A/C blowing hot air?

Tiny
SARAHSAPP21
  • MEMBER
  • 2018 FORD EXPLORER
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 94,000 MILES
When we turn on our car it starts normally, but the A/C is blowing hot air. My husband checked to see if it needed to be recharged and that was good, so we checked to see if the fuse was blown, and it was. My husband has been checking the compressor. He unhooked the compressor and changed the fuse to see if it would blow again. It has been running for about 5 minutes and the fuse has not blown. Could this be the whole compressor that needs to be replaced? Or a different issue?
Thursday, July 6th, 2023 AT 5:40 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

If I understand correctly, if you disconnect the power supply to the compressor, the fuse doesn't fail, correct?

As far as the possible cause, there is a chance it is the clutch coil that is shorted internally.

If you look below, I attached the directions for replacing the A/C clutch/coil assembly. The compressor will need to be removed, so the refrigerant will need to be recovered. Then the system will need a refilled.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

joe

See pics below.
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Thursday, July 6th, 2023 AT 11:56 PM
Tiny
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After letting the car run for about 15 minutes, the fuse did actually blow. Could this be a wiring issue? We live in Texas, so it's hot lol not sure if it's just overheating.
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Friday, July 7th, 2023 AT 1:42 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

If the fuse failed with the compressor disconnected, then it's likely a wiring issue. Do me a favor. Check the fused circuit and see if there is a constant draw on it.

Remove the fuse, have the compressor disconnected, and place the alligator clip of a test light on the battery positive. Probe the unpowered side of the fuse connector. Let me know if the light turns on.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, July 7th, 2023 AT 6:34 PM
Tiny
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My husband took it to a mechanic today and he said it was the compressor, so should I ask if it's the wiring as well? Or is that something they check?
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Friday, July 7th, 2023 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

If the fuse failed when the compressor was disconnected, then the compressor isn't causing it to fail. The compressor itself isn't electric. The only electric component is the clutch coil. That can cause the fuse to fail, but if it is disconnected, that wouldn't make sense.

Also, if the clutch coil is bad, it can be replaced rather than the entire compressor unless there is a known problem with the compressor.

As far as the shop is concerned, I would suspect they would check the wiring since the fuse is failing.

Regardless, I don't want to confuse you. However, if you have questions, let me know. I'll be happy to answer them for you.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, July 7th, 2023 AT 7:56 PM
Tiny
SARAHSAPP21
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That maybe what it is, the lady mentioned a clutch thing. But they might not just replace that part. I will ask in the morning.

Thank you so much!
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Friday, July 7th, 2023 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. If you have a chance, let me know the results. Also, if they tell you, it can't be done, copy the directions I attached above and give them to the shop. LOL

Joe
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Friday, July 7th, 2023 AT 10:14 PM

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