Chevy Express AC fuse and relay

[@ToIsleOfView]

I spent 5 man-hours on this electrical fuse because a factory fuse box cover mislabeled the correct fuse. I bought a 2005 Express van and the AC didn't work. It's impossible to see the AC compressor from the engine compartment so I did as this video points out to check the fuse box cover sticker for the AC fuse (#32) and the relay. All good. Hooked up my gauges to the low side suction accumulator and It was 100# so the low pressure cut off switch should be ok but to be sure I jumpered the switch wires just to be sure. Nope, that was not keeping my compressor off. So I needed to check the AC Compressor from under the van. There is a large plastic cover that must be removed. Of course, you have to jack the van up 15 inches so you can get under there. 2 bolts and it pops off. My belt was broken in half. The tensioner was locked up and it wore the belt out. Bought a new tensioner and new belt. The new AC belt installs on the crank pully behind the main serpentine belt. It's easy to release the serpentine tensioner to pop the belt off. Replaced AC tensioner and slipped the new belt on the crank pulley. Now the serpentine belt can be re-installed. Trust me, that is a difficult mess. After all that the AC clutch still won't engage to spin the compressor. The only thing I haven't checked is 12V power to the clutch itself. Oh-boy what a difficult job that is. I can barely see the wire plug from above but can't reach it. I can touch it from below with 1 finger. From above I used a 24" long thin screwdriver to bend the metal clip completely off its mount. Then the clutch power wires & plug could be pulled up above the heater hoses so I could disconnect and test it for voltage. No voltage. I use some jumper wires from the main battery to energize the clutch wires directly and it works. I thought I must have a broken wire. That will require wiring a new switch from the dashboard to the clutch. Yikes! I must double-check my fuse box & verify the fuse number from the sticker. Everything checks out so on a hunch I decided to fill a vacant fuse location #22 called IGN E for a 10A fuse. Guess what, that was the fuse for my AC compressor clutch. Everything works as it should. I spent about 5 man-hours on the electrical because a factory fuse box cover mislabeled the correct fuse. Next time you get a serviceman to work on something remember my experience & be prepared to pay a lot more than you think it should cost.

[@LehewTech]

Good catch! Often times the diagram on the fuse box can be wrong or incomplete. I do recall other chevys using an Ignition E fuse as part of the AC system. I referenced the wiring diagram and Fuse 22 provides power for the coil in the AC relay. It also shows that it provides power for the turn signal/brake light switch circuit. Fuse 32 power is sent to the AC compressor clutch thru the AC relay when it is energized.

[@auneakeffect]

dude thank you so much, you just saved me a week or more without my work van while the company fleet mechanic looked at it

[@timothythomasmellard4315]

want to say to whoever you are, your video solved a very perplexing problem,turns out my 2017 ac did not work and I looked for the fan relay and where it said it would be(#50) it was blank did not know #40 was the relay for the whole ac panel,thanks again you saved me some money and now I know my vehicle a lot better

[@LehewTech]

Tremendous! I am glad you found a solution

[@timothythomasmellard4315]

@@LehewTech thanx again,go figure with all these long videos,yours was 2 min and right to the point,thanks again

[@rayminthecat]

They even put a piece of plastic above the fuse box so rain water doesn't pour all over it!

[@joaojimeno4402]

you guys are the best 😊

[@keokikamehameha4399]

I got a 2011 express same like yours on the video you have i realize that when i start it up and turn the ac on i have nothing air blowing out even on both nob to high or different direction do have a suggestion what the problem could be

[@michaelgallo2723]

This video applies if ya dint hear the compressor turning on/off correct,, great video anyways,but just realized a express i just bought dont have air,it blows ,have heat but definitely dont hear the compressor when i turn the ac on/off

[@monkeylodgepanama474]

Hello chevrolet van express 2017, the rear blower work when the switch off, when I switch on the rear blower stop

[@nicksabosky6189]

Is this the same for a 2008

[@renerogelio8948]

I have 2003 chevy express can u tell me which fuse or relay on the two 12v constan from the ignition swich

[@w4maa2KW]

How about fuse #18 no power. Gem module?

[@grabbingkitties7824]

What does that do? Like what is it fixing.

[@coachb446]

I need to calibrate my 2012 express passenger van. For some reason, the compass control the AC mechanism. Any suggestions?

[@txjackazz]

Which fuse is for the HVAC controls

[@bryansmith7307]

I have a 2013 Savana and the AC works, but not the max AC? Any thoughts?

[@himebaughchris4026]

Good one.

[@eltigre3234]

Hi I have sabana 3500 the problem with my truck is the heat working but not the cold only blows hot can you pls help me

[@pablitoburciaga7351]

What if I'm not getting power at the fuse ? I used a power probe to jump the relay and get my compressor going ready check terminal 30 & 87 My question it's the power for the fuse come from controller or high pressure switch?

[@w4maa2KW]

We have run into the same thing. Customer said AC quit. Checked power on #18 and its open. Whats upstream to power that fuse up?

[@dandtintennessee7675]

In my work van air tends to work fine when running 60 or 70. When you have to slow down and stop at lights and such it starts blowing warm air. Sometimes it comes back when you get back to speed and sometimes it's out until the next day. The Chevy dealer has worked on it twice, Firestone once and Goodyear just replaced the compressor. Still have the same issue. Anyone have ideas?

[@atrain132]

I'm sure by now the problem has been fixed, but could it be the condenser fan? I had a dodge ram that did the exact same scenario for about a year. Turned out it was the a/c condenser fan. The wind from driving down the road would spin it, causing the a/c to blow cold. While sitting at a red light, it would immediately start blowing warm air.

[@dandtintennessee7675]

@@atrain132 Yeah they finally got it fixed last November. Took Firestons, Chevy dealer, Goodyear and finally a second Chevy dealer figured it out. Thanks for the tip though. It was a pressure switch

[@atrain132]

@@dandtintennessee7675 thanks for the fast reply. Man, all that for a switch.... 🤦 Good to hear it's been fixed though.

[@nimbuslayer5142]

My fuse and relays are good. Had some light smoke come from the steering column and the AC system died completely. No fan, compressor, or any air movement at all. Chafed wire is my guess but no idea where to look. Any suggestions?

[@glnset-apart]

I noticed that he didn't respond although mentioning to let him know if you had any questions... However, did you figure out the challenge with your air conditioner? I seem to have the same challenge in my 2003 3500 Express van.

[@josephjfillipino8213]

I have no power at the number 18 fuse, does that always have power with the key on?

[@onipepperonni2088]

awesome, thanks

[@CSJiGSaW08]

Great vehicle but worst A/C system ever.