I purchased a 2008 f250 super duty a few years ago from a dealership. I got a great deal but, since I bought it in the middle of winter I did not notice it was not equipped with AC. It had all the dials and blew cold air (however it was winter time). I called the sales rep and he apologized for not informing me about the AC and said that you can get those put on for around $2000. Well, i have found out that is not true. In fact, i am starting to think it is not possible to remedy this problem. I was hoping someone here would have a solution to my problem. An aftermarket system (if they make it) may not work properly since the computer is not set up for the ac unit. I have seen under dash ac units, but i am not sure if they would work, since they are used for specifically for older vehicles that do not have a computer. I got the vehicle cheap and it has under 50,000 miles, so i really do not want sell it just because of the ac issue. It gets pretty hot where i live in the summer, so i have to figure something out. I would appreciate any ideas or suggestions.

 

Who did you ask about installing the A/C and what did they quote you?

 

I called a few shops that specifically deal with AC repair. Two of them said they do not do full aftermarket installs anymore. at another shop, the mechanic told me that there could be problems with vent setup and that because the computer is not set up to handle the new unit there could be other issues, especially when the truck is idling because of the larger electrical load. The dealership told me that parts and labor would probably be around $5000, but they suggested i call and talk to a shop that installs aftermarket units. Tomorrow i am going to call more places, but thought i would try to dig up some info myself.

 

I would really search this issue out because you are making an unusual request and I suspect that most folks you ask will have no idea and just say what ever comes out of their mouths. I have never done this with a truck, but I have done it with other vehicles and it cost me about $800. That was several years ago so I am sure it would be more expensive not, but I don't buy some of the things you have been told.

 

Sounds like they didn't want to bother with it so they threw you a number to scare you off. I've heard of dealer installed air going for around $2K. For them the computer isn't an issue because they can go into the programming and turn on the A/C option.

 

you might be right. Last summer i pulled a camper with the truck. Driving across the USA with no AC in the summer is no fun. It was not bad in the early morning or evening, but the afternoon was pretty hot. I have to figure something out. I think i will check some other dealerships and see what they have to say. The dealership i spoke with said they would have to price out every part and then add labor. I can see how the price could be pretty high going through them. If i can find a shop willing to do it, they may be able to purchase a complete aftermarket kit or a used kit. then the price could be significantly lower. Another option is attempting to install it myself, which i am sure i could do. However, i have no experience with AC units. I definitely need to do more research.

 

I checked under the hood and the wiring for the compressor is there.

 

There are a lot of certified Ford technicians that have started there own shops due to the 6.0 motor premature release .I would start by contacting a shop like this.

 

One of the local ford dealerships had me bring the truck in for them to go through. they said they spent time speaking with ford technicians over the phone and even consulted with a well know AC installation company in the area (I had already spoke with them a few weeks ago). they said that the air conditioning installation could not be done. i spent quite a bit of time speaking with the technition at the dealershi. he really wanted to make it work for me. It has something to do with the PCI controller. the computer i have will not support an add on compressor. Installing a new computer and programming the PCI for each system in the truck may work, but there is a good chance that certain systems will not work properly once it is installed and it would cost a lot of $$$. Just adding the compressor to the existing system may work when the truck is moving, but the cold air would most likely stop when the truck is in stop and go traffic. they said the current computer would keep the truck from idling at the right level to keep all of the systems running properly. This is just what i was told. Now i seem to have limited options. I could sell the truck, buy an inverter and run a portable ac, or maybe figure out the best way to install a split home unit (if i can find a small one). the split unit would work, but would take up space in the truck bed, take space in the back seat, require a drain, and require a large inverter. I would not have to vent it like a portable ac though. If anyone has any other suggestions let me know. I am pretty much at a dead end right now. I have a portable ac already i could use that does not require a drain, but it does need to be vented, is 10000 btu's, 10.8 amps, and requires 3500 running watts (i assume that is on high). That may be a lot of strain on my battery and i do not know if an inverter would be able to keep up with continuous use over the summer. like i said, if anyone has any other ideas please share, i am open to all suggestions. a 12v semi ac may also be an option, but i have not been able to find a small one without an rv style roof mount.

 

Just my opinion, but I think you are stuck. You are talking about over a 100 amp draw off your alternator to the inverter, which would require a lot of battery/inverter power plus moding your truck in ways that are not likely pretty. Otherwise at the least a heck of a lot of rewiring and jury rigging. Then, even after all of that, will it work the way you want it too?

Steve

 

You did say "all suggestions".

 

I don't have any experience on this, but I would imaging the computer wouldn't be a big deal as it should be just a quick reprogram or parameter modification and most of the wiring should already be there. A lot of times, it's cheaper for the manufacturer to just install the same wiring loom for everything and leave off the additional parts (compressor, evaporator, etc) rather than make a specific wiring loom for each available option. Much less assembly line overhead that way.

If it were my truck, I would study it next to another truck with a/c to see what the biggest differences are. If it looks doable, I'd probably order the parts, do the install myself, and get a shop to deal with the computer params.

 

I really just need ac for when i am pulling a camper across the USA. I do not want to travel long distances soaked with sweat like last year. Around town, not having ac is not a huge issue, but driving for hours in 100 degree temps is no fun. As far as the inverter, i would just run the power and ground through the firewall directly to the battery and wire the on/off to one of the toggle switches already on the dash. The wiring can be ran under the carpet and the inverter will most likely fit underneath the front seat, so everything would be out of sight. my rear windows fold out, so i could make some kind of rubber seal for the portable ac vent. I know they make them as small as 4000 btu's. There was a company which made 1000 btu portable ac's, but i think they discontinued them a few years ago. If i sell the truck i will end up having to spending an extra $15-20,000 for something with equivalent mileage. I got this truck cheap with only 48,000 miles. That was the biggest factor for me, but i assumed it had ac. In the winter time i could remove the portable ac. I should be able to knock the amp use down to 40 amps with a 4000 btu unit.

 

HAHA! it is funny and sad at the same time. that will probably be me in a month.

 

I thought the same thing. The ford dealership tech told me in the past they would just unhook the pci controller and install the new system and everything would still work about the same. With the new computer systems that will not work anymore. I am almost tempted to just install it myself so i can have ac at least when i am on the interstate.