A/C blows cold on driver side but hot everywhere else

Tiny
WILKINSONT22
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 SATURN OUTLOOK
  • 3.6L
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
A/C will blow cold on drivers side but hot on passenger side and hot in the rear of vehicle. If I turn off the passenger side vents or if I close the vents it makes the driver side hot. The actuators are working I think. I can change the position settings (floor, front, defrost etc.) The SUV has dual controls and controls in the back. When I drove a few hours about a month ago I stopped for about 10 minutes and started the vehicle and ice blew out the middle driver side vent. Don't know if it's related. I've drove the same and more and hasn't done it again. I did top off the A/C the day before. Any help is appreciated.
Thursday, August 13th, 2020 AT 12:09 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

Can you give me the high and low side readings of the Freon pressures while the engine is running and the A/C is on? I need to see those numbers to be sure the system is working correctly.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak

I attached the location of the blend door actuator.

When you command heat and cool, put your hand on the actuator and see if you can feel it move.

You could also try the calibration procedure that I posted below.

Roy

Actuator Re-calibration

When replacing the HVAC control module it will be necessary to allow the HVAC control module to perform a calibration process. When installing the HVAC control module be sure to perform the following:

Important: Do not adjust any controls on the HVAC control module while the HVAC control module is self-calibrating. If interrupted, improper HVAC performance will result.

1. Place the ignition switch to the OFF position.
2. Disconnect the scan tool.
3. Install the HVAC control module.
4. Connect all previously disconnected components.
5. Start the vehicle.
6. Wait 40 seconds for the HVAC control module to self-calibrate.
7. Verify that no DTCs have set as current DTCs.

When replacing the HVAC actuator it will be necessary to allow the HVAC control module to perform a calibration process. When installing the HVAC actuator be sure to perform one of the following:

Important: Do not adjust any controls on the HVAC control module while the HVAC control module is self-calibrating. If interrupted, improper HVAC performance will result.

Preferred Method (w/ Scan Tool)
1. Clear all DTCs.
2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF position.
3. Install the HVAC actuator.
4. Connect all previously disconnected components.
5. Start the vehicle.
6. With the scan tool, initiate the Motor Re-calibration feature of the Heating and Air Conditioning Special Functions menu.
7. Verify that no DTCs have set as current DTCs.

Important: Do not adjust any controls on the HVAC control module while the HVAC control module is self-calibrating. If interrupted, improper HVAC performance will result.

Alternate Method (w/o Scan Tool)
1. Clear all DTCs.
2. Place the ignition switch to the OFF position.
3. Install the HVAC actuator.
4. Connect all previously disconnected components.
5. Remove the HVAC/ECAS fuse for a minimum of 10 seconds.
6. Install the HVAC/ECAS fuse.
7. Start the vehicle.
8. Wait 40 seconds for the HVAC control module to self-calibrate.
9. Verify that no DTCs have set as current DTCs.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, August 13th, 2020 AT 3:57 AM
Tiny
WILKINSONT22
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
First picture is everything off. Second picture is engine and A/C on with the circulation off. Third picture is engine, A/C, and circulation on. The first video is with the A/C on and circulation off. The second video is A/C and circulation on. The A/C compressor comes on and off. The driver side is now hot. So it's blowing hot out of every vent.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, August 13th, 2020 AT 1:15 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
The first picture is with the engine running. The low is good the high is high. Spray some water on the condenser and see if the air cools down and the high side drops.

The second picture is a problem. The low side and the high side are not the same indicating a expansion valve that is closed and needs to be replaced.

The first video shows the system cycling because the low side drops to 20 pounds or less. The high side is low indicating possible low in Freon.

The third picture should not have the compressor running. If it does, you may have a bad compressor.

The second video has good pressures.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, August 13th, 2020 AT 1:50 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links