Chrysler Repair: 2001 Chrysler Sebring LXI Coupe A/C, chrysler sebring lxi, automatic temperature control

Question
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hi Roland,

I have a 2001 Chrysler Sebring LXI Coupe 2.7 and my a/c is
working only at times.  It begins by blowing cold air, then turns
to just warm air...as if the a/c is off. I have had a mechanic look
at my a/c, and he confirmed that the a/c is working
properly...but again...it's only at times.  

I have searched for information on this, but the only thing that
may be the cause of this is some computer reprogramming
needed?

Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much,

Rick Garcia
Answer -
Hi Rick,
The A/C units are not my strong suit. I would br inclined to go to an A/
C shop to have the
refrigerant system checked out. If you have the Automatic Temperature
Control system then
there is some built-in self diagnostic capability, so let me know if that
is true. I don't know of any
computer related issues with the A/C so I doubt any programming is
the issue.
Roland

Hi Roland...

Thanks for your reply.  I do not have the ATC...just a manual
temperature dial.  I have had a
mechanic check out the A/C itself, and add coolant liquid to it, but are
there diagnostics I can
perform for manual temperature A/C's?

Could it be related to an electrical short of some type?  My radio also
sometimes "gets stuck", where I cannot turn the volume up/down,
change any channels...nothing!  Then it turns off by itself, comes back
up...and it works again.  When this does happen, I have to reset the
time on the clock.  I'm not certain if this has anything to do with the A/
C, but just grasping at straws!  :)

Thanks again,

Rick Garcia

Answer
Hi Rick,
The LH models (LHS, Concorde, New Yorker, Intrepid, Vision) do have self-diagnostic capability with the standard type heater controls. I don't know about the Sebring heater controls (my '95 manual doesn't mention it) but if you have the various controlknobs/buttons that I will describe you could give it a try.
There is a rear window defogger that is initiated by a push button with an LED light. That light is the readout, by its blinking. To begin the diagnostic mode, run the vehicle at idle with the controls set as follows: the blower speed knob should be on any position other than OFF, the temperature knob should be set in full COOL, and the mode knob should be set on Defrost mode.
To enter the diagnostic mode, press the defogger switch in for five seconds, until it begins to blink, then release it. It  will continue to blink for about 30 seconds while it calibrates. If it goes out, the calibration is OK and you can skip 3 paragraphs to "Position...mix mode"  below.
If the light stayed on, switch the mode knob to the MIX (defroster-floor) position. If the light stays on there is a problem with the control head unit.
Switch the mode knob to the FLOOR position, if the light stays on, it indicates a problem in the blend door or the blend door actuator wiring.
Move the knob to the Bi-level (panel-floor) position where a continuous light indicates a problem with mode actuator or circuit.
Position the knob in the MIX mode. The LED light should now flash twice then pause, and continue a two-flash sequence, indicating that the MIX mode is OK.
In the FLOOR mode the light should flash three times, meaning that the FLOOR mode is OK.
In the Bi-Level Mode, a four-flash sequence indicates that mode is OK.
In the PANEL mode the light should flash 5 times to indicate no problems there, and in the recirc-panel mode 6 times and seven times in the recirc Bi-level mode.
The temperature control can be checked by switching the mode knob to Defrost and rotating the temperture knob. If the temperature contol is OK, the light will flash faster the more you turn the temperature knob up, until the light goes out at the hottest setting.
Switch the knob between Panel and Recirc-Panel and watch the recirc door (unit under the dash). Proper operation means that circuit and components are OK.
To get out of the self-diagnostic mode, turn off the blower or push the air conditioning button once.
If this doesn't seem to apply to your control head or you get no response from an LED light for the rear defroster, then the Sebring may not have this capability. Please let me know your results if any.
Roland