A/C suddenly stopped working

Tiny
TRAEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 FORD EXPLORER
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,000 MILES
Fully charged, doesn't appear to be any leaks. Fuse was blown. Replace fuse. Fuse is blown immediately again. Compressor? Something else?
Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 11:07 AM

17 Replies

Tiny
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Good afternoon,

Can you tell me the fuse number or post a picture of the location?

Disconnect the A/C compressor and see if the fuse still fails.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-fuse-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Roy
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:28 PM
Tiny
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16 - A/C clutch. Definitely blown.
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 1:27 PM
Tiny
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Okay, it only controls the clutch relay.

Did you disconnect the clutch as I suggested to see if it fails?

I attached the diagram for you.

Roy
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 1:32 PM
Tiny
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I also attached the location of the relay and a wiring diagram for you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Roy
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 1:39 PM
Tiny
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  • 9 POSTS
Thanks so much for the replies!! i will check that. interestingly enough, i am apparently not the first person with this issue.

https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/2016-blowing-ac-clutch-relay-fuse-16.484933/
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 1:40 PM
Tiny
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You are welcome.

Keep me updated.

Roy
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
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When you say disconnect the clutch, do you mean disconnect the wiring to the compressor? Also, I probably need to replace the fuse for that test right?
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 3:18 PM
Tiny
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Yes, remove the connector at the compressor clutch and install a new fuse.

Roy
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 3:57 PM
Tiny
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I disconnected what I believe to be the clutch relay in the photo. It did not blow the fuse.
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Friday, September 11th, 2020 AT 7:39 PM
Tiny
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I asked you to remove the connector at the compressor, not the relay.

The reason is this, if the relay has stopped the short, it means there is an issue between or at the relay down to and including the compressor.

If you remove the connector at the compressor and the fuse fails, then we have to check wiring up to the compressor.

If the fuse does not fail, the compressor needs to be replaced.

Please remove the connector at the compressor and re test. I attached a picture of the connectors.

Roy
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Saturday, September 12th, 2020 AT 4:55 AM
Tiny
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I reconnected the relay. Put a fuse in slot 16. Disconnected compressor wiring. Started vehicle. Turned on air. Fuse is not blown. Also included a photo that there is some oil underneath the compressor.
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Saturday, September 12th, 2020 AT 2:07 PM
Tiny
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I'm not 100% confident I disconnected the wiring correctly. Please check that picture I included. The black connector, which I think is the relay, is connected but the gray connector at the compressor, furthest from the clutch, is disconnected.
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Saturday, September 12th, 2020 AT 2:12 PM
Tiny
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Good.

You need a compressor for the repair.

You will need the compressor and the receiver dryer, evacuate and recharge the system.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Roy

412-00 Climate Control System - General Information 2016 Explorer, Police Interceptor - Utility
Removal and Installation
Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor - 3.5L Duratec (209kW/284PS)
Materials

Name Specification
Motorcraft PAG Refrigerant Compressor Oil
YN-12-D WSH-M1C231-B

Removal

NOTICE: If installing a new A/C compressor due to an internal failure of the old unit, carry out the following procedures to remove contamination from the A/C system. Failure to remove contamination from the A/C system, if present, will result in poor A/C performance and/or damage to the new A/C compressor and other components.

If A/C flushing equipment is available, carry out flushing of the A/C system prior to installing a new A/C compressor.
If A/C flushing equipment is not available, replace all contaminated components after a new A/C compressor has been installed.
Install a new Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TXV) as directed by the A/C flushing.
Install a new receiver drier element as directed by the A/C flushing.
NOTE: Installation of a new receiver drier element is not required when repairing the A/C system except when there is physical evidence of system contamination from a failed A/C compressor or damage to the receiver drier element.

NOTE: A new A/C compressor may come equipped with an A/C clutch disc and hub, A/C compressor pulley and A/C clutch field coil already installed. If these components are not pre-installed, it will be necessary to transfer these parts from the old A/C compressor to the new compressor prior to installation of the A/C compressor if suitable for reuse.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

Recover the refrigerant.
Refer to: Air Conditioning (A/C) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information, General Procedures) .
With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview (100-02 Jacking and Lifting, Description and Operation) .
Remove the retainers and the underbody shield.
image

Rotate the A/C compressor belt tensioner clockwise and position the A/C compressor belt off the A/C compressor pulley.
imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

Detach the wiring harness retainer, disconnect the electrical connectors.
image

NOTICE: Make sure that all openings are sealed.

Remove the A/C compressor inlet and outlet line nuts and disconnect the fittings. Discard the O-ring seals and gasket seals.
Torque : 177 lb.in (20 Nm)
imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

Remove the nut, studbolts, stud and the A/C compressor.
image
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Sunday, September 13th, 2020 AT 4:21 AM
Tiny
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In the e205377, I see a plastic cover that needs to be removed. Does that require removing the front bumper cover and the radiator to access?
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Sunday, September 13th, 2020 AT 8:40 AM
Tiny
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No, it does not. It is in the open and has plastic pins that hold it.

Roy
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Sunday, September 13th, 2020 AT 8:48 AM
Tiny
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  • 9 POSTS
Also, any advice on parts? Insist on motorcraft or another part that has a decent warranty?
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Sunday, September 13th, 2020 AT 9:29 AM
Tiny
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I would go to Rock Auto for the parts. They are fine and have a good warranty.

Roy
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Sunday, September 13th, 2020 AT 9:44 AM

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