is? I'm still looking in the car trying to trace any of the wires and researching my old Haynes as well... but I can't find any reference to its location. I'm guessing it's somewhere under the dash based on the far-flung wires it ties together, but maybe someone else knows... I hope...

Could also be a bad temp switch or blower switch, I've just pulled them out and about to check, or even a cut wire, but I'd still like to know where that junction is...

BarryJB · 05-20-2009, 06:21 PM

AAargh it's the temperature control gizmo. Permanently open... wonder if I can fix it...

Wavey · 05-21-2009, 04:59 AM

If you can't fix it and have to replace it, get the Griffith's unit - it's the only replacement that will (barely) fit in the console. And be prepared for a frustrating and tedious project, feeding the capilary tube through the console and dash.

Barrpete · 05-21-2009, 07:28 AM

Try cleaning the contacts inside the switch. The switch mechanism inside the console has a plastic cover that is easily removable. Take it off and you can access the contacts inside and spray some electrical contact cleaner in there to remove the 20 years worth of dust & grime. Just be careful with the capillary tube, if it gets kinked or broken the switch will be toast.

BarryJB · 05-21-2009, 08:59 AM

Thanks everyone. I pulled the unit and was looking forward to cleaning the contacts... but alas, it's banjaxed, no bellows operation.

I read all the posts I could find on the size issue (the a/c control that is) and I orderd Pelican's part and will cut away the plastic housing with a Dremel as/if needed.

Re threading the capillary, here's a trick I use any time there's a wire to run - thread a piece of polyethylene tube (Home Depot etc.,) - as small as will easily slide over the existing wire to be replaced, or as big as will route through the grommets, etc., and long enough to stick out both sides of the maze area - cut the end like a hypodermic needle... it's fairly stiff and not stretchy so you can push on it and twist it and grab it with your Porsche-nut collection of curved, long and weird needle-nose pliers and giant hemostats or reinforce it with suitably bent coat-hanger wire until it's all the way through the labyrinthine area - often you can just fasten it to the old wire with harness tape (ultra-thin electrical-style tape) and push/pull it through when you remove the old wire...

I already ran two pieces of 3/8-in tubing last night (one through console and under carpet, other up through the evaporator hole inside the cockpit into the smuggler trunk) so reinstall of capillary will be a no-brainer doddle. And you can always remove this after running the new wire/capillary, if desired (I'll definitely remove the one in the console), or just RTV the end(s) if you prefer to leave it there and you don't want a fluid channel (as I may do with the evaporator end).

Thanks again folks.