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2003 Chevy Monte Carlo Climate Control Not Functioning

Tiny
SEAL0716
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 149,800 MILES
Hello, my 2003 monte carlo ss has had an a/c problem. When I turn on the a/c, full blast, both sides on cold, only the passenger side seems to get a little cool while the drivers side seems to be on heat. I completely vacuumed out the system and refilled it today with my pressure at 30/220. Afterwards the air seems exactly the same. The compressor is turning and im not sure what else could be the problem. Any help/advice? Thank You
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Friday, June 25th, 2010 AT 4:45 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Hello and thanks for donating

First off, does your SS have the automatic A/C system or the manual A/C system? A/C systems usually require certified HVAC techs to repair them as it takes many specialty tools to diagnose A/C issues. There could be restrictions in the system somewhere such as restricted condenser air flow.
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Saturday, June 26th, 2010 AT 12:54 AM
Tiny
SEAL0716
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Well Im not sure what type of system it would have really. Theres a fan level switch, 2 temperature switches 1 for each side, then the switch for where the air is directed. It seems like a pretty normal/simple system. I actually vacuumed it out one more time since I posted this question and it did get colder, not as cold as a freshly charged system might get, but colder than its ever been. I am experienced in changing out freon and reseting the system, and have all my gauges, manifold gauge set, vacuum, etc, just have never dealt with a dual climate control and especially a problem where one side is colder than the other.
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Saturday, June 26th, 2010 AT 1:09 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Normally the dual a/c systems are auto. In any case, when dual a/c systems get low on refrigerant the driver side tends to stay cooler than passenger. If the refrigerant was low then there is a leak in the system somewhere because a/c refrigerant should never leak. Then again it may not even be a/c related. It could be caused by a leaky cylinder head gasket. Does the engine temp. Seem to run normal? Make sure coolant level is full as well.
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Saturday, June 26th, 2010 AT 1:14 AM
Tiny
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Yes actually, just about 2 weeks ago 2 elbows that come from the belt tensioner to the head busted. Common in this type of engine. Car started overheating but ever since I replace those elbows and flushed the system, put a cooler thermostat in, It runs at about 180, or below half. Doesnt seem to be a leak either the manifold gauges read that it held 29 Hg pressure for 30 mins. Could it be just that I have to reflush till it becomes coldest.
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Saturday, June 26th, 2010 AT 11:24 AM
Tiny
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  • 15 POSTS
Also one thing Ive noticed is the a/c low side lines and condenser are very close to the headers, which dont seem to have much of a heat shield. My engine bay gets very hot, although it is at a normal internal temperature. Could this be causing it.
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Saturday, June 26th, 2010 AT 11:32 AM
Tiny
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Not sure if reflushing will help but since you said it did get it cooler than its worth a shot again. If it doesn't help, there maybe an issue with the actuator that is not opening one side properly allowing some warm air to blend with that side's cold air.

You may want to add some insulator around that area to see if it helps, it is a cheap fix and wouldn't hurt anyway.
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Saturday, June 26th, 2010 AT 11:33 AM
Tiny
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This isnt the first time Ive heard about the actuator malfunctioning. It seems like this would be the highest possibility. Where is it and how would I check it?
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Saturday, June 26th, 2010 AT 6:09 PM
Tiny
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Check out the drive shaft of the left and right air temp. Actuators. Place the air temp. Switch from the coldest position to the warmest position and watch to see if the drive shaft of the actuator rotates. There are 2 actuators, left and right side behind the instrument panels/dash, attached to the heater-a/c assembly.
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Sunday, June 27th, 2010 AT 12:29 AM

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