QuestionQUESTION: I have a 1994 Chrysler New Yorker with a 3.5 v6. I have a push button automatic climate control, occasionally the blower motor will go on high and defrost and the screen will go blank. This may last a little while, a day or longer. I checked the fuses in the fuse box (never found a bad fuse), but since it starts working again I do not think it is a fuse. During the summer I just pulled the 25 amp fuse out to stop the blower motor.
I searched the codes and got 36 ATC head command failure. What does that mean? Can / how do I fix it?
Thanks
ANSWER: Hi Pat,
The code 36 is shown in the '94 manual to be 'failure of the ATC head communication'. That could either be a problem with that circuit within the ATC controller, or it could be a loose connection at one of the two wires that connect the pins of the two twisted-together communication wires to the circuit board of the ATC due to a cold solder joint. My suggestion would be to remove the control unit, unplug it, open it up and reheat the colder joints on pins 3 and 4 of the 8-pin black socket where they connect to the circuit board using a soldering pencil. If that doesn't correct things then I would believe there may be a leaky electrolytic capacitor on the circuit board itself which you might spot visually and could be replaced.
Good luck on finding the cause.
Roland
PS Thanks for the rating. To remove the control, first remove the ash receiver, then remove the bezel that surrounds all the lower units (snaps out gently by the edges) then remove screw on sides of control unit and pull out, disconnect plugs. Then open and touch solder joint between pin and circuit board sufficient to melt the solder.
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QUESTION: As I am looking at the back of the unit which pins are the 3rd and 4th? I believe they should be on the top right, correct?
ANSWER: I believe the pins are numbered, etched in the black plastic, but the 3,4 wire colors are violet/brown and white/black and they are twisted together. Pin 1 is orange, pin 2 is black.
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QUESTION: I do not think that the fact that my socket is white makes any difference and I could not see any numbers. The wire colors are correct though. I tried heating the pins and remelting the solder but the unit still does not work. I do not see any bad caps. Any other possibilities?
If I try to get one from a junk yard what year/models would I be looking for?
AnswerHi Pat,
The only other possibility is a broken connection of one of those two wires, which go to a hidden splice and then to several other locations. You could check continuity of each wire at the diagnostic data link connector socket which is blue and located under the dash to the right of the steering column. You will find the other ends of the same wires there, so check for continuity (0 ohms resistance) from the ATC control to the data link. If you have continuity then a replacement control would be reasonable to seek.
I would look at '93-97 LH body cars. The wiring was different in '98. I can't be certain when it changed because I only have the '94 and '98 manuals.
Roland
PS Please 'rate' my answer, once again. Thank you
