Air conditioning not working properly?

2005 FORD FOCUS

150,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

VERNON30

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Not sure what the problem is. Earlier in the spring I noticed the fan would not blow or turn on at the lowest setting (ie #1). So, I just ran it on #2 instead.

But now that it is hotter, when I try to turn on the air conditioning, the button lights up on #1 (but there is no air blowing, so not helpful), but it inexplicably turns off on #2 (I can feel a bit of cold air if I go from 1 to 2 but it doesn’t last.

Is there a reason why the A/C would turn off at the higher fan setting? Full disclosure, the dial that changes the air from blowing forwards to blowing the windshield stopped working several years ago, but that’s never been an issue previously (the A/C still worked the same).

Jul 19, 2022 at 12:21 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

The idea that you can't change the airflow direction is related to what is called a mode door. However, we need to focus on the blower motor not working.

What often happens when the fan won't work is a failed blower motor resistor. Before we jump to that, have you checked fuses? Does the fan work at any speed?

If not, start by checking fuse 3 in the battery junction box, left rear corner of the engine compartment. First, check the fuse itself. If it is good, then check to confirm there is power to and from it.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

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

If that checks good, I need to know if the fan works on high speed. If it does, then suspect the resister. If it doesn't work, we need to check power at the blower motor.

Let me know if the fuse is good and if the fan works on high.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below. I attached the location of the fuse to check.

Image (Click to enlarge)

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Jul 20, 2022 at 3:18 PM

VERNON30

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks Joe. Apologies for any confusion — the fan does work, just not at the lowest setting (ie 1). Works fine at 2, 3 and 4.

In reading up on the issue I agree that the resistor is the likely culprit (apparently others have had a similar issue with the compressor only working on the fan settings that do not work). Pretty bizarre but too specific to be completely random. I’ll replace the resistor and hopefully that works for me as well.

Jul 21, 2022 at 1:49 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

I have a feeling that is the issue. However, the connector at the resister and motor are known to corrode, so check that as well.

Let me know how things turn out for you.

Take care,

Joe

Jul 21, 2022 at 11:24 AM

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