AC started blowing warm air

Tiny
WV47DOD18
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 FORD FIESTA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 7,500,000 MILES
Worked fine all day then stopped and was out of the car for an hour or so. On the fifteen minute drive home the AC was blowing cold and then poof now it blows warm. Got the car home let it cool down and restarted it and turned the AC on max and fan on high it blew cold for two to three seconds and it is warm again. Today I went out and purchased a can to recharge the AC and place the valve on the low side and the gauge was in the red around 150 with the car running and the AC on max with the fan on high. Then I turned to YouTube and found your video. I do believe I checked all the fuses outside and inside under the glove box. I am not saying I missed one but nothing. The compressor clutch is not engaging but the motor fan is working and the car does not get hot temperature wise. Could you give me a few ideas on what to go over even if it is going through the steps again I would be happy? Do I need an obdi reader as well?

Thank you,
Dean Campbell
Thursday, September 6th, 2018 AT 3:02 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi Dean and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

Honestly, if the pressure on the low side is too high, either the system is overcharged or the compressor is going bad. What I really need you to do is check the actual high and low side pressure using an AC manifold gauge set. I need to know both readings and the outside temperatures when you check. Here is a video that shows how the unit works and how to evacuate the system and recharge using both gauges.

The reason I need both readings is because if the low side it too high and the high side is too low, that usually indicates a compressor issue. If both sides are too high, chances are it is over charged.

Take a look through this link Often times, parts stores will lend or rent the unit needed.

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

Let me know the readings you get.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, September 7th, 2018 AT 6:29 PM
Tiny
WV47DOD18
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Joe another issue. Tried to drive it up to the shop yesterday, it is stuck in park and no brake lights. Would it be the brake light switch keeping me from putting it into gear? Or did I mess something up with the fuses? I will run down tomorrow at the local parts store and pick up a brake light switch to see unless you have and idea?
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Sunday, September 9th, 2018 AT 1:59 PM
Tiny
WV47DOD18
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
BTW, the car will start and run.
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Sunday, September 9th, 2018 AT 2:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
It does sound like the brake light switch or a blown fuse. Here is how to over ride the park lock solenoid:

Brake Shift Interlock Override

Note: If it is necessary to use the brake shift interlock override procedure to move the selector lever out of the PARK position, it is possible that a fuse has blown and the brake lights are not operational. Before driving the vehicle, verify that the brake lights are working.
This vehicle is equipped with a brake shift interlock feature that prevents the selector lever from being moved out of PARK when the ignition is in the ON or RUN position unless the brake pedal is depressed. Perform the following if the selector lever cannot be moved out of the PARK position when the ignition is in the ON position and the brake pedal is depressed:

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.

3. Remove the center console side panel.
4. Locate the brake shift interlock override mechanism on the Brake Shift Interlock Actuator (BSIA).
5. Using an suitable tool, depress the brake shift interlock override mechanism on the BSIA (Brake Shift Interlock Actuator), apply the brake, depress the button on the selector lever and move the selector lever into NEUTRAL.
6. Start the vehicle.

7. To install, reverse the procedure.
____________________________________________________

Here are the directions for replacing the switch. Pictures 3 and 4 correlate with these directions.

STOPLAMP SWITCH
Stoplamp Switch
Removal and Installation

NOTICE: Do not press, pull or otherwise move the brake pedal while installing the stoplamp switch and cruise control deactivation switch. Install these switches with the booster push rod attached to the brake pedal and with the brake pedal in the at-rest position. Installing these switches with the brake pedal in any other position results in incorrect adjustment and damages the switches.

1. NOTE: The stoplamp switch is located above the cruise control deactivation switch (if equipped).

Rotate the stoplamp switch clockwise approximately one-eighth turn to remove the stoplamp switch.

2. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Perform the brake pedal switch adjustment. For additional information, refer to Section 206-09
______________________________

Last, the brake light fuse is located behind the glove box in the fuse box. Fuse F18 is for the brake lights. The last pictures are of the fuse box and its components. Check this first.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, September 12th, 2018 AT 7:54 PM
Tiny
WV47DOD18
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Fuse is good and replaced the brake light safety switch, nothing. Did take the car out of gear, drove it fifty yards and got service engine lights. Plugged in the OBD reader got tons of codes. Did a little investigation on my own and I do believe that it is the TCM

http://diysrc.com/ford-focus-fiesta-transmission-control-module-tcu-tcm-location-removal-replacement/

Stopped at my Ford dealer today and described the symptoms to them, they all smiled and said that they were 100% possitive that it was the TCM. So I will be taking the vehicle to the dealership this week. I asked them if it would be okay to drive the vehicle with the codes and lights showing up and the lead mechanic said the only two things that could happen were the transmission goes out or goes into safety and locks up, my reply was well it is locked up now. Will keep you posted on the outcome.

Thank you for you professional assistance.
Dean Campbell
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Wednesday, September 12th, 2018 AT 8:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Happy to help, Dean. Let me know how things work out for you.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, September 14th, 2018 AT 8:33 PM

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