Small Car Performance, DIY Front A/C Installation

[MarkWard]

Look closer at the base of the outer fuses. There is a vacant spade, but both bottom spades are connected. They have power when key is in run position and are disabled during cranking. Your other questions have answers, but I’m getting over Covid and my mind is groggy.

To get the radiator fan working off AC and thermoswitch it was easier to switch grounds on added power relays.

[Birdrocksweeper]

Thanks guys for the input. I hope to spend some more time studying it this weekend when I have some daylight out to look at everything. If there are any additional response, those are definitely welcome!

[lloydy]

For those that have used the T4/eurovan fan resistor as a replacement for the vanagon one (to get the three speeds) how did you secure it? It doesn’t fit in the bracket of the stock one, does the eurovan one work?

In other news I’m building the loom from scratch as my van didn’t have ac. I’ve cut out the relay that comes with the kit and done my own/copied the factory set up. I’ve used three relays, one for the compressor (which will be powered via the trinary), which then goes through the red 206 relay (a normally closed relay) which is switched open by the 3rd speed fan. The 3rd relay powers the 1st speed fan.

Managed to get it all clipped onto the top of the relay box for a factory look… have also run a 10mm2 cable from the battery at the back to under the dash, this will go to a distribution box and power the ac and the headlight relays. Should take a decent load off the factory wiring

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16" syncro multivan pop top AHU TDI
“Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life.”

[ALIKA T3]

Hi Lloydy.

You have the single ceramic barrel resistor from factory, which uses the same metal clip mount as the electric motor resistors for the heater blower and factory AC blowers.

The 2 ceramic barrel resistor for 3 speed uses a bigger bracket, now NLA.
You'll have to make your own.
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Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget

[lloydy]

Thanks for that, appreciated
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16" syncro multivan pop top AHU TDI
“Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life.”

[Birdrocksweeper]

Quick question - I am still working through the install. To fit the lower dash cover ( for floor vents) I need to hold the coolant lines tight to the body. If I don’t, it doesn’t slide all the way on. Since there is some factory and radio wiring running through here, are there any concerns the heat from the hoses will affect or worse the wiring? I’m really not clear how warm those hoses get. Thanks!

[ALIKA T3]

[SCP_Austin]

Just a quick note on the 3 speed fan “debate.” You do not need the 3rd speed for your AC. The low speed fan is enough to cool the condenser even in hot weather. In 95+ degree weather you will hear the high speed come one when the pressure trips the trinary switch—but generally speaking you can wire this to a default 2 speed set up.

Two other points:
The stock VW fan high speed is excessively loud. If you THINK you need a new fan and you are doing AC—this is when you make the change from a time/labor perspective. Our aftermarket fan is much quieter.

If you are running automatic transmission or a diesel intercooler, some aftermarket coolers interfere with condenser location. Don’t be fooled into putting that cooler or intercooler up front where you condenser is going. Plan it out if AC is on horizon. I have moved a few of both for people and realized this isn’t always discussed.

Austin
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#leftlanelife

[Birdrocksweeper]

[SCP_Austin]

You can test the blower fan and the unit safely. The system will work without coolant or an AC charge. You might consider doing your calibration exercise as indicated in the instructions.

The blend door for heat will be hard to test…
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#leftlanelife

[16CVs]

After laying my hoses in place I used my small leaf blower on the hoses to ensure they all had flow.

Stacy
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1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread.

[Birdrocksweeper]

Thank you to all! And Merry Christmas! I really appreciate everyone taking the time. I was able to power everything up and get the Dakota Digital DCC-300 controls working…. Sort of. Two follow up questions,

1. During setup of the Dakota Digital controls, it tells you how to adjust the brightness so it dims at night when the vehicle lights come on. However, when I turn on the vehicle lights, they are not dimming. Do, I need to connect the tan wire from the gen v wire harness to the dimming circuit in the van? The controls illuminate without the tan wire connected.

2. The blower is not turning on. I can hear everything else operating, control flaps, etc. it the blower is just not turning on. What wire do I check? Or any other trouble shooting tips? I don’t see anything for this in the troubleshooting section of the instructions. Thanks!

[16CVs]

There is a pairing set up with in the unit. It's what the I believe the brown insulated wire is, there is also a white wire which goes to ground that is in the kit.

If you look a VA's website they tell you how to do the pairing. I'll look through my E mail as they sent it to me when mine was doing funny things.

Stacy
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread.

[Birdrocksweeper]

[Birdrocksweeper]

[SCP_Austin]

Stepping Back, I was unclear you had a Dakota Digital Unit.

There is a new wiring harness update to resolve this issue. We have them in stock now--hit us up at the shop and we will send it out!

Austin
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#leftlanelife

[Birdrocksweeper]

[SCP_Austin]

Real-time service!

I do my best to answer calls with Danny and Jeff to ensure we are helping you folks out.
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#leftlanelife

[GreggK]

Can anyone show a clear picture of the latest unit that Smallcar is selling? Looking at their website, it seems the heater lines and door motors are in different locations than the unit I bought about 4 years ago. Thanks
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'86 2wd Poptop transplant
FAS TDi engine swap. Peloquin LSD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=692188&highlight=slow+but+steady

[GreggK]

Now that I take a closer look, the entire unit is turned around 180 degrees, from the way my older instructions show for install.
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'86 2wd Poptop transplant
FAS TDi engine swap. Peloquin LSD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=692188&highlight=slow+but+steady