So we have this AC issue in our '05 Explorer.
I'm hoping its not a big deal to fix.

It does not blow like ice like it used to a few weeks ago, the passenger side blows cool air only (similar to as if the fan only were on) and the driver side has no cool what so ever, just air blowing on you.

I popped the hood last night and everything looks good, but i don't know much about AC workings. The AC motor (condenser?) turns on and off like it normally would, but seems to do it much more often, example: in 1 minute it clicked on and off about 6 times.

Whats up?
Does it need to be recharged? is the motor bad?

Thanks for the help!

 

Rapid cycling of the a/c clutch on the compressor is usually an indication of a low refrigerant charge condition. The system probably needs servicing, (evacuation and recharging). Dan.

 

if the clutch is cycling rapid then like y2k said it probably is low on freon. 134a dosnt evaperate so if it is low then you have a leak. You could get some freon with leak detecting dye in it at a parts store. Shoot that in it then with a black light find what is leaking. C/o that part then take it to someone who can pull a vacume and recharge the system to proper levels.

 

Keep in mind that you can't keep dumping freon in a low system without the proper equipment to evacuate and charge the system. Doing so can cause significant damage to the compressor and other components. I'm a firm believer in DIY repairs, but you need to know what you are doing and have the proper equipment for AC work.

 

i know enough about repairs to get my self by w/o taking it anywhere, but when it comes to AC, im clueless.

Thanx a lot guys. ill be looking up a local shop to take it too.

Anyone have an idea what the cost on recharging the system is?

 

I think here it cost like $100 or so, but im not sure cause I do my own a/c work.(was a IMICA certified tech at one point)

 

Called around to a few different places and the average cost was about $190.
After the help from you guys and the techs on the phone i spoke with, i decided to go to the auto parts store and pick up a can of refrigerant.
Charged up the system and it is working perfectly.

Thanx again for the help!

 

did you put any die in the system. If it was low you are going to end up low again. You need to find what is leaking. Then repalce it, but you will have to take it and get a vac. pulled on the system after you repace what is leaking.

 

Putting in a can of refridgerant is only putting a bandaid on the problem. The system was low because of a leak. the system operates on a specific amount of refridgerant measured in ounces. The only way to know if the proper amount of refridgerant is in the system is to evacuate the system with a vacuum pump and recharge it with the proper amount. The purpose of the evacuation is to remove moisture and air from the system before recharging. Doing this restores optimum system operation. Dan. Former tech certified in a/c repair.

 

Keep in mind that you cannot just keeping adding Freon. Doing so can result in overcharging, and the wrong oil/freon mix. This can cause damage to the compressor and other components.

 

I know it was only a temporarie fix. I just need to get though a couple months.
The can did had a mix of oil and freon, and dye to locate a leak. after the system is fun for a little while I will look for a leak.
Probably after the first of the year I will take it in for service.

 

I have a similar problem, posted in the AC forum about it. I have the same passenger vents cool, driver warm syndrome.

I had the system evacuated and recharged last spring for about 190$ at the dealer. Worked fine all summer, now does not work. They (in the spring) could not find a leak and I just looked with a light and glasses I borrowed and see no dye.

So Im still stumped. I'd add some r134 but the gauge that came with the can says level is normal.

Guess I'll take it back in in the spring...

 

Is your compressor cycling, and if so, how often under low and high RPMs?