AC not working at low speeds - fix found!

[mschaublin001]

Purchased a 95 J30 a few months ago. The AC was not working, had it charged, but was next to useless below 50 MPH. On the freeway it got cold enough to make ice, even in 95 degree heat. AC shop recommended an expansion valve ($200) or possibly a new compressor ($400 plus labor).

Took a closer look at the car and noticed that the AC condenser fan (the "pusher" fan on the front of the radiator) was not coming on. If this fan doesn't work, there's no airflow across the condenser to t shed the heat from the freon Found the following to be the problems:

1. OEM condensor fan was siezed, not surprising at 15 years and 180K miles. Replaced with a generic Hayden electric cooling fan for $55 from Pep Boys (model 3860, IIRC, but I would go with the next bigger one).
2. Fusible link for condenser fan was blown, no doubt due to the siezed fan.
3. At this point, I expected the fan to run, but it didn't. Turned out that the coolant temp sensor was bad. The computer needs the signal from the coolant temp sensor to know the engine is warm enough to turn the fan on. With a bad temp sensor it never got that signal. $15 5 minute fix. Be careful not to lose the wire retaining clip on the on the harness connector for the coolant temp sensor.

At this point, the condenser fan now comes on any time the AC is on and the coolant temp is above 94C and vehicle speed is below 39 MPH. AC works like a champ. Total cost of all parts was $75 plus the better part of a Sunday afternoon.

[yodawill2000]

Good Job !!!
Some peeps always think its a major thing when its a simple fix.

"Looking for a Bear when its a Rabbit causing the trouble"
Pops taught me that when I was a young en'

Welcome to Nico !!!
Stick around and you will be stuffed with J knowledge !!

[swimshark]

yah that will definitely do it. mine started to quit working when the relay for my dual e-fans fried. finally just set up the fans on 2 different relays that have a potentiometer to where i can set what temp they come on at.

youll def learn that its a lot cheaper and easier to fix these cars yourself with a little bit of research and DIY. plus you have quite a few guys on here that have messed with these cars so pop a question and we will help you out as best as we can.

i.e. i saved about $1800 by doing my own injectors which is probably one of the most expensive jobs on the car. i bought 6 brand new OEM injectors for $109 with o-rings from a 300zx performance shop. think total cost ended up being around $850 since i replaced fuel lines. i called infinit dealership to get a work quote to replace the injectors and the guy had to punch in numbers so he calle dme back and hr later. i just let it go to voicemail and in his message it was going to be $1200 for injectors and then another $1300 for labor.


ENJOY YOUR J!!!