1917 Mitsubishi® Model-A

In 1917, Mitsubishi® Motors introduced Japan's first production series passenger car. Interestingly enough called the Model-A. About 20 units were made between 1917 and 1921 at a time when only cars from Europe and the United States were available on the Japanese market. The Model -A was heralded for its excellent quality, handling and ride characteristics.

By December 1969, the Model-A had evolved into the first of the Galant® series, the Colt Galant®. Like the Model-A, industry leading innovations and quality have since won generations of Galant models the highest praise from customers and the media alike.

That is, until their air conditioner quits on a 102-degree day. This will be one of those occasions when your shop gets a visit from a "Gee, this car has been so great" Galant owner who has turned into a disgruntled "I'm sweaty and I hate my car; please fix it" Galant owner.

Before you spend precious time traveling down the wrong diagnostic path, do yourself a favor and check out the details of this tech tip. It entails a fairly simple solution to a possibly hard-to-find problem…if you know where to look.

If the A/C compressor does not operate on a 1994 Galant, equipped with a 2.4 liter DOHC or SOHC engine and a VIN lower than RE024687, check for a broken wire at the B-13 connector. The wire leading from the B-13 connector goes directly to the A/C compressor and is also used by the A/C refrigerant temperature switch.

During A/C installation, the B-13 connector wire may have been incorrectly routed, causing the wire to break at the connector. If this condition is found, follow the corrective procedures below.

Locate the B-13 connector. The wire from the connector leads directly to the A/C compressor. On affected vehicles, the B-13 connector and wire are secured to the A/C high-pressure hose with a tie-wrap.

Release the B-13 connector wire from the A/C high-pressure hose by removing the tie-wrap. Save the tie-wrap for reuse.

Inspect the B-13 connector for a broken wire on the input side. Repair the wire break as needed.

Using the old tie-wrap, attach the B-13 connector to the # 1 fuel injector wire (for SOHC engines) or the ignition's power transistor harness (for DOHC engines).

All that is left to do is verify normal operation of the A/C system, close out the repair order and add another satisfied Galant owner to your "one more customer that thinks I'm a genius " list. Carry on and talk amongst yourselves.