2007 T800
AC sometimes works, sometimes no worky;
Hitting a bump will sometimes cause it to quit cooling, then later back to normal. Also, whenever the AC goes to no cool, the AC fan will barely put out, no freezing around expansion valves observed. Any adjustment of the thermostat knob, fan speed switch, cutting off sleeper air at the dash panel will almost always put it in the no cool mode- when it is working, I cannot adjust it!
Checked, double checked, triple checked wires, and plugins @ binary switches, comp, etc., Replaced compressor, both expansion valves, and drier/filter. After that didn't help, took it to local dealer, explaining the problem. They replaced both expansion valves, drier/filter, and a hose they claimed was seeping. Big surprise, them replacing the stuff I had just replaced did not solve problem, only made wallet $1000+ lighter.
Caught a helpful tech outside of another shop who listened to my story, said his guess could be thermostat, ($44); but more likely the three knob AC control panel in dash ($640).
Going to R & R thermostat, but pretty sure that it is not expensive enough to be the problem.
Where the heck is the AC thermostat?
Discussion in 'Kenworth Forum' started by droy, Sep 1, 2012.
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nver heard of an a/c thermostat.
unless they're calling the temperature knob a thermostat. whatever setup you've got.
now i've heard of something being built into the condensor which is inside the cab usually with the heater core.
if your low pressure lines aren't freezing though. it's usually becuase your low on freon. or have a pressure problem on the low side. -
To me it sounds like the compressor relay. Or it can be any connector breaking contact.
Unless you have climate control you don't have a thermostat.
If the fan isn't blowing like it should then possibly the fan resistor block is bad.
If you have climate control there is a Body Control Module that controls all that, that can be bad. -
I don't know about the newer trucks but my 89 379 has a thermocouple that kicks the compressor off when the evaporator get to a certain temperature. It is under the dash near the blower motor.
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Most vehicle AC systems the compressor cycles automatically. Temperature is controlled by fan speed and adjustment of the blend door via the temperature switch. The device near the blower motor is a resistor block.
Do you adjust temperature with a dial or slide or do you have a digital temp display with buttons? -
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Sorry, my bad;
KW invoice actually labels this as "Item # 002P/BD13550 Switch-Freeze Control". It is a rectangular metal/plastic gizmo about 1 1/2" by 1 1/2" by 1" has two male blade electrical connectors, and about 12-15" of thermocouple/thermostat type of approx 1/16" tubing with a red tape stripe that I'm assuming is a depth marker. Opposite of the tubing side, a clear plastic snap on type of cap protects a wire wound to look like a small coil spring. The top (I think) opposite of the electrical connector side has an opening that is covered with silver foil looking tape. Removing the tape shows the top of the coil of wire with an adjusting screw head that is painted with tattle tale paint.
My 2004 W900 had a thermostat, IIRC, but I think those year models used a different type of blend system to control the temps. I replaced the thermostat on it, putting in an adjustable one, and I guess I mistakenly assumed that is what is in my T800.
I asked for the thermostat, or whatever the newer style KWs use, relaying my conversation with the KW tech I had cornered outside on an earlier day. Don't know why neither the tech, or parts guy didn't correct me- apparently others use the wrong term enough that the KW folks know what we are referring to.
Reading the replys (and thanks), I don't think I have Climate Control, just the standard system. The center knob I thought was the thermostat is more than likely the temperature control knob, has the blue to red adjustment indicator.
AC relay in the fuse panel has been replaced twice, refrigerant level checked many times, I have a set of gauges, and have asked a couple of guys to double check behind me. Sticker on side of radiator calls for 4 lbs, whenever I replaced my compressor, I pulled a vacuum, added the 4 lbs, then made a note of where my gauges were reading. Did seem a bit low on the low side, 20psi, and normal on the high side around 150psi. I have an AC trouble shooting book, and noted the readings in it. After the compressor replacement, even with the low side @ 20 psi, the AC worked great, until I went down the road then couple of hours later it began it's cool/no cool routine. I'm no AC whiz by any means, and welcoming any tips you'll can offer, but I keep wanting to go back to the fact that hitting a bump in the road will sometimes cause it to:
(1) Stop blowing cold air; lately with ambient temp in the 90*s, it will blow about 60-70* out of center dash vent sometimes, sometimes it will blow hot air. Normal is 47-49* in center vent.
(2) At that time, the AC blower fan will barely push air out the vents. I also keep the fan speed knob on the second setting, low does not seem to push enough air even when working correctly. Whenever the system decides to start cooling again, the fan will start pushing air out the vents as if you turned the switch to a higher speed.
Maybe I'm pulling at straws, but for both those things to happen at the same time, leads me to believe it is the switch group, which is integrated. Tech, and parts guy both commented that the switch group will short, and have symptoms similar to what I described. Was told you have to replace the whole 3 knob group, can't replace just one switch.
Sorry for the ramble, and thanks again for the help. -
The control knob can break at the very tip of the dial which is a spear or arrowhead on the temp control dial. The next is the actuators that regulate the temps when engaged and the a/c temp sensor will have a two wire connection next to air duct for passenger and you may just need to blow out your lines as well.
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Funny how you come across the same problem your having. My 05 kw 900L is doing the same thing think that it's the actuator for the blend doors goes from fresh air to recycled. Am I mistaken thinking that the Actuator is located in the fan box with a wire linkage that goes to the damper door . My other truck had the same problem the wire linkage had broken and disconnected. Am I thinking right yall can't remember on the 05 model where the Actuator located at
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I could be wrong. But i beleive the blend door only moves the air flow from floor to vents to ducts.
I drove an 09 t660 that got froze in defrost mode. KW said the gear needed lube.
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