HI guys,


I have an 06 F-250 Lariat with the crew cab. Even though the windows are tinted, the A/C struggles to keep the cab at 70 degrees on any given sunny day oer 80 degrees outside.


As long as you're driving on the interstate, it blows cold, but when slowing down (like a traffic jam or a stop sign) the air gets warmer and has a funny smell (like it's wet).


When I got the truck it had just gotten a new A/C compressor (160k miles). It stopped working last summer (180k miles) so I had the truck at the Ford dealer here and they replaced the A/C compressor, condenser, pressure regulator and dryer...basically all A/C components under the hood.


They tell me its working fine, but I find that hard to believe.
No Ford I've ever had has had trouble keeping the cab ice cold even on the hottest days... How are your air conditioners working? Do they keep the cab cold? Any ideas what I should look at?


Chris

 

Chris, Take it somewhere else for a second opinion, someone with automotive AC expertise. Many factors can effect the systems efficiency. Some of the basics are, is the condenser (in front of the radiator) clean? Is the refrigerant charge too high or low? Is the air duct systems blend door (or doors for dual zone) working properly and sealing off the heat from the heater core? It the evaporator (radiator looking part under the dash) clean? Do you have a cabin air filter, if so check it. Do you see condensed water dripping out from under the truck after the systems been running for say 10-20 minutes? Ultimately the best way to check an A/C systems health is to hook up the gauges and look at what the high and low side pressures are. With the system having been apart Id look at the charge. It could be leaking. Or it could be deeper, air in the system, moisture in the system, bad expansion valve or plugged orifice, compressor control valves bad...etc...Depending on ambient temps and relative humidity you should see at least 25-30* and as high as 40*F Delta Ts on a good system...i.g. on a 90*F day you should see at least 60-65*F inside the truck. If not somethings not right. Which I believe is true with your 10*F delta T you indicated.