Posted this on the Excursion section but though I might expand it to here as well.

Hey All, took the Ex in today because the front AC is blowing ambient temp air. I had them re-charge the system and they tell me no leaks were found but the air never blew cool. Took it in today and they just quoted me the following.

AC Manifold P&A LAB 3.0 5C72 190850 DA - $335.66
68oz R134 P&A LAB 1.0 - $68
AC Oil/Dye Kit P&A - $12

Total: $876 (im thinking with labor)

Have you ever had to do this kind of work? Is this an easy task to do? Thanks

 

Is the clutch locking in when you turn the A/C on? On the 7.3 there are shims between the plate and the housing. Check out this video below and it is free to do if this is a similar part that you have on your Ex.

This was the problem with mine and since I removed the shim it has been working great.

 

Based on that parts list, it's not a simple gap reset. They diagnosed a leaking manifold/tube assembly and added the materials for its replacement and a recharge of the system.

 

I haven't checked the clutch yet but the freon was topped off and it cooled like before. so it definitely is that it was low. I'm going to check to see how long it takes for it to leak out again and go from there. I'll shop around and see where I can get it done at a decent price. Any reputable shops recommended in southern california?

 

Ruben, checking the clutch takes less than 5 minutes and is free. Before going anywhere else, check the clutch... What you are describing is exactly how the A/C acts when the clutch is not engaging.

I had the same exact symptoms and after fixing my shims, I have cold A/C.

 

It also describes EXACTLY what happens when the refrigerant leaks out and disables the clutch from attempting to energize, so the symptom, taken in isolation, does not lead to a definite diagnosis of one fault over the other. That has to be done by making the correct observations or tests and then evaluating that data.

Since he reported that, since the system was charged, it's now cooling properly. That's fairly conclusive that there's nothing wrong with the clutch.

 

I suppose I was a bit confused because he stated that no leaks were found and now he was going to wait to see how long it takes to leak out. I was simply trying to save the man $876 and am wrong at times, just ask my wife.

I will step back now and let you handle this from a distance because you clearly know a lot more about the HVAC system than I do. I mean you even have a link in your signature that I had not seen until just now which serves as a great reference point for everyone on the FTE site. Mark Twain is probably right in regards to my "words of wisdom" in this thread.

Enjoy your Memorial Day holiday.

 

Is the blend door moving? You can see it moving if you open the glovebox past the stops and look behind it, I'm assuming the rear air is blowing cold from your description?

 

Thanks for all the replies. Sorry fore confusion. What I meant was that the first time I took it in there was no leaks found so the system was charged up. I did not use the AC the following two weeks as it was cool weather but when I did, the AC would not cool, at least the front wouldn't. That is when I took it back in and then they told me that there was a leak and quoted me the parts mentioned in the original post. The clutch seems to be engaging properly.

I have not checked the blend door. But once the unit was charged up for the second time, the AC blew cold like it used to. They told me they didn't know how long it would last as it would continue to leak out eventually. If i buy a black light bulb from home depot, will I be able to see the UV dye that was put in? Or does it have to be a specialized light?

 

Ok this makes perfect sense now, don't bother with checking the blend door.

It's an older truck and it isn't uncommon for the refrigerant to leak out, see how long it takes to go flat and decide from there what to do.

Edit, if it's leaking look for oil on connection fittings, if it's leaking fast inspect the lines especially to the back of the truck for corrosion.