So the seller didn't show you how things work. Do you have the owner's
manual? You may want to get one. As a Westy or vanagon newbie you will want
to get a Bentley service manual ASAP. Learn as much as possible before tings
break and get ready to catch up on some overdue maintenance. If the van is
low mileage it is a good bet it spent part of its life not running. As old
dormant systems and rubber/plastic parts are put to use you will be
surprised as the things that will need service within a year.

Freon is a brand name for refrigerants. How do you know the system has an
adequate charge of refrigerant if you don't know how to turn it on? Does it
even have AC? For an 87 Westy the AC controls are usually to the right of
the radio. There is no AC from the dash vents, only the vents over the rear
seat. It is common for these air conditioners to have both electrical and
refrigeration/leakage problems. The electrical is somewhat complicated
especially with the interface to the radiator fan. Alldatadiy.com is a good
choice to get service information including the wiring diagrams. On the
Westy most of the AC electrical is inside the rear cabinet. You have to
remove a shelf and that corner piece for the electrics ad high side service
fitting.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Gordon Mah
Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2016 3:08 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Air conditioning

Just bought me a 1989 Westy and I can't figure out how to get the air
conditioning to work.  It has freon.  I tried all the knobs and vent sliders
and all I get is either heat or just air from the outside.  Does anyone know
the secret combination of sliders and their positions to make this baby keep
me cool on such hot days?

Thanks!