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Sat May 19, 2012 10:36 pm

I am digging into a project of getting an early overhead A/C unit up and running (VWoA Fort Worth unit). A while ago, I had it blowing marginally cold air, but it has now totally quit, as in nothing happens when I turn the switch. I am finding sparse info about this unit and absolutely nothing in the Bentley.

There appears to be an electrical problem, but I can't find any info as to where to begin. So, I have a few basic questions about this unit:

First, where is the fuse? The owner's manual does not provide a lot of clarity on this. There are two extra fuses next to the original fuse box. The owner's manual says that the a/c fuses should be next to the original fuse box and they should be 20 and 25 amps, although it doesn't mention which one is which. The fuses that were in this location were 8amp and 16 amp. Are these the fuses for this a/c unit or are they for something else?

What are the two spade fuses behind the steering column cover for? Currently, there is a 30 amp on the left side of the column and a 20 amp on the right.

Where is the relay located on this one? Is it the relay up under the dash next to the coolant level warning relay?

If the switch is bad are these available anywhere?

The only parts the Vanagon vendors sell for these are the expansion valve, compressor, condenser and receiver dryer. Are their parts listings accurate? If I order an expansion valve from GoWesty cost plus 10 percent am I going to get the right expansion valve?

Sun May 20, 2012 8:13 am

Gauche1968 wrote: ...First, where is the fuse? The owner's manual does not provide a lot of clarity on this. There are two extra fuses next to the original fuse box. The owner's manual says that the a/c fuses should be next to the original fuse box and they should be 20 and 25 amps, although it doesn't mention which one is which. The fuses that were in this location were 8amp and 16 amp. Are these the fuses for this a/c unit or are they for something else?

I believe those are for the rear window heating element and the auxilliary heater blower.

The A/C fuses were also in that general area for 'factory' air.

Yes, for some odd reason the Bentley only addresses the post-86 systems and then only in a rather cursory manner.

What makes you think your A/C was dealer installed?

Sun May 20, 2012 8:43 am

Well, I am not totally sure if it is "dealer installed" or "port installed." But I can't figure out where the fuses relays are located on it. Inside the evaporator housing?

Sun May 20, 2012 10:34 am

Can anyone tell me how well you can see out the rear window using the rear view mirror once the Overhead AC unit has been installed? I have a Complete Overhead unit I m putting in my Doka, and it looks like it will obstruct the view a little. I hate to lose the headroom also. I drove the Doka round trip yesterday from Clearwater to Miami 600 miles, and the drive down early in the AM was much nicer than the heat on the way back later in the afternoon. I was thinking about AC the whole way back.
one other thing I noticed is my Truck is pretty loud with the windows up, and some of it is the window felt, but I think it is still pretty loud if seals are good. Does anyone think it is possible to have OK AC and be quiet also? Enough for BlueTooth Cell phone etc?
Thanks
Tony

Sun May 20, 2012 3:50 pm

OK, the two extra fuses in the plastic container next to the original fuse box are for the rear window wiper and defroster. They have nothing to do with the A/C. Yet, the owner's manual says the fuses for the A/C should be next to the original fuse box to the left of the steering column. But there is NOTHING there other than than the two fuses for the rear wiper and defroster. I am still unsure what the two spade fuses behind the steering column cover are for, but replacing them did not provide power to the a/c.

BTW, the overhead unit does not cause any rear mirror obstructions for me at all.

Sun May 20, 2012 7:59 pm

Can you pull the switch to check for voltage? perhaps continuity between the switch and the mystery fuse blocks? the switch and the compressor?
Good luck.

Sun May 20, 2012 8:23 pm

Gauche1968 wrote: ...BTW, the overhead unit does not cause any rear mirror obstructions for me at all.

Is your 'overhead' unit in the back of the van or in the front? This may explain why the fuses aren't where the manual says.