A/C air is not cold

Tiny
UMNIY2000
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 FORD FUSION
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 76,000 MILES
I noticed that air was not cold enough a few weeks ago. One day it was blowing hot air on A/C, now it is just ambient temperature out of all vents. Compressor clutch is engaging on A/C, radiator fan is spinning, radiator is clean, belt is okay. Checked Freon pressures at about 77 degrees:
-Static with engine OFF: low and high around 80.
-Engine ON, A/C on MAX: low 5, high 100. Revved engine up to 2000 RPM no changes.
-Just for fun, set A/C to 70 degree on both driver and passenger sides and blower speed to medium (3 bars) no changes.
-Engine still running, A/C to off clutch disengaged, low 80, high 90.
-Turned engine off same as above.
Seems like if both sides static pressure is about normal, there is enough Freon? On A/C, both sides are lower than normal, but clutch and radiator fan are okay. What's the most likely problem and what other tests I can do before taking it to a mechanic or trying to fix myself? Is it worth trying to add Freon? Thank you.
Tuesday, June 18th, 2019 AT 6:32 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

I have to be honest, when both sides are low when operating, it is almost always low on Freon. It sounds like you have a manifold gauge set since you gave me both pressures. I would honestly try charging it to see if it takes Freon and if it holds it.

Here are a couple links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-how-to-add-freon

Do that and let me know the results.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, June 19th, 2019 AT 7:58 PM
Tiny
UMNIY2000
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Joe,
Thank you for the advice. I tried adding Freon, but for some reason, I could not get the compressor clutch to engage, no matter what. It was engaging fine before. So, I had no choice but turn to a mechanic. They found out that the system was almost out of refrigerant, fulled it up and added a dye. Working now, will keep an eye on it.
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Friday, June 21st, 2019 AT 5:07 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Welcome back:

I had a feeling you were low. It must have had just enough to turn on. There is a low pressure switch in the system that is designed to prevent the compressor from turning on once pressure gets too low. Its purpose is to prevent damage to the compressor itself.

Regardless, I hope it stays working for you. Please feel free to come back any time. By the way, if you would have continued adding freon, it would have eventually started turning on. LOL Once you reached that minimum pressure point, it would have engaged.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, June 21st, 2019 AT 8:19 PM
Tiny
UMNIY2000
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Very nice to have you as a lifeline. I was thinking along the same line. But how could I even start adding Freon with the clutch not engaging? I believe Freon gets pulled out of the can by Venturi effect in the line. So: compressor is not running--impossible to recharge from the can?
Thanks and have a nice weekend.
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Saturday, June 22nd, 2019 AT 5:49 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Welcome back:

Once the pressure in the system (from a can or even 2) reaches a certain point, the compressor will start. Compressors are designed to shut themselves off if the refrigerant level gets too low. So, it may simply need more refrigerant before it will turn on.

You take care and let us know if you need help in the future.

Joe
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Saturday, June 22nd, 2019 AT 10:21 PM

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