A/C clutch operation
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,344
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A/C clutch operation
The A/C started (suddenly) blowing warm air when selecting A/C. It worked fine until a couple weeks ago. Clutch cycles on 2 seconds and off 5 seconds approximately. Not sure if this is normal operation. I don't have a set of gauges to get proper pressure readings, but the gauge on a can of AC Pro is middle of the green band with clutch off, and in the low area when the clutch cycles on.
is this a clutch, compressor problem, or something else? My Ranger is a 2000 model with the 2.5L. I don't have automatic temp. control.
is this a clutch, compressor problem, or something else? My Ranger is a 2000 model with the 2.5L. I don't have automatic temp. control.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 70
From: Elk River, MN
Don't know if this will help, but a rapidly cycling compressor is usually low on coolant and hot air from the vents can be caused by a faulty vacuum check valve. The vacuum check valve keeps the blend air door open to let in cool air.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: SW Va
You posted the problem came about suddenly, so was it after some event?? I agree it looks like a low refrig charge & the gauge set should be able to shed some light on that thought.
Any wet, or dirt accumulation signs of refrig lube staining around the compressor, lines, or fittings that may suggest a leak problem???
I see Harbor Freight has a 20% off coupon here Labor Day Sale: 20% Off Thru 9/5 – Harbor Freight Coupons for a single item thats good through Mon 9/5/22 that maybe could be applied to their manifold gauge set here, R134A A/C Manifold Gauge Set (harborfreight.com). I bought this set about 15 years ago & it works just fine for me, as I don't use one on a regular basis, so has held up just fine.
Any wet, or dirt accumulation signs of refrig lube staining around the compressor, lines, or fittings that may suggest a leak problem???
I see Harbor Freight has a 20% off coupon here Labor Day Sale: 20% Off Thru 9/5 – Harbor Freight Coupons for a single item thats good through Mon 9/5/22 that maybe could be applied to their manifold gauge set here, R134A A/C Manifold Gauge Set (harborfreight.com). I bought this set about 15 years ago & it works just fine for me, as I don't use one on a regular basis, so has held up just fine.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
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No event, just the the truck does sit still most if the time. Gets driven every couple weeks or so depending on errands.
I don't see any visible signs of leaks, except the cap for the low pressure fitting is missing. Maybe a small leak there? No dirt is accumulated around it though.
thanks for the info for the gauges. My son actually has a set plus a vacuum pump coming, as he needs it for his Jaguar, and I'll use those.
I don't see any visible signs of leaks, except the cap for the low pressure fitting is missing. Maybe a small leak there? No dirt is accumulated around it though.
thanks for the info for the gauges. My son actually has a set plus a vacuum pump coming, as he needs it for his Jaguar, and I'll use those.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
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From: SW Va
I'd blow out the open low side test port before using it & find a cap for it to keep out dirt & moisture that can freeze in winter or on a climb over the great-divide & discharge the system.
Our A/C is a closed system, so doesn't use refrigerant, thus if found to be low, it had to leak out somewhere!!!
Will be interesting to hear what you find.
Our A/C is a closed system, so doesn't use refrigerant, thus if found to be low, it had to leak out somewhere!!!
Will be interesting to hear what you find.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
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Small update to my A/C problem. While waiting for the gauges, I checked both low & high pressure switches. Both checked good. Then my son borrowed it for a few days and did some work on it. Didn't pull a vacuum on it, but did add 1 can of freon to it, and said readings were 50/250 which is pretty close to normal for a 90 degree day. He also didn't see any visible signs of leakage. If it loses freon again, I plan on borrowing his vacuum pump and gauges to see how well it holds a vacuum.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
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Freon is a brand name for R-12 and your ‘00 uses R-134a. Do you know if he added fluorescent dye to the system to help find leaks next time? That was a lot of refrigerant added to the system.
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