Air Conditioning blows warm air when accelerating...???

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Jun 25, 2003 | 12:56 PM

Ultrabusa

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Air Conditioning blows warm air when accelerating...???

Help! My 1998 Ford Explorer is having an air conditioning problem. It hasn't totally stopped working, but is not working properly either. When we turn on 'max A/C' it initially works, although not at 100% cooling capacity; however, when engaged in drive and accelerating, it blows warm to hot air. With the temps now in the 90s it is unbearable and cannot be used. This is the opposite of any past experience like this. Usually, it works better while accelerating than sitting idle. I am assuming and hoping it is not that it needs a new compressor, since it works some of the time. Anyone else ever experience this? If so, what was the cause? Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.

Jun 25, 2003 | 09:47 PM

speeder1

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From: EL Sobrante, CA

Air Conditioning blows warm air when accelerating...???

I can think of 2 things that might cause your problem, 1) your a/c might need to be recharged, being a 1998 model, if its never been recharged then that probably your problem, 2) if your accelerating hard or at wide open throttle the a/c compressor will shut off to take the extra load off the engine, thats all I can think of, I hope it helps.

Larry.

Jun 26, 2003 | 09:09 AM

Ultrabusa

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Air Conditioning blows warm air when accelerating...???

Thanks Larry!
It probably is the 1st thing you mention. The acceleration is normal, so I don't think your second idea is it. It stays warm the entire time it is in drive and the gas pedal is engaged....even at low speeds or constant speeds without hard acceleration. Thanks a lot for your help!

Jun 27, 2003 | 06:01 PM

rebocardo

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From: Atlanta GA

Air Conditioning blows warm air when accelerating...???

1998 Explorer has vacuum operated vents, does it not? I think your problem might be as simple as replacing the check valve inside the dash board.

Jun 30, 2003 | 12:05 PM

Ultrabusa

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Air Conditioning blows warm air when accelerating...???

Thanks for the tip. Would that problem (i.e the check valve in the dash) cause it to work some of the time (i.e at idle but not during acceleration)?

Jun 30, 2003 | 08:03 PM

LxMan1

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From: Louisville,Ky.

Air Conditioning blows warm air when accelerating...???

At higher rpm's, if it is low on freon, the pressure will drop low enough to kick out and cycle fast. This will keep it from cooling. I would check the charge on it and see if it is low.
Jimmy