Notices
Escape & Escape Hybrid Ford Escape, Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner, Mazda Tribute

Intermittent AC Problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 30, 2018 | 07:26 PM
  #1  
hg3300's Avatar
hg3300
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Intermittent AC Problem

I even hesitate to call it a problem, because it hasn't really failed me, especially on very hot days, but...

One day a few months ago I was driving through a sparsely-populated area, one might even say, down country roads, winding and sometimes surrounded by trees, when it failed. I had to open the windows because it became rather uncomfortable in the car.

A few weeks ago, returning from a long trip via the interstate, it failed briefly but came back after a little while.

Not exactly sure what caused the problem either time. I did try charging the system before the long trip though. The gauge on top of the can was already in the green. The system hasn't failed me since then but I haven't really taken any unusual trips since then, either.
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2018 | 08:26 PM
  #2  
simonsi's Avatar
simonsi
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
First you need to define "failed"...
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2018 | 08:39 PM
  #3  
hg3300's Avatar
hg3300
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by simonsi
First you need to define "failed"...
Becomes warm, loses the ability to cool for a period of time. Warm(er) air comes out the vents, even at MAX COOL, coldest setting, high fan. It's definitely not nor ever was HOT air, maybe closer to the temp of air when you have VENT selected.

If I had to guess I'd say the compressor stopped working temporarily during those times.
 
Reply
Old Jul 31, 2018 | 12:16 AM
  #4  
simonsi's Avatar
simonsi
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
Does your 2003 have an "Auto" setting on the fan switch and temps (20-25-30), on the heat setting?

If it does then it could also be in the temp control sensors and circuitry...
 
Reply
Old Jul 31, 2018 | 06:22 AM
  #5  
projectSHO89's Avatar
projectSHO89
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,767
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
Check the compressor clutch gap.
 
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2018 | 07:37 PM
  #6  
hg3300's Avatar
hg3300
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by simonsi
Does your 2003 have an "Auto" setting on the fan switch and temps (20-25-30), on the heat setting?

If it does then it could also be in the temp control sensors and circuitry...
I don't see anything indicating an Auto setting, seems to be all manual.
 
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2018 | 09:22 PM
  #7  
simonsi's Avatar
simonsi
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by hg3300
I don't see anything indicating an Auto setting, seems to be all manual.
Ok then that likely does limit the problem to the a/c side, assuming correct gas charge and it is cold when it works I think that pretty much limits it to the compressor, its wiring and relay...as commented check the clutch gap but I'm not that experienced within the a/c to comment further...
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
annaleigh
Cooling, Heating, Ventilation & A/C
20
Jul 19, 2016 10:19 AM
broncoman72
1997 - 2003 F150
10
Aug 5, 2011 01:30 AM
sricks
Cooling, Heating, Ventilation & A/C
7
Jun 13, 2006 09:52 AM
mrmac204
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
5
Aug 30, 2005 07:38 AM
ringking
2004 - 2008 F150
35
Jul 3, 2004 08:22 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:59 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE