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AC dryer: binary or trinary switch for AC

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Old Jul 25, 2018 | 07:38 PM
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Default AC dryer: binary or trinary switch for AC

I'm looking to order the AC drier with my condenser and the options depend on whether the system will have a binary or trinary switch. I'll be running a sanden 508 in a 1978 Caprice with dual electric fans. I haven't yet dug into the AC system yet. Would I be using a binary or trinary, or what would be the difference or use?

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Brandon
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Old Jul 25, 2018 | 09:23 PM
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Binary switch controls the high and low cut off of the compressor. A trinary does the same thing but can also control an electric fan relay .
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Old Jul 26, 2018 | 01:52 PM
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I recommend a trinary switch so it can control your fans separate from the compressor.
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Old Jul 26, 2018 | 01:57 PM
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For future reference can someone post the applicable part numbers for this?
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Old Jul 26, 2018 | 03:15 PM
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The vintage air trinary switch part number is 11086-VUS
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Old Jul 26, 2018 | 03:20 PM
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Thanks I know i'll need this info later
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Old Jul 27, 2018 | 09:30 PM
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Do I understand this correctly? The computer reads the temp sending unit and will turn the fan on when the engine reaches a set degree and the trinary switch will also turn the fans on if the AC is on.


Brandon
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Old Jul 28, 2018 | 02:37 AM
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Depends on how you wire it. But I would wire it so that the trinary switch sends a ground signal to the fan relay. It will turn the fans on based on A/C head pressure, not just the whole time the air is on.
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Old Jul 28, 2018 | 03:32 AM
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I've wired mine with 2 fans, it will also work on 2 speed.
Lower ecu temp signal activates fan 1. Trinary and/or higher temp signal activates fan 2.
Worked really well for me, but someone mentioned you could get a cel with the trinary grounding the ecu controlled fan 2.
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Old Jul 28, 2018 | 07:49 AM
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Yes, I get a fan code too, but you can have the error reporting for it turned off in the tune.
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Old Jul 28, 2018 | 08:43 PM
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I use fan 1 to control two relays for my two fans. The trinary switch also grounds the relay signal to turn the fans on. As for the check engine light I used a small relay between the pcm and two large relays for isolation.
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