'94 with some work to do

[Charles]

I've got a '94 vette that I'm trying to get back in good working order. (PO not very kindly to it!)... Just replaced the blower, but the climate control will still only blow hot air regardless of temperature setting; auto or manual. A mechanic suggested that it could be a lack of freon. Does this sound likely? I'm new to this, but I can't understand it being a lack of freon even when trying to vent ambient air in from outside on nice cool days. Wouldn't it more likely be a damper problem not directing the air through the vents instead of over the engine or maybe a problem with the temperature sensor not recognizing the proper reading to adjust accordingly?

Could also use advise on where in Southern California (Orange County) to purchase (or have done) the parking brake cable system. Is there a good after-market supply place for items like this and interior parts?

Thank you,

Charles (chasard@hotmail.com)

[Joe L.]

Re: '94 with some work to do

Charles-----

1994's are a little outside of the "charter" of this board, but I'll try to provide you with a little information.

First of all, and most important, if you're going to try to troubleshoot this, or for that matter any other, problem on your '94, you need a factory service manual. The factory service manual will lead you through a "decision tree" protocol to troubleshoot most problems, especially ones like this. Yes, it can be quite complicated to even comprehend the service manual, let alone follow it. But, 1994 Corvettes are very complex cars. In fact, C4s have FAR more content(and parts) than any other Corvette ever built, including C5s. Factory service manuals for a '94 are expensive, but you've got to have one if you intend to do any serious work on your car. When I took delivery of my 1992 in the fall of 1991, I had already ordered the factory service manual while I was waiting for the car to be built.

In any event, a problem such as you've described is often caused by failure of the electronic temperature control head(the dash unit with the temp buttons on it)or the controller/programmer which controls the hot/cold air mixture. However, there are MANY other components in the system which could produce your symptoms. That's why you need a service manual; a "shotgun" parts replacement approach, often used as an alternative to proper diagnosis even by experienced technicians, can get VERY EXPENSIVE on a C4. Absolutely. Positively.

[Don O'Conell #33101]

Re: '94 with some work to do

Charles,

I live in Yorba Linda and have used both Corvette Mikes (714-630-0700, on Rose Dr. north of La Palma) and Coast Corvette (714-535-4000, on Vermont Ave near the 5 in Anaheim - across the freeway from Disneyland) for misc repairs. Both very good to work with.

Don