Rear AC not cold

[BrianW]

Throwing this out there just to have it part of this thread (although it’s not germane to the current conversation): some van converters (e.g., Pleasure-Way with their Traverse) ordered Econolines with OEM rear HVAC systems, and then REMOVED them when converting, capping off the lines underneath. So you’ll still see the OEM rear air switch on the dash, but it’s disconnected. I’ve seen this on a few Traverse vans. This makes no sense to me, except maybe that it was part of some Ford package and it was cheaper to just delete the system than to order without it. The point being: if you have the dash switch and it doesn’t work, make sure you actually have the rear components before you start checking fuses and such.

[arctictraveller]

Originally Posted by WeatherManVan

Update:
The shop traced the lines to the front of the vehicle, and located a place where they are completely cut, and soldered shut.

Well, that certainly explains the problem. Thats not the kind of issue that's easy to trouble shoot on line. Best of luck.............

[JWA]

Originally Posted by BrianW

Throwing this out there just to have it part of this thread (although it’s not germane to the current conversation): some van converters (e.g., Pleasure-Way with their Traverse) ordered Econolines with OEM rear HVAC systems, and then REMOVED them when converting, capping off the lines underneath. So you’ll still see the OEM rear air switch on the dash, but it’s disconnected. I’ve seen this on a few Traverse vans. This makes no sense to me, except maybe that it was part of some Ford package and it was cheaper to just delete the system than to order without it. The point being: if you have the dash switch and it doesn’t work, make sure you actually have the rear components before you start checking fuses and such.

That's somewhat fascinating to learn---it does not make sense but not being in on Traverse & Plesure-Way's design meetings can't really say why it happened that way.

[ConnieKat]

TBH, the StarCool set-up is a crappy waste of space!
I’d love to have the whole thing removed. I currently use one of the mini swamp coolers on the market, and it works better than the StarCool ever has!
ConnieKat

[BrianW]

Originally Posted by ConnieKat

TBH, the StarCool set-up is a crappy waste of space!
I’d love to have the whole thing removed. I currently use one of the mini swamp coolers on the market, and it works better than the StarCool ever has!
ConnieKat

I actually really liked my Starcool on my 98 van once I got it sorted out.

[arctictraveller]

Originally Posted by ConnieKat

TBH, the StarCool set-up is a crappy waste of space!

Actually, I found it to be very effective system once it was properly operating. It's beyond me why any competent A/C shop can't seem to make these work. They are a bit different that the regular factory systems, but anyone trained in refrigeration should be able to figure them out pretty quickly. I would not give up on yours, you just need to find someone who is willing to dive in and learn where the additional components are located and how they work with the factory system. I'd be sure to provide them with the wiring diagram and operators manual to help them figure it out.

[Scalf77]

I agree with Brian & Arctic; while the starcool has been a pain in my ass at times, when working it does a good job.

The reduced capacity when not driving, I think causes people assume it is not working as well. The problem while driving is not getting too cold.

The problem I had was getting anybody that wanted to look at it. They would all balk at working on it. But as Arctic says it certainly is not outside their knowledge or capabilities.

-greg

[Youngster]

When I first got my van and was trying to get the StarCool fixed I had good luck with a local RV repair shop. RV shops see all sorts of weird AC set ups.

[ConnieKat]

Scalf77
My problem, mostly, is living 2-3 hours from the nearest place that could work on it. But has not worked since day one! Would love to find another Sporty owner somewhere up here in the “ boonies”
section of the Rockies! I’d like to compare notes on a number of things. Most of the ones I see are just passing through! Anybody willing that’s somewhere
along the mountain portion of US 50?
ConnieKat