A/C output goes down after driving for a while with A/C on

Tiny
ANDY CUTTING
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 FORD FIESTA
  • 1.0L
  • 3 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 62,500 MILES
When I am using my A/C, everything works fine until maybe 20-30 minutes of driving. Then I notice the cold air from my vents decreases and keeps going down until virtually nothing comes out even though the fan is on the highest setting. It doesn't matter if the system is on MAX A/C or normal, or the outside temperature. I pull off the road and pop the hood and check the A/C lines and discover that they are iced up. I shut off the A/C and after a minute, I see water draining strongly under the car for at least two minutes, which makes me think that the evaporator or something else is freezing up causing the restriction of flow. Obviously, it's not really desirable to have to shut off the system every time this happens and I don't want to be without A/C especially when I need it.

The last time this happened, I took it to the dealership and they checked for codes and found that the compressor was faulty and was replaced while the car was still under warranty (over a year ago). All was good until just recently when my A/C started acting up again this week, so I really hope I don't need to replace a compressor again or something else now that the warranty has expired. I'm hoping it's just a case of the improper amount of refrigerant (over or underfilled) or something simple that I can fix myself. I can take the car into the dealership where I work and see what they have to say, but I don't want to hear the common "we couldn't replicate the problem- it worked fine for us" and sound like I am crazy, so I want to come armed with information and knowledge as to what to look for or test before I make an appointment. Do you have any idea what is going on and what I can do?
Friday, June 7th, 2019 AT 3:40 PM

3 Replies

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

I have to ask a crazy question. Are you using the system on Max AC all the time? If so, that recirculates the air in the cabin and can cause the evaporator to do what you are saying. Also, if the evaporator is dirty, that can cause it also. A plugged cabin air filter will limit air flow and can do it too. Here are directions for replacement. If you never changed it, you may want to at least inspect it. The attached pictures correlate with the directions.

Cabin Air Filter
Base Part Number: 19N619
Removal

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

Remove the push pin, release the clips and remove the RH floor console trim panel.
Image
Release the retaining tabs and remove the glove compartment.

Pic 1

Remove the push pins and the RH insulation panel.

Pic 2

Remove the HVAC duct.

Pic 3

Disconnect the electrical connector, detach the wiring harness retainer and position aside the wiring harness. Remove the retainers and cabin air filter cover.

Pic 4

Remove the cabin air filter.

Pic 5

Installation

To install, reverse the removal procedure.

___________________________________________________

Let's start simple. Let me know if any of this helps.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, June 7th, 2019 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
ANDY CUTTING
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have replaced the cabin air filter a month ago. I am not using MAX A/C all the time, only when it's super hot outside and then once the interior is cool, I will switch it to normal mode.
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Saturday, June 8th, 2019 AT 11:33 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Welcome back:

If those aren't an issue, then I suspect the evaporator temperature sensor is faulty and allowing the system to freeze up on you. This is really easy to replace. Here are the directions:

412-00 Climate Control System - General Information 2016 Fiesta
Removal and Installation
Evaporator Temperature Sensor
Removal

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

Remove the push pin, release the clips and remove the RH floor console side trim panel.

Picture 1

Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the evaporator temperature sensor.

Picture 2

Installation

To install, reverse the removal procedure.

__________________________

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care;

Joe
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Saturday, June 8th, 2019 AT 8:59 PM

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