Air conditioner blows hot and low side pressure is too high

Welcome to 2CarPros.

I have to be honest, I have a feeling it is either extremely overcharged or the compressor is bad. To make a determination, I need to know the high side readings as well. You need an AC manifold kit with both gauges. Here is a link that shows how to evacuate and recharge a system using such gauges:

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

Now, I will also need to know the approximately outside temperature when this is checked. The link shows how to vacuum and recharge the system. I used this link because it shows how the gauges are used.

Now, if you check and both high and low sides are too high, it's overcharged. If the high side pressure is low and the low side pressure is high, chances are the compressor is bad.

Do that and let me know the results.

Joe

Just as Joe noted: we need both high and low side reading to make a better assessment of what’s going on. A couple of things also to verify is that your cooling fans operate and also if your car is equipped with the radiator shutters, these are often failure points due to front end parking block checks because they hang so low and can be stuck closed. The sole purpose of the radiator shutters is to speed up the warm up of the engine for emission purposes. Just make sure they are open to make a long story short.

Happy to help. Let us know what you find. It's good that the compressor is engaging, but I am concerned about the pressures. Hopefully, it will just be overcharged.

Take care and let us know what you find.

Joe

Welcome back:

Okay, those are both good static pressure readings. What do you get when the system is running?

Thanks,
Joe

Welcome back:

I'm sorry. I wasn't clear. What are the pressure readings when the system is running?

Joe.

If the pressures were the same both static pressure, and with the system running, and the compressor clutch was engaged, the compressor is most likely the problem. If there is no change, it isn't working. You are certain that the clutch is engaging, correct?

Joe

Welcome back:

It's hard to tell in the video because of the angle I'm seeing it from. Try this. Have a helper in the vehicle with the AC off. Have the helper start the engine (AC off). While you are watching the compressor, have them turn the AC on. You should hear a click and the center of the pulley should start spinning.

Let me know.

Joe

Welcome back:

Since it is engaging and there is no change in pressure, the compressor is bad. I wish I had better news.

Here is a link that shows in general how one is replaced:

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

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle. The attached pictures correlate with the directions.
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2012 Ford Fusion FWD V6-3.0L Flex Fuel
Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor
Vehicle Heating and Air Conditioning Compressor HVAC Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor

pic 1

NOTE: 3.0L shown, 3.5L similar.

pic 2

pic 3

Removal and Installation
NOTICE: If installing a new Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor due to an internal failure of the old unit, the following procedures must be carried out 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, carry out filtering of the A/C system after a new A/C compressor has been installed.

- Install a new Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TXV), as directed by the A/C flushing or filtering procedure.

- Install a new receiver/drier cartridge as directed by the A/C flushing or filtering procedure.

NOTICE: Use only the Air Conditioning (A/C) refrigerant compressor oil specified for this vehicle configuration. Use of any A/C refrigerant compressor oil other than what is specified will contaminate and damage the A/C system.
NOTE: Installation of a new receiver/drier cartridge is not required when repairing the A/C system, except when there is physical evidence of contamination from a failed A/C compressor or damage to the receiver/drier cartridge. Damage to the receiver/drier cartridge includes physical damage or moisture contamination. Moisture contamination results only from a complete loss of refrigerant, and equalization of the refrigerant system pressure with atmospheric pressure for a period longer than one hour. If even a slight amount of positive refrigerant pressure is present in the refrigerant system before repairs are carried out, the receiver/drier cartridge does not need to be replaced.
All vehicles

1. If flushing of the A/C system has not been carried out, recover the refrigerant.

2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Vehicle Jacking and Lifting. See: Vehicle Lifting > Procedures > Jacking and Lifting

3. Remove the lower engine splash shield (if equipped).

4. Remove the drive belt from the A/C compressor pulley.

5. Remove the A/C compressor manifold bolt.
- Discard the gasket seals.

- To install, tighten to 15 Nm (133 lb-in).

6. Disconnect the field coil electrical connector.

3.0L vehicles

7. Remove the 3 A/C compressor bolts.
- To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).

3.5L vehicles

8. Remove the 2 A/C compressor bolts.
- To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).

9. Remove the A/C compressor stud.
1. Remove the A/C compressor nut.

2. Remove the A/C compressor stud.
- To install, tighten the stud to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).

- To install, tighten the nut to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).

pic 4

All vehicles

10. Remove the A/C compressor.

11. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Install new gasket seals.

- If filtering of the A/C system is not to be carried out, add the correct amount of clean PAG oil to the refrigerant system.

12. If filtering of the A/C system is not to be carried out, evacuate, leak test and charge the refrigerant system.

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Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe

Welcome back:

You are very welcome. I just wish I could have provided an easier fix. And you wrote, if/when I am successful. I know you will be. What you have already done is a lot!

Take care,
Joe

Happy to help.

Take care,
Joe