ericj205

I have a 00 Frontier Crew Cab 2WD 3.3L

I just replaced the A/C compressor because it was locked up. I have charged the system with PAG and R134 according to specs. It seems to be cooling down ok but the condenser fan never comes on. Gauge readings are 39/210, ambient temp is ~90degF. I jumpered the fan so I know it works. The fuse and relay are good also.

What conditions must be true for the fan to come on? Can someone help me figure this out. I thought the fan should come on with the compressor. Does it only come on when the high pressure switch reaches a max?

Also, what is the strange looking sensor located right in front of the condensor just below the horn? It is silver and cylindrical, mounted on a metal bracket with a pigtail containing two wires.

ericj205

ttt

aaronford

I can't answer it, but I can put you back on top... Aaron

__________________
Aaron Ford
95 2WD Nissan PU E
2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue GX
"The hard part about playing chicken is knowing when to flinch" Scott Glenn in The Hunt for Red October

1997XETruck

I believe you're talking about the receiver/dryer. The sensor is just the top part, which is your pressure switch. It takes moisture out of the system and captures it - you really need to replace this with the compressor. Typically you want to put in a new dryer and pull a vacuum on the system for about 24 hours to try to eliminate moisture before recharging the system. That said, if yours is working, I wouldn't mess with it!

I'd look in my service manual to try to help you on the fan issue - but the 97 truck doesn't have a separate condensor fan. On the Q's, the aux fan only comes on when the coolant temp. reaches a certain level - which is fairly high. You might let everything sit an idle in the sun on a hot day for a while to see if it ever comes on. What you're describing may be normal.

Heath

__________________
1997 Nissan XE Truck - 133,000 Miles
1990 Infiniti Q45 - 91,000 Miles
2005 Infiniti G35 Sedan - 34,000 Miles

bgriffey

The fan(s) must come on whenever the compressor turns on. This is by design. If they don't... what will happen is that the pressures in the A/C systerm will rise. Depending on conditions such as airflow across condenser from vehicle movement and abient temperature... system pressures can rise to a point where the system will have to emergency vent via a blow-off valve.

1997XETruck

Depends on the design... if there is a mechanical clutch-driven fan, the electric can be an auxilary.

Heath

__________________
1997 Nissan XE Truck - 133,000 Miles
1990 Infiniti Q45 - 91,000 Miles
2005 Infiniti G35 Sedan - 34,000 Miles

bgriffey

True... but this is definately an all electric fan(s) system.

1997XETruck

Hmm... definately if it's all electric then something should be on fairly quickly. My mom's FWD Maxima has two fans, one that's always on if the car is, and the auxilary fan.

I don't know when the change-over was, but my 97 Truck only has the mechanical fan, so I assumed new models were similar. Looking at Pinnacle Nissan's parts site, they sell a fan clutch for the 2000 Frontier, so I'd say it either has both, or just a mechanical fan. For the most part Nissan tends to use mechanical fans on RWD cars - at least they used to.

Heath

__________________
1997 Nissan XE Truck - 133,000 Miles
1990 Infiniti Q45 - 91,000 Miles
2005 Infiniti G35 Sedan - 34,000 Miles

bgriffey

Hmm... now you got me wondering if it does have a "belt driven" type fan. I wasn't aware they were using those on any of the post 2000 model year stuff. Remember that your truck is somewhat older than his... but you still might be right. Let's see what some other truck owners have to say.

ericj205

good dialogue guys, lets keep it up.

to clear a few things up, this '00 Frontier Crew Cab has a belt driven mechanical fan plus an eletric fan mounted to the front of the condenser which blows rearward

i replaced the rcvr/dryer when i swapped out the compressor and pulled a vacuum on it and let it sit for 15min. I repeated this four times per an ac expert. I had to unscrew the pressure switch from the old dryer and install in the new one. The pressure switch has 4 wires.

the smaller "sensor" located below the horn is by itself on a metal bracket, it has two wires. it's about an inch in diameter and about 3/8" tall, silver in color. what do you think it is?

i've traced power to the fan relay and out to the fan, so the main power circuit is functional. what i don't know is what activates the relay?

what do the 4 wires on the pressure switch do? a hi/lo cutoff? fan? what about the mysterious silver sensor?

for my model truck what conditions must be true for the condenser fan to turn on?

thanks again.

1997XETruck

Good to hear that you pulled the vacuum and replaced to the dryer! I'm not sure what that sensor is... without a service manual, I doubt I can help. I even checked my Q service manuals, but nothing similar with four wires...

You might try calling Joe at Infiniti of Scottsdale (1-888-216-5328). He sells Nissan parts too - he may have a slightly used and discounted service manual for you, or at least he could tell you what the switch does. If you don't have one of those Haynes manuals, I'd get one - they aren't as good as the factory manual, but for hundreds of dollars less it's a good start!

Heath

__________________
1997 Nissan XE Truck - 133,000 Miles
1990 Infiniti Q45 - 91,000 Miles
2005 Infiniti G35 Sedan - 34,000 Miles

lewmara

Hi,
I have a 00 3.3L Frontier Crew Cab and I have noticed that my condenser fan does not come on. I have looked in the Hanes manual and it tells me nothing. Thanks for any insight you can give me.

1997XETruck

I'd pay the $20 and download the FSM (Factory Service Manual) at www.nissan-techinfo.com with the one day viewing subscription. Just be sure you have plenty of time and a high speed connection.

Heath

__________________
1997 Nissan XE Truck - 133,000 Miles
1990 Infiniti Q45 - 91,000 Miles
2005 Infiniti G35 Sedan - 34,000 Miles

extech

just a suggestion. on most vehicles that I have worked on, that had a 12v aux fan. They are cycled by condensor pressure. in ac press=temp. so at about 325 degrees the aux fan should come on.

cooperslanding

Did you ever figure out the problem?
Thanks in advance!