a/c problem

Discussion in 'Peterbilt Forum' started by Cindy, Sep 18, 2012.

  1. Cindy

    Cindy Light Load Member

    68
    5
    Sep 15, 2011
    Lakeland, Fl
    0
    I have a 1998 379 pete 3406e cat. My a/c won't turn on. I checked the fuses. and the relays and everything is ok. The relay that says a/c I pulled out. I get power out of two terminals from the relay. I replaced the a/c low and high pressure switches. On the low side pressure switch I get power from one side. On the High side I get power from both sides. I have freon in the system. I jumped the a/c compressor and it goes on. The switch that turns the a/c on in the cab, i get power out of two terminals. when it's off I get power out of one. When it's on I get power of of two. I appreciate any help. Thanks
     
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  3. Cindy

    Cindy Light Load Member

    68
    5
    Sep 15, 2011
    Lakeland, Fl
    0
    With the key on and the truck not running should you have 12 volts from the wire on the compressor?? Or does the truck have to be running.
     
  4. bender

    bender Road Train Member

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    Jul 20, 2010
    Don't Kid Yourself
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    You identified the problem at the low pressure switch. Power should be on both wires with the plug connected to the switch. Check for low refrigerant charge in the system.

    The AC compressor clutch should engage key on, engine off and have 12+ volts on the wire.
     
  5. Cindy

    Cindy Light Load Member

    68
    5
    Sep 15, 2011
    Lakeland, Fl
    0
    I did further testing and this is what I found out.

    Low pressure sensor - power on both sides

    Jumped the low pressure sensor - compressor did not go on

    High pressure sensor - power on both sides

    Engine fan pressure sensor by radiator - power on both sides

    Fuse box with a/c relay out - power on 86 and 30
    ground on 87
    nothing on 85

    Fuse box with a/c relay in - power on 86 30 and 85
    ground on 87

    Took cover off a/c relay and put it back in fuse box - I pressed the contacts and the compressor went ON
    when I release the contacts the compressor goes OFF

    A/C on/off switch - when I turn the a/c switch OFF I get power to one terminal
    when I turn the switch ON I get power from another terminal

    Any help will be appreciated thanks.
     
  6. bender

    bender Road Train Member

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    Terminal 86 supplies your relay B- ground. Without the ground the 86 terminal will show B+ voltage when testing. Supply ground to 86 terminal and recheck operation.
     
  7. Cindy

    Cindy Light Load Member

    68
    5
    Sep 15, 2011
    Lakeland, Fl
    0
    Thanks I really appreciate the help. I tried grounding the 86 and all it does is spark. I have the wire diagram and it is showing power going to the 86 and 30. I really don't understand where the ground is at, it really doesn't show it. The wiring schemadic I have is SK25756.
     
  8. truckmechanic

    truckmechanic Medium Load Member

    534
    140
    Jan 14, 2012
    Hi Desert Ca
    0
    Remove lower dash apron and pull a/c control out of dash check the compressor on/off switch also there is a wire that plugs in to a separate harness if it gets unplugged compressor will not come on
     
  9. bender

    bender Road Train Member

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    Don't Kid Yourself
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    #30 is B+
    #86 is B-
    #85 is trigger from your switch (b+) to activate relay
    #87 and #87a (optional) go to your load (AC clutch) and will show as B- (ground) when testing

    The relay cannot operate without ground.

    This relay can also be wired to be triggered on by ground which would be completely different. Your switch would then have to complete ground when turned on to trigger (activate) the relay.
     
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