93 F150 A/C Problem
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From: Phoenix, Arizona
93 F150 A/C Problem
I have a 93 f150 with a 5.8L V8 and the R12 A/C. I live in Arizona and A/C is a necessity, but it is starting to go out. Whenever I turn on the A/C Tick in the engine becomes noticable. I think it might be something to do with the condenser, but I could be wrong. Any suggestions? Please help.
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From: unfortunately in the wonderful city of norfolk
93 F150 A/C Problem
Have you tried recharging the a/c? my husband is an a/c mechanic (navy) so we'll be able to help. Have had tons of a/c problems in 3 of our vehicles.
Postmaster
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From: Lee's Summit MO
93 F150 A/C Problem
My '93 has a noticable grinding noise as well, it's not as bad as some, but it's pulling on power.
I've never had to add any freon to it, but I've went through at least 4 low-psi switches.
I wouldn't suspect it's low on freon, as if it were to low, it'd first not be cold, and wouldn't work at all.
My 1989 did the same thing, but I replaced the battery cables and it eliminated that problem and dimming of headlamps at night.
If you have a lot of miles on the truck, you should consider replacing the battery cables.
If its not that, the compressor is on it's way out, and eventually will have to be replaced.
I've never had to add any freon to it, but I've went through at least 4 low-psi switches.
I wouldn't suspect it's low on freon, as if it were to low, it'd first not be cold, and wouldn't work at all.
My 1989 did the same thing, but I replaced the battery cables and it eliminated that problem and dimming of headlamps at night.
If you have a lot of miles on the truck, you should consider replacing the battery cables.
If its not that, the compressor is on it's way out, and eventually will have to be replaced.
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From: unfortunately in the wonderful city of norfolk
93 F150 A/C Problem
If it's blowing cold air you don't need to recharge it. hmmmmmm. i'd ask my husband for you but he's got duty right now, he'd be the specialist. Sorry i can't be of more help to you.
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From: unfortunately in the wonderful city of norfolk
93 F150 A/C Problem
okay, i spoke to my husband, and he gave me a message for you, i really hope this helps you out.
"ok.... tell him to open his windows, turn the car on, and turn on his a/c on max and then open the hood and watch the a/c clutch... see how long it takes until it cycles... if it continually cycles on and off within seconds of each other that means that there isn't enough refrdigerant to keep the suction pressure down... and if it doesn't come on then it's a bad clutch or compressor.... if it comes on and never turns off then it could be a bad relay... either way it is a good idea to do a PROPER coversion to R134a... that means replacing the compressor and condensor... costs about $700 for an aftermarket that's brand new and guaranteed."
"ok.... tell him to open his windows, turn the car on, and turn on his a/c on max and then open the hood and watch the a/c clutch... see how long it takes until it cycles... if it continually cycles on and off within seconds of each other that means that there isn't enough refrdigerant to keep the suction pressure down... and if it doesn't come on then it's a bad clutch or compressor.... if it comes on and never turns off then it could be a bad relay... either way it is a good idea to do a PROPER coversion to R134a... that means replacing the compressor and condensor... costs about $700 for an aftermarket that's brand new and guaranteed."
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From: Jacksonville, NC
93 F150 A/C Problem
Not to dumb things down too much, but the problem might not have anything to do with the A/C. Have you looked under the hood and traced the sound while it was running? Bad pulley or belt perhaps? Extra load on an aging alternator? Without knowing where the sound is coming from, it could be just about anything. See if you can trace the ticking sound, and let us know a few more details.
--Adam
--Adam
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From: Phoenix, Arizona
93 F150 A/C Problem
I know it's not the pulleys, I just fixed those. The sound is coming from the condenser, at least I think its the condenser. Its driven by the serpentine belt whenever the a/c is turned on. Again, I'm not sure what the deal is. Any info would be helpful.
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From: unfortunately in the wonderful city of norfolk
93 F150 A/C Problem
well if it's coming from the compressor then you will probably have to pull the compressor off to inspect it further. A rebuilt compressor will run anywhere from $25-$300... depending on where and when you get it. I'm hoping you're mechanically inclined since the FIRST thing to do would be to replace the low pressure switch. Pastmaster is correct... a low pressure switch, if failing, will cause the compressor to cycle abnormally. If the problem goes away after you replace the switch then you'll be fine for a while.... but.... you're probably going to want to replace the compressor sooner or later since a molecule of R12 is a LOT bigger than R134a... and because of that R134a in a converted system will have a better chance of leaking through... and R12 is a LOT more expensive now... and you need EPA cert in this country to buy it... So when you do decide to recharge your system... replace the compressor and condensor... that will save you some heartache. Anyway, hope my rambling helps... good luck.
-the husband.
-the husband.
Last edited by trukgrl; Sep 4, 2003 at 03:55 PM.
93 F150 A/C Problem
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93 F150 A/C Problem
i had the same problem here in So. Texas this weekend. It turned out to be the blower motor. It has a shaft that the fan is mounted to. The shaft more out the bearing that supports it and it caused the fan to rattle causing a grinding annoying noise.
Its real simple to replace, just 4 bolts.
Thanks,
Rob
imrob302(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
Its real simple to replace, just 4 bolts.
Thanks,
Rob
imrob302(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
