lilindy500 Posted September 5, 2009 Report Share Posted September 5, 2009 My trruck is showing code B0159 outside air temp sensor circuit range/performance. I have had a lot of trouble with the a/c compressor not cutting in. Compressor seized so I replaced it and the accumulator and got a flush/recharge done. New high pressure sensor and low pressure sensor. Now the compressor will kick in when you use the button in the HVAC module in the dash. But it will cycle on for 3 seconds and shut off for 45 seconds, then it will cycle on for 3 seconds and off for 45 seconds. The lines are not very cold but they are cool. Blows heat in all vents. I can't find the ambient air temp sensor on my truck. Isn't it supposed to be under the passenger side headlights? I can't find the sensor so I bought a new one and there isn't even any wires that it should plug into? Can someone tell me where the sensor is supposed to be? I have auto climate control in the truck as well. I was advised a few weeks ago that the blender door is working properly, the dealer had the Tech2 hooked up and said it was fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fireman31 Posted September 5, 2009 Report Share Posted September 5, 2009 The ambient temp sensor is located next to your transmision cooler on the driver's side, behind the grill shell..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcsilveradoss Posted September 5, 2009 Report Share Posted September 5, 2009 i believe unplugged that sensor connector should measure 5 volts across the terminals, if not, you have another issue...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilindy500 Posted September 5, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2009 Its reading 4.84 volts. I have a switch to make the compressor stay on for more than 3 seconds and when I turn it on so the compressor cannot cycle it still will not get cold. I have only used it for a minute at a time, just for testing purposes. The only line that gets cold is the one with both high and low side valves. Just tried pinching off the heater lines as well. The big line coming from the compressor gets cool but not cold. Still the air coming out of all the vents is the same as outside air temperature. I thought the sensor on the drivers side was only for the rear view mirror temperature? The temperature says -7 celcius and its about +25celcius right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fireman31 Posted September 6, 2009 Report Share Posted September 6, 2009 I thought the sensor on the drivers side was only for the rear view mirror temperature? The temperature says -7 celcius and its about +25celcius right now. AllData states that the sensor is for both the digital readout and the HVAC system. Is that temp readout with the old sensor or the new sensor? Also, even thought the system was recharged, have you checked it to see if discharged somehow? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilindy500 Posted September 6, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 6, 2009 I had it in 2 weeks ago when the compressor and accumulator was installed. Last week it was back there because after I was told the high pressure sensor was my problem I bought it and replaced it to find there was no change. They discharged it and recharged it 3 times the last time I was there. The mechanic couldn't figure out why it would cycle so quickly. He checked 3 times to make sure there was 1.6lbs in the system. It had not leaked out after the first visit there. That readout was after I put the new sensor. I unplugged it to check the voltage to find it was 4.84 volts. Before I replaced the sensor it would once in a while read the wrong temp. After I checked the voltage it is way out. Right now when I start the truck it says 0 C. Doesn't even read anything. I'm so sick of GM parts. This sensor will be going back for a new one. I replaced the low pressure sensor about 3 months ago and it was actually a faulty one. After the guy put another new one in my truck last week the compressor finally turned on with the button in the HVAC module. So I assume this is another shitty sensor. My dealer finally told me the second time I was there they don't have a clue why it cycles so quickly and why it does not blow cool air. It really sucks there isn't any good mechanics working for GM in my area. Its very disappointing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wody Posted September 6, 2009 Report Share Posted September 6, 2009 I had it in 2 weeks ago when the compressor and accumulator was installed. Last week it was back there because after I was told the high pressure sensor was my problem I bought it and replaced it to find there was no change. They discharged it and recharged it 3 times the last time I was there. The mechanic couldn't figure out why it would cycle so quickly. He checked 3 times to make sure there was 1.6lbs in the system. It had not leaked out after the first visit there. That readout was after I put the new sensor. I unplugged it to check the voltage to find it was 4.84 volts. Before I replaced the sensor it would once in a while read the wrong temp. After I checked the voltage it is way out. Right now when I start the truck it says 0 C. Doesn't even read anything. I'm so sick of GM parts. This sensor will be going back for a new one. I replaced the low pressure sensor about 3 months ago and it was actually a faulty one. After the guy put another new one in my truck last week the compressor finally turned on with the button in the HVAC module. So I assume this is another shitty sensor. My dealer finally told me the second time I was there they don't have a clue why it cycles so quickly and why it does not blow cool air. It really sucks there isn't any good mechanics working for GM in my area. Its very disappointing. a quick cycle usually means a low charge. but i've been following your problem, and i know there is much more going on. i just wish i was closer to take a look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackbeast ss Posted September 6, 2009 Report Share Posted September 6, 2009 a quick cycle could mean a couple of things (low pressure switch) 1.low charge 2.dirty filter or dirty evaporator coil 3.restriction in the refrigerant line in the metering device or the strainer 4.evaporator full of oil all of these problems will cause a low back pressure (high pressure switch) 1.dirty condenser coil 2.cooling fans not working properly 3.restriction in the lines 4.non condensables in the system (very common) this happens when a vacuum is not pulled correctly two ways to check which sensor is going out on 1. is put some gauges on high and low side and look at the gauges and if your low side drops and cuts out its your low pressure switch and if the high side goes up and cuts out its your high press switch 2. get a meter and set it on ohms and as soon as it cycles off pull the plug off and put the meter leads a cross the switch and check if the switch is open also check your compressor amps and make sure is not over amping and cutting out on thermo overload Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilindy500 Posted September 8, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2009 I will check these as soon as I can get to a multimeter. I left home back to University so next time I'm home or I can get to my brothers work I will check why it cuts out. I was watching a bit when the mechanic was draining and recharging the system and the high would get up to almost 200psi and then it would drop. I wasn't paying attention if thats exactly when the clutch was disengaging but I'm sure it was. I will check it out as soon as I can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Bowtie Posted September 9, 2009 Report Share Posted September 9, 2009 Do our trucks have a servicable orfice or is it built into one of the refrigerant lines? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcsilveradoss Posted September 9, 2009 Report Share Posted September 9, 2009 Do our trucks have a servicable orfice or is it built into one of the refrigerant lines? serviceable, it is right next to coolant recovery tank in the lines Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilindy500 Posted September 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2009 Ya they can be taken out. Before I took the truck into GM we disconnected the line and cleaned it. After it was cleaned it did circulate a bit better and the lines got colder, but at that time the compressor would not cut in with the HVAC switch I had to use my switch I hotwired in. They supposedly put a new orifice tube in when I took it in but who knows. I should have probably asked for the old one back to see if they even put the new one in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malibutwins Posted September 9, 2009 Report Share Posted September 9, 2009 sounds like its the orfice put some gauges on it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackbeast ss Posted September 9, 2009 Report Share Posted September 9, 2009 (edited) more than likely the orfice is not plugged their should be a strainer screen before the orfice.....if thats your problem then remove the pipe and blow it out with compress air or buy a new one not that expensive.......if you want, get some gauges on and post the video of when its cutting out......and would also need some superheat and subcooling readings i will help you diagnose the problem Edited September 9, 2009 by blackbeast ss (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilindy500 Posted September 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 Will do, I will get some gauges on it on the 20th of Sept. Thats when I go home next. I was watching the gauges after the guy filled the system and saw them go up and down. The high side gets up to 200psi when it cuts out. But I never thought of taking a video of it, I should have I had my camera there in the truck. Got an infrared thermo as well so the temps I will get for you as well. By the way, I have not installed the TBTC I bought off you a while back yet. I probably should its sitting there anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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