Engine fan kicking in too often when using A/C when ouside temp is above 75 F.

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by W900 Guy, Jun 27, 2016.

  1. W900 Guy

    W900 Guy Bobtail Member

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    Mar 18, 2013
    Canada
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    Hello All, thanks for your help in advance! I apologize for the long post, buts it needs proper explanation.

    First off, I have a 2005 Western Star 4900EX with a Detroit 60 Series (vin N95287 for those who might ask for it).

    Ok here's my problem... When driving and my A/C is off, the engine fan is working as supposed to. In other words rarely comes on. Now... when driving and USING my A/C with the outside temp below 75 degrees F all is working fine and engine fan rarely comes on. When the outside temp is above 75 degrees F the engine fan comes on too frequent. The engine fan turns on... runs its cycle and shuts off... 30 seconds later it turns on again... runs its cycle and turns off and 30 seconds later turns on again... and keeps doing that till I turn off the A/C or the outside temp drops below 75F. I have gone through a clutch fan and just replaced it because of the frequent on/offs and do not feel like replacing one again so soon.

    What I have done to try and remedy this... I went to an A/C specialist and system was evacuated... vacuum held well... recharged 4 lbs. 4 oz... Trinary switch replaced (twice)... condenser is clean... cab and sleeper filters are new... no freeze up on evaps. I thought maybe it's the air ambient temp sensor... cause my datastar outside air temp is stuck at 69 degrees F, regardless of outside temp.
    So I looked for an Air ambient temp sensor behind bumper, near head lights, in mirrors... nothing. Apparently there is no such sensor on my truck according to 3 WS dealers.... yet when I had my truck in for the top end adjustment at my Detroit guy, the tech ran diags on engine as well... on the print out it shows the faults, the settings and readings.... and shows that the "Air Ambient Temperature" is 69 degrees F. how could there be a reading if there is no sensor???
    So stummed... please help.

    Thanks!
     
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  3. skateboardman

    skateboardman Road Train Member

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    What about the high pressure switch?
     
  4. W900 Guy

    W900 Guy Bobtail Member

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    Mar 18, 2013
    Canada
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    There's no High/Low Presure switch on this system. It has a Trinary switch which incorporates the two switches into one... and I have replaced it twice.
     
  5. swaan

    swaan Road Train Member

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    Will it do this going down the freeway also or just in town .
     
  6. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    That switch is sensing high pressure, so either you need your a/c system serviced, condenser needs to be cleaned, or it is working normally.
     
    Hammer166 and Vintage Thank this.
  7. purpleprime

    purpleprime Medium Load Member

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    May 30, 2013
    spickard, mo
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    Is the condenser dirty and not allowing proper air flow , normal driving down the road should provide enough air flow that the fan shouldn't need to kick on , stop and go driving the fan is going to run alot anyway ,

    Added also check that the fins aren't all smashed in they actually make a fin comb to straighten the fins on a condenser just not sure where to get one
     
  8. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    I'm gonna say you need to have the condensor cleaned out (cleaned as in so air can flow through, not on the inside where the refrigerant flows). A/C runs on pressures. The harder the system has to work, the higher the pressure (higher pressure = higher condensor temperatures). Once the pressure gets too high, the fan kicks in to help pull heat out of the condensor (lowers the pressure).
     
  9. swaan

    swaan Road Train Member

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    He said condensor is clean in his post but I'm willing to bet it's hammered.
    Not doing a very good job anymore .
     
  10. upallnite

    upallnite Light Load Member

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    Hempstead,TX
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    Have qualified a/c tech evacuate the system, flush the system to make sure there no restriction in the condensor, lines or the evaporator. Change the drier and expansion blocks, vacuum the system for at least an hour, then charge to the proper amount. The problem is in the drier, the dessicant has done its job and needs to be replaced. good luck and be safe!
     
    Hammer166 Thanks this.
  11. W900 Guy

    W900 Guy Bobtail Member

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    Mar 18, 2013
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    In town or freeway.. at idle it just stays on.
     
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