Go | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
| Team Apathy |
The AC system in my car, over the last few months, has seemingly stopped blowing cold air and instead would blow ambient temp. In the past 2-3 weeks it has been increasing in frequency. As of today, it seems to only blow ambient temp air. No other problems besides the temperature. Is it just low on refrigerant? Should I just pick up one of the recharge cans at Walmart and give it a try, or is there likely an underlying issue that’s addressing? 2016 Ford Flex | ||
|
always with a hat or sunscreen |
Recommend that you inspect the lines carefully. Found some rubbing on a line that had come loose from it's anchors had developed into a leak. Earlier adding refrigerant was a waste of time and money. Got the line replaced and all is good. No more ambient air blowing instead of cooled. This in a 2003 Toyota 4Runner V8. Certifiable member of the gun toting, septuagenarian, bucket list workin', crazed retiree, bald is beautiful club! USN (RET), COTEP #192 | |||
|
Member |
2016 - seems like a leak or something wrong. My 2000 car had your symptom after 15 years; recharged and it’s been fine ever since. Recharge after 5 years seems premature. "Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it." L.Tolstoy "A government is just a body of people, usually, notably, ungoverned." Shepherd Book | |||
|
| His diet consists of black coffee, and sarcasm.  |
Blowing ambient air temp, 99% of the time, is because the compressor clutch isn't engaging. The front plate of the clutch should be spinning along with the pulley when the A/C is on. (If it's even there. I have had them fall off of a couple of Fusions, one landing on the crossmember.) It could be from low refrigerant charge, in which case you've got a leak, or it is charged but there is an electrical circuit problem. So either way you've got an underlying issue. Don't charge it with a "grenade" can without first verifying you have low or no pressure in the system. If it is already charged, that 12-oz. can will give it a 75% or more overcharge. Moreover, the system only holds a pound and a half at most to start with. The only way to put a proper charge in the system is to evacuate it, pull it down into a vacuum and then put a known charge back in. | |||
|
Member |
I ordered an expansion valve a month or so ago since when I hooked up the gauges it indicated that issue. Yours may just need a recharge but a gauge set is still appropriate. I assume it's not a blend door issue. | |||
|
| Team Apathy |
Blend door is working fine. Nearly immediately after my original post was made it randomly started blowing cold again and this time lasted for the remainder of my drive home. Sounds like I just need to bring it to my mechanic. I’ll figure out what the AC compressor clutch looks like and try to tell if it is working, but I don’t know much about AC systems. | |||
|
| Just because you can, doesn't mean you should |
Make sure the A/C clutch is engaging properly and that the electrical connections are good. That is a symptom of a loose wire or something similar. Otherwise it's probably time for a professional. Don't waste your money on those recharging cans. ___________________________ Avoid buying ChiCom/CCP products whenever possible. | |||
|
Ammoholic |
Had that problem with my fusion, how did you figure out it wasn't blend air door? Jesse Sic Semper Tyrannis | |||
|
Firearms Enthusiast |
Before I'd take it anywhere I would go buy some refrigerant and top it off. It won't cost you much to find out. Your system has a low pressure switch that keeps it from coming on when low. I have to top all three of my fords off every few years and they work like new. The canister will have a gauge and hose. Just hook it up to the larger dia/suction side before starting. Charge as the gauge directs you too and disconnect after the car and system are off. If you have never done one before watch some youtube vids and you to will be a pro. At worst you are out $30-40 for refrigerant and some time. | |||
|
| Member |
Had this happen on my Super Duty once. Took a shim out of the ac clutch and it worked perfectly fine after that. Make sure it is engaging while on. | |||
|
| Member |
I turned a $400 fix into $1500 with a $20 can of stop leak, and I (should) know better. Condenser was leaking, so I (over)charged it. If it is intermittent, it's either the blend door or an AC clutch activation issue. Clutch is easier to diagnose, but blend door is more likely, IMO. There's usually a 'HVAC Reset' procedure you can do if you can catch it in the act (key off, pull fuse, key on, wait x, key off, replace fuse, key on). I've had a Silverado & a fusion that would randomly do the blend door-hot dance & the reset always worked. | |||
|
semi-reformed sailor |
Mrs. Mikes Altima was doing the same thing. I tried the “top it off” thing and no-go. Took it to a place called Christian Brothers and they found the compressor was inop. They called before doing anything else, explaining what was next and the cost. (I really liked that). They called the next day at noon said the car was done-even came to pick me up to get it. "Violence, naked force, has settled more issues in history than has any other factor.” Robert A. Heinlein “You may beat me, but you will never win.” sigmonkey-2020 “A single round of buckshot to the torso almost always results in an immediate change of behavior.” Chris Baker | |||
|
| Team Apathy |
Finally ran the car by my mechanic, who doesn’t usually charge for diagnosing. He said the compressor is done and needs replacing, and also suggests suggests a new drier and expansion valve. I was going to order parts and figured I’d check for the general opinion of Motorcraft vs Aftermarket for AC components? Price difference is about 35% on the compressor (difference of about $100) and the drier is about $20 for aftermarket but $55 for Motorcraft. I don’t know who makes the Motorcraft AC parts but the aftermarket brand available I’m looking at is UAC. | |||
|
| If you see me running try to keep up  |
Dont top it off and don’t use a leak sealant. Fix the problem and have it charged properly, if you don’t have the right tools pay for it. There is no quick fix, if it’s not cooling there’s a problem. If it’s low on refrigerant you have a leak. | |||
|
| St. Vitus Dance Instructor  |
I'm a big fan of Four Seasons products. | |||
|
Member |
I recommend Motorcraft for that price difference. 2016 vehicle — fairly new. However, I did use aftermarket axle recently, when the price difference was $800. ------- Trying to simplify my life... | |||
|
| Member |
Make sure your condenser is not being blocked by debris, leaves, dirt, etc. If so clean it. Next check to see if your compressor turns on and off. If it does not, you may need a new compressor. If it does turn on and off, then you may be low on freon. Remember too much freon is also bad and will make you blow warm air instead of cold. I hope this helps. God Bless  "Always legally conceal carry. At the right place and time, one person can make a positive difference." | |||
|
Member |
I just went through the A/C issue with my 2003 car. It had sat for a few years with very minimal driving, the A/C was blowing warm. I took it to a mechanic and had it checked, very low on Freon. It's now working fine. A little research led me to reading that the A/C should be run every few weeks, even in Winter. In Winter running the defroster serves the same purpose. ________________________________ "Nature scares me" a quote by my friend Bob after a rough day at sea. | |||
|
| Powered by Social Strata |
 | Please Wait. Your request is being processed... |
|
© SIGforum 2024