A/C issues

Tiny
ROB PEEBLES
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
I recently replaced the compressor, accumulator and orifice tube. I had the system flushed and filled. The clutch on the compressor engages when the A/C is turned on, but does not cycle. The pressure on the low side seems high (150), and the high side seems low (also about 175).
Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 1:55 PM

22 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

Is the clutch engaged with those readings?

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

If it is, the compressor is bad.

If it is not then we need to find out why the compressor is not engaging.

I attached a wiring diagram and the location of the relay if we need to do testing.

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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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 2:30 PM
Tiny
ROB PEEBLES
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The clutch does not disengage unless the system is turned off.
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 2:34 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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It should only engage with the engine running and the A/C commanded on.

Can you explain what you mean?

Roy
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 2:36 PM
Tiny
ROB PEEBLES
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Also, cold air blows from the passenger side, but cool blows from the driver's side. The lines in/out of the dryer are cold and have condensation, and the lines around the high pressure port are very hot to the touch.
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 2:36 PM
Tiny
ROB PEEBLES
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It engages when the system is on, and disengages when the system is off, but it does not cycle when the system is on. I expect the clutch to engage and disengage as the sensors monitor the flow of refrigerant.
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 2:38 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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The readings you gave me show that either the compressor is bad or the system is not on.

Can you recheck those pressure readings with the A/C on and the engine running?

Roy
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 2:51 PM
Tiny
ROB PEEBLES
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Okay, reconnected and tested the pressures with the gauges closed this time (rolls eyes). 40 low, 225 high, about 85 degrees ambient.
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 3:27 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, they are both a little high.

The high side should be 2 times ambient plus 15%.

The low should be 25-30 rock solid.

Looks like it is overcharged.

Roy
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 3:42 PM
Tiny
ROB PEEBLES
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Bled off pressure as indicated, no change.
Clarification, pressures are now 30/195, no change in cooling.
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 4:17 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Did you take it for ride and see if it cools down?

What is the duct temperature?

Roy
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 4:28 PM
Tiny
ROB PEEBLES
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Idling it's cool, driving above about 30 it gets warm. Don't have a vent temperature thermometer.
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 4:30 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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How much Freon did you install and how long did you vacuum the system?

Did you add any oil?

Roy
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 4:33 PM
Tiny
ROB PEEBLES
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I had a mechanic do it. When I replaced the compressor, it came with oil, then I added about 3oz. I slept on it and realized it was too much oil so I paid to have it flushed and filled.
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 4:36 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Did you add the oil to the Freon side or into the compressor?

Roy
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 4:37 PM
Tiny
ROB PEEBLES
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I added by way of suction into both high and low pressure port. I drew a vacuum then let the vacuum suck it in through a tube from bottle to port.
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 4:42 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, 3 ounces was good to add for what you replaced.

How long did you vacuum the system?

Roy
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 4:44 PM
Tiny
ROB PEEBLES
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I brought it down to -5 and held it there for about 10 minutes. Then closed off the vacuum and made sure it held -5 for about 5 minutes.
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 4:46 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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No, it needs to pull 30 for at least 45 minutes to boil all the moisture out. Then add the exact amount of Freon called for.

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

Roy
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 4:48 PM
Tiny
ROB PEEBLES
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I had it redone by a mechanic after I did it.
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 4:50 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, hopefully he did it right. From the readings, it is either too much or moisture in the system.

Your pressures came down but bleeding it off is the wrong way to do it.

If he added the correct amount then now you are low in Freon.

Roy
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 4:57 PM

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