Auto temp and general a/c controls...info please

[commando1]

Half the problem with the underside of the instrument panel on Formals are the damn ducts.
The other half is the wiring leads to each connection are impossibly too short.

The third half is you really need to remove the front seats to make working on the dash more tolerable but the seats weigh a ton and actually take two people to remove.


I fantasize about swapping in a Metropolitan or a Willy's dash.

 

[commando1]

So is the servo mentioned in the article, the same as the one that is being repoped in aluminium or what?

That servo is only used in the first gen ATC II that was in C-bodies up to 73. The 74 to 78 Gen II ATC II system is less of a Rube Goldberg system.
Ironically, the ATC II system licensed by Mercedes for their 1980's cars was the older one. Go figger...

Mercedes got their revenge on Chrysler later.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

So what controls the coolant flow just the valve that hangs off the fender brace and the rest is done by blend doors on the box?

 

[commando1]

The valve, fan, and blender doors are controlled by three sensors and operated by a black box.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Okay I'm good. What is in the black box or is it, just mystery, intrigue, and the unknown

 

[commando1]

Inside the black box is the secret to the universe. Enter it only if you are mentally prepared to encounter The Rapture.

 

[cantflip]

Both of my 1978 Formal's are manual A/C. Relatively easy to diagnose and repair. I won't buy a formal with ATC II.

The easiest way to gain the knowledge you are looking for is a small investment in a set of FSM's. This set is $8.35.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SET-OF-TWO-...896387?hash=item1c4b72c283:g:ftgAAOSwwTlUmCxd

These are now living with me. Thanks Bob... great price and condition. I'm a dumbass for not buying a set sooner... was waiting for the car. I agree 99.9% of this info will work for any of the cars I'm searching for.

#1 PROBLEM WITH ATC II ON FORMALS:
The dashboard. If anything goes, you cant get to it.
I have an ultra rare test box where you plug into a connector at the front of the heater box. You cant even get to that one connector without having to disassemble the dash.
I call working under the dash of a Formal The Bowels of Hell.

Wait till you try to replace the brake light switch!!!!!

I work on the 67 Newport and it is a walk in the park.

Yet, I still think a Formal is the ultimate C-body. If something happened to my NYB, I would have to replace it immediately! with a low optioned Sedan equipped with manual a.c. this time around. And I would be willing to pay insane top dollar for a perfect one right up front. Much cheaper.

Thanks for all your input Stan. Being the guy I am, I find it comforting during this search to have a grasp on what I am getting myself into.

Another great article on Autotemp II where the author even made a complete bench model from parts from other cars. Sadly the links to the pics of the components don't work anymore.

http://www.newyorkeronline.org/m-r/HVAC/AutoTemp/index.htm

Thanks Mr C, this is the kind of testing information even the FSM doesn't provide. I don't know what I will run into, but I feel much better knowing there is some reference I could use to attempt diagnosis/repair using my Fluke and soldering iron.

Inside the black box is the secret to the universe. Enter it only if you are mentally prepared to encounter The Rapture.

And I may encounter it... doubt I could ever be fully prepared...

 

[70bigblockdodge]

So now I have to drive to Orlando when my ATC II quits working?

 

[commando1]

So now I have to drive to Orlando when my ATC II quits working?

Hopefully not during the summer.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Makes me sweat just thinking about that.

 

[cantflip]

So now I have to drive to Orlando when my ATC II quits working?

Have worked for beer before.... no problem.... and if your quick enough, you might get a formal first and be my guinea pigccasion14: