Login|Contact Us
Question and Answer

Ford

Ask a Ford Question, Get an Answer ASAP!

  • Ask A Question
  • Browse Answers
  • Meet The Experts
  • How JustAnswer Works

having some kind of problem with my AC - not cold enough.

 
Eric's Avatar
  • Answered by:Eric
  • Automotive Repair Shop Manager
  • Positive Feedback: 97.5 %
  • Accepted Answers: 2590
Verified Expert
in Ford

Recent Feedback

Positive
quick responses and good counsel, thank you 5 stars
Positive
The Answers I received for my concerns on my Vehical sounds Good to me, I...
Positive
I thought it had something to do with scanning, I thank you for varification and...
Positive
Type your review here...

Customer Question

having some kind of problem with my AC - not cold enough. 2000 Explorer XLT with manual climate controls. Have been told by other JA pro that I need to get pressure data on high/low sides.

 

Optional Information:
Make: Ford
Model: Explorer XLT
Year: 2000

Already Tried:
pressure gauge test. engine off, pressure equal on H/L at 80 psi. engine running, Low 25-55 psi, high 115-135. temp in car only gets 'down' to 73.5 F with air temp 83 F what does this tell you?

Submitted: 276 days and 20 hours ago.
Category: Ford
Value: $24
Status: CLOSED
Picture
Expert:  Eric replied 276 days and 20 hours ago.

Hi,

is the compressor cycling on and off fairly quickly?

Were the pressure needles steady or fluctuating quickly?

Eric41093.0114184838

Customer replied 276 days and 18 hours ago.

yes, seems like it was kicking on/off every few seconds.

needles were rising/dropping in sync with the compressor cycles, but always consistent range of readings on each gauge. ran the test for over twenty minutes.

Picture
Expert:  Eric replied 276 days and 17 hours ago.

Hi,

Ok, the quick cycling combined with those readings indicate that the system is low on refrigerent. Unless you have a recovery machine to measure the amount of refrigerent, we wont know how many ounces it is low, so you only add an ounce or two at a time and then take readings.

High pressure is 2.2 to 2.5 times the ambient temperature. so if outside temp is 80 degrees, then high side should be 176 to 200psi.

The low side should be 25-36psi.

Those are the numbers to see when the refrigerent is at right capacity.






Please note, your Deposit doesn't constitute a payment. Please be sure to rate OK SERVICE, GOOD SERVICE OR EXCELLENT SERVICE/3-5 STARS/SMILEY FACES to complete transaction or ask for more help by clicking REPLY TO EXPERT.

Positive feedback is always appreciated. Bonuses are welcome. Please note that if you have a subscription service you still need to to rate OK SERVICE, GOOD SERVICE OR EXCELLENT SERVICE/3-5 STARS/SMILEY FACES , however you are not charged again. Thank you.

Please note the 1 to 2 faces(POOR AND BAD SERVICE) are a negative rating. Before choosing one of these, please reply first so that I can further help you


Customer replied 276 days and 17 hours ago.

Eric-

this sounds like great news !

Thanks for the info.

Nick

Does this imply a total failure of the system? Or does the freon tend to just leak out after 12 years? I have only had this vehicle for three months - wasn't "cold" when I got it, but the price was right.

Accepted Answer

Picture
Expert:  Eric replied 276 days and 6 hours ago.

Hi,

There may be a leak in the system, but with R134a systems, some loss of refrigerent is normal over time due to the molecule makeup of the R134a.

I would fill it and if it eventually quits cooling as well, then have it professionally checked for a leak. But after 12yrs, this may just be from natural loss of refrigerent



Please note, your Deposit doesn't constitute a payment. Please be sure to rate OK SERVICE, GOOD SERVICE OR EXCELLENT SERVICE/3-5 STARS/SMILEY FACES to complete transaction or ask for more help by clicking REPLY TO EXPERT.

Positive feedback is always appreciated. Bonuses are welcome. Please note that if you have a subscription service you still need to to rate OK SERVICE, GOOD SERVICE OR EXCELLENT SERVICE/3-5 STARS/SMILEY FACES , however you are not charged again. Thank you.

Please note the 1 to 2 faces(POOR AND BAD SERVICE) are a negative rating. Before choosing one of these, please reply first so that I can further help you


Expert TypeAutomotive Repair Shop Manager
Category: Ford
Pos. Feedback: 97.5 %
Accepts: 2590
Answered: 7/3/2012

Experience: Automotive Repair Shop Manager, Technician

Ask this Expert a Question >
Customer replied 276 days and 5 hours ago.

thanks Eric

Customer replied 272 days and 23 hours ago.

Hey Eric

follow up to my AC problem.

bought a can of R134a and prior to adding ran another static test. H/L read just 10psi (??)

then turned on the engine and AC .... did not sound like the compressor was kickinng on at all and the air was anything but cold not even cool).

So I heard that if freon is too low the compressor doesn't kick in. As I began to add the freon the Low bounced back & forth btwn 25-65psi and the High only goes btwn 140-150psi.

outside temp is jsut about 90 F

does this mean I need to add yet another can?

Picture
Expert:  Eric replied 272 days and 23 hours ago.

HI,

It is probably still low, but not likely a full can. Add an ounce or two at a time and then check pressure readings. at 90 degrees, the high pressure should be 200-240psi and low between 26-35psi and both needles steady

Customer replied 272 days and 22 hours ago.

thanks, will keep you posted

Nick

 
Tweet

14 Ford Mechanics are Online Right Now

Ask Your Question Now
Ford Questions Date Submitted
Ford Escape 3.0L V6: I have a 2007 Ford Escape (3.0L V6) that 3/28/2013
Explorer: 2001 Ford Explorer Power Windows Don't Work. Both 3/28/2013
I have been fixing a 2010 Ford Fusion and have a solid airbag 3/28/2013
ford explorer ltd: 1997 ford explorer rear passenger side door 3/28/2013
Escape: 2001 Ford escape died while driving. RPM shot high 3/28/2013
Ford Explorer: I have a Ford Explorer 2000 running very well. 3/28/2013
How do I replace the drriver side seat recline bracket on my 3/28/2013
Ford: Have a 2006 Ford Explorer XLT v6...the transmission appears 3/28/2013
Ford areostar: I have a 1991 ford Aerostar. The abs light and 3/28/2013
For Windstar: I have a bad GEM Module on a 1995 Ford Windstar 3/28/2013
RSS
Next 10 >
Ask A Ford Mechanic
Type Your Ford Question Here...
characters left:

Top Ford Experts

See More Ford Mechanics

In The News

Nbc
Washington Post
New York Times
Cnn
Learn More

How It Works

  • Ask an Expert
  • Get a Professional Answer
  • Ask Followup Questions
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Learn More
close
Find Expert answers related to your question.
Sign up using email
We will never post anything without your permission.
Already have an account? Sign in

Ask a Ford Mechanic

Get a Professional Answer. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
228 Ford Mechanics are Online Now
Type Your Ford Question Here...
characters left:
Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc.), or to establish a professional-client relationship. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty or representations by JustAnswer regarding the qualifications of Experts. To see what credentials have been verified by a third-party service, please click on the "Verified" symbol in some Experts' profiles. JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals.
Truste
Contact Us | Terms of Service | Privacy & Security | About Us
© 2003-2013 JustAnswer LLC