The book symbol. Where to start? P38

Popped up this morning. What things should I start checking?

First question is, if you start up with the ac off/ button pressed, turn the ignition to II ( and no engine) how long does the book symbol take to come on, if at all...If no symbol then prob blend motors are ok...engine on now, set to Lo, ac switch unlit (ie on), do you the book symbol after a short time? If no, is the ac clutch spinning, if no then use a spanner to wack the clutch plate...was it magnetised, does it now engage? If yes ( for book symbol) then problem likely lies with ac but then there are several options as to what...remove the circular connector and put a good 9v batt across the terminals does the clutch engage this way ? Let ac run engaged does the system go cold? If not then your ac is probably empty... When was your last re-gas? If recent then poss you have a leak from somewhere...use a UV light and see if you can spot any obv fluorescence...I cd go on for a while, but that's a start

On later HEVAC's where aircon clutch engagement is via a relay, I have never seen a book signal caused by the aircon other than a failed sensor.
Usually it's a blend motor problem.

Datatek said:

On later HEVAC's where aircon clutch engagement is via a relay, I have never seen a book signal caused by the aircon other than a failed sensor.
Usually it's a blend motor problem.

Click to expand...

I have only had 98s, no relay, although I retrofitted a relay harness to one. But I agree, more likely blend motor's.... Feyniriel, Nano v useful for diagnosing because you can " watch" the blend flap percentages change as you press the buttons on the hevac. One or other will likely not read 0 to 100pc without a hiccup or limited range. It's yempting to remove them, pull them to bits, test the resistance etc, but way better to test them in situ

Might get lucky cycling between HI and LOW a few times on both sides and then set to 18 and try restarting the car.