Been extremely hot out but I haven’t noticed my ac compressor kicking on and off? Seems to stay on continually. I do get ok cool air but feel it could be colder? I started to add R134 with the on the shelf can kit but system seems to be charged “according to the green/red dial” on the can. Does this sound normal? Truck is a crew cab so a lot to cool from just the front vents.

 

It can be completely normal for the clutch to NOT cycle when it's hot enough outside, especially if you're checking it at idle.

If it's cooling adequately, leave it alone.

 

I place some sort of thermometer in one of the front dash vents to see my leaving air temps---readings approaching 38* F are about as good as can be obtained on a properly charged automotive A/C system. Humidity plays a big part in whatever sensible temperatures you'll observe.

 

Yeah I might give that a try to see what the temperature I’m getting out of the vents. Thanks

 

Do these trucks have a cab filter and if so where is it located? Thanks

 

No cabin air filter.

 

The ac stopped kicking on today. Was working on the way home last night then this morning nothing? I jumped the pressure switch to see if the clutch would engage but nothing. Pushed on the port stem to see if any Freon would come out and it did. Now I can’t honestly say the amount of pressure but it seemed significant. Jumping the pressure switch and getting nothing makes me think electric issue? Checked the dash fuse, it’s good. Should I be looking at a relay for the ac? What’s you thoughts ? Thanks

 

You need to determine if the compressor is working, is there voltage at its connector when A/C is commanded? Rather than just replacing parts with guesswork do some diagnosis of why the compressor doesn't engage. Could be any of the electrical components in its circuit including the clutch.

 

Would the engine have to be running and ac turn on at dash control to send power to the compressor or can I just turn the ignition to on with the ac turned on at the dash to deliver the power? Guess it doesn’t matter with way just curious.

I don’t know if this helps or means anything but the day prior I did drive more than normal. I had noticed that it was cooling like normal but if the truck sat idle running “waiting to get loaded” for awhile the air would go hot. After moving again it cooled back down. I did stop at car wash and hosed off the under side of engine compartment and condenser/radiator area. Just got the truck and it is unclean. But I did notice after that it felt like my air was slightly cooler for a bit.

 

Gas or diesel engine?

Auto or manual transmission?

 

diesel with automatic

 

You can simply turn the ignition switch to RUN and the climate control to A/C and the clutch circuit, absent any fault, should work. This can allow you to troubleshoot with the engine off.

In any event, start with the HVAC FAQs, link is in my signature. Your older truck is still covered by pretty much everything written there.

 

So with key on engine off and ac control on ac max I was able to see power to the connection at the compressor. I did notice that the connector plug has a snap on each side of it to hold it to the compressor connector but one side is broken. With the engine off as I wiggled this connection I could hear a clicking from the compressor. I turned the truck on with ac max on but no compressor. I carefully wiggled the plug at the compressor again and the compressor engaged! So I know where the problem is. I just don’t know if it’s as simple as the broke latch on the connector or if it’s the connector where it meets up with the compressor? Can this be replaced or accessed so I can make my own repairs? Thanks

 

^^^Ford should have a replacement pigtail lead kit as I'm sure your failed connector is not the first. It will probably cost upwards of $50 from the dealer or if you can find the OEM part number it will equate to a Motorcraft number making finding it easier and less expensive that full retail.

You might try Ford Parts Giant website---they're helpful for such numbers.

 

Way back, I had a 98 Conturd that had an intermittent compressor clutch connector that behaved much as you described.

I was able to use a couple of zip ties to secure the connector. They were still there when the thing reached its end of service life a decade later and never had another issue with the connection during that time.

If you want to replace the pigtail, you can easily find them on Rockauto's website. https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...connector,2548