[Ron Reece]

Hello all,
I own a 1996 9000 CSE and have got problems with nthe ACC blowing warm when set to low. I believe that it needs re charging with R134a. As i live in Germany i am not sure if this refridgerant is still legal here because of CFC'S etc. Does anyone know if it is legal and if not where i can get it charged if not?
Is there an alternative to R134a that will not damage the system or require any major modifications

 

[yaofeng]

R-134a is widely available and legal. The restriction is on R-12. But does the AC compressor clutch engage when you set the ACC to low?

 

[Ron Reece]

Thanks for the prompt reply mate, i believe that the clutch does engage because the engine note does change but is there any other way of checking if the clutch does engage or not? I am a SAAB virgin so any tips are appreciated!!!

 

[valbowski1980]

Have you recently had the battery disconnected? If so try this (or try it anyway since it might just sort this out):

1.) Turn on the car and then switch the ACC to AUTO
2.) Touch the AUTO and the <[]> buttons at the same time, if the temp readout shows 0 then you did it right.
3.) Let the system go through it's reboot mode, (it will show the temp again when it's done) and see if it blows cold again.

Hope this helps.

 

[djtaylor]

Thanks for the prompt reply mate, i believe that the clutch does engage because the engine note does change but is there any other way of checking if the clutch does engage or not? I am a SAAB virgin so any tips are appreciated!!!

Not Saab specific, yeah it goes click and spins, like this

very exciting clutch engaging video

David.

 

[Ron Reece]

Broken Magnetic Clutch

Thanks all again for the replys and help, however i have been informed that the magnetic clutch is un serviceable which closes the problem, does anyone know if they are a twat to fit or is it a simple process. I am reluctant to go to SAAB as i want change out of my months pay packet!!!

Any help is appreciated



Ron Reece;oops:

 

[PMI]

Checking the AC pressure will determine if the system needs recharging.

If there is a problem with the clutch... I don't understand what "not servicable" means. Saab sells parts as kits for the clutch, and some people had a shop replace just the bearing.
Pasting from the EPC CD:

Article : Gasket kit (for the shaft)
PartNo : 4635496
Usage : 1994-1997
Order Quantity : 1
$66 List price

Article : Clutch kit (small parts, snap rings etc used on the clutch)
PartNo : 4635587
Usage : 1994-1997
Order Quantity : 1
$27 list price

Article : Clutch (complete clutch, I think)
PartNo : 4635579
Usage : 1994-1997
Order Quantity : 1
$297 list price

 

[djtaylor]

Thanks all again for the replys and help, however i have been informed that the magnetic clutch is un serviceable which closes the problem,

Bull****! you just take it off and remove a shim.

Adjusting the clutch

you can go to the Sanden website to download the service manual and they include clutch servicing. Who told you the clutch is inserviceable? They should be the place you don't bother going back to.

David.

 

[Ron Reece]

Thanks again for the info, i have had a close look and have found that the clutch does sometimes engage normally when the engine is revved hard then the clutch clicks in. Can it be adjusted or does the shim need replacing? again guys any help is welcome.....it seems that i had the system re charged for no reason but at least i know that there are no leaks!!!

 

[Ron Reece]

Bull****! you just take it off and remove a shim.

Adjusting the clutch

you can go to the Sanden website to download the service manual and they include clutch servicing. Who told you the clutch is inserviceable? They should be the place you don't bother going back to.

David.

Thanks David, Will give this a try and will let you know how i get on

 

[djtaylor]

Thanks again for the info, i have had a close look and have found that the clutch does sometimes engage normally when the engine is revved hard then the clutch clicks in. Can it be adjusted or does the shim need replacing? again guys any help is welcome.....it seems that i had the system re charged for no reason but at least i know that there are no leaks!!!

Knowing that there are no leaks and you have refrigerant is a great starting point but i'm not sure I understand the correlation between needing to rev the engine. As soon as you turn on the AC, if the refrigerant isn't at sufficient pressure (which it won't be) then the compressor should be engaged.

The only relationship that the car engine has in the whole circuit is that its sole existence as far as the AC is concerned is that the engine is there to turn the compressor and that won't happen if the clutch isn't engaged! It shouldn't matter what rpm the engine is going at in any way. Hmm, puzzling.

 

[Ron Reece]

Thanks all the problem seems to have sorted itself out now. Will keep an eye on it but thankyou all for your advice and time Regards Ron Reece

 

[djtaylor]

If it has simply sorted itself then is that because the temperature has been lower than before? In which case it sounds very much like an air gap issue as that's what happens, works when cooler, stops when hot - just when you need it most.

David.

 

[Ron Reece]

Ok if that is the case i will adjust the magnetic clutch to be sure:cheesy: