Love the truck but A/C performance is poor. I have installed an electric fan in front of the evaporator wired to run only when compressor runs. Dealer says performance within specs. Help anyone.

Thanks, Rich

 

Hi Rich,

I have a 99 1/2 F350 and the air conditioner is not spectacular. It works, but nothing like the air conditioner on my '98 Eddie Bauer Expedition (with the 5.4L engine, I might add). The air on the Expedition is almost polar cold :-X12.

I've been thinking about taking the truck in and having the air conditioner looked at. It might need a little juicing.

Steve

 

My '02 works great, even here in N.FL where it's been in the mid 90's for months. I have to turn it down after about 10 minutes or it'll freeze me out. I did notice that if I'm in traffic for a while with the a/c set at normal it doesn't blow quite as cold, but all I have to do is switch it to max and it's arctic city again. I do have the tinted windows (privacy glass), so I'm sure this helps.

 

2000 F250 4X4 and I have the same trouble with the AC when I sit idle for more than 3-5 min. It works great when driving, but even while at a traffic light (S. Mississippi) sometimes it's better to open the windows! -Nivrat

 

Nivrat

Thats my problem as well. A/C works OK at highway speeds but in traffic it's lame at best. I'm sure living in south florida doesn't help but the performance of the A/C in this truck is worse than any other vehicle I have ever owned.

Rich 2000 F350 Lariat 4x4 CC

 

I'm also in South Florida. Mine does the same thing. But once it gets going though, it seems consistent. I spend little time in traffic, so I think it works pretty well. My F-150, 5.4 seems to be the best. Never even added any juice to it and it blows cold.

 

Same here, but mine sucks all around. Here in Dallas it's running hi 90's everyday and low 80's at night and I have to use max ac on med fan just to keep from sweating while on highway. I also have the factory privacy glas. The dealer told me the system is the same in all the f-250's and is underpowered. So if you have s crew cab your out of luck, he suggested I have them install tint on the forward windows to help. Maybe ok in TX but not when I go to Ca. Also mine thumps reguardless of what I do...even if I start the truck with it off then turn it on later

 

This has been the subject of some of the longest threads over the past year. Look at one dated April 16 2002 titled "Does A/C mean 'almost cooling'?" and you will find lots of info including some references to even earlier threads. Good Luck! If you discover anything that has not been covered in those threads, please update.

Thanks

 

is there a fix for the ac or do we just suffer?

 

does anyone know why the fan on my f350 changes pitch while im towing at times?

 

Have you thought about doing the "A/C Mod"? There are several write-ups on it here, maybe someone will chime in. I did it to my 2000 F250 and it works great. All it involves is installing a heater bypass valve and some vacuum line. As long as your a/c system is in good condition this mod will definitely help out. Todd

 

Why not just buy some 134a refridgerant at wallyworld or kragen and refill her.

 

I'm not sure when Ford started putting a type of valve in to cut off the coolant from going to the heater core?? I know that most folks say that ALL years of the EXCURSION have the valve from the factory.
Anyway...PLEASE don't just think that your a/c is low on refridgerant and buy a cheapie charge kit at the parts store....you might blow seals or worse by overcharging!!
PLEASE go and do a search for "Wow Real A/C" I think thats what the longest thread on this website is titled....the original author finds it odd that his thread has lasted and been recalled so many times!! Its a great thread, and a great mod, I did it to my '99 F350 about a month ago, and it really makes a difference!!

 

yep, but like where I live, when it's 100+ outside it is hard for the a/c to cool. especially stuck in traffic.