Possibly needing to replace Fan Clutch
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Possibly needing to replace Fan Clutch
I have a 1992 Explorer, with an A/C that has a mind of its own. Sometimes when I start my car, the A/C works, and other times it doesn't. It usually works right when I start my car, but then soemtimes after 5-10 minutes, it will stop blowing cold air, and just blow hot air. Also, in highway driving, usually when I get to 70+mph, it will switch to warm/hot air. However, if I floor the engine and get the revs up over 3000rpm (4.0L V6 engine) for several seconds, I can get it to blow cold air again. I still have an R-12 system, and the levels check out ok. My latest stop brought me to Firestone where they told me I needed a new fan clutch. They wanted $267 to replace the fan clutch and to add 1lb on R-12, however, a different person at Firestone told me that adding R-12 wouldn't help. It sounds somewhat shady to me. I find it weird that if I get my revs up, I can get it to blow cold air again...seems like it might be something like a clogged line somewheres. Please give me any advice possible. I have checked other posting, and haven't found a problem similar to mine. Thanks for your help!
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Amarillo, TEXAS!
At 70 mph, the fan clutch becomes pretty much irrelevant. If I had to guess at a cause based on the symptoms you describe, I would lean toward the compressor clutch. Can't say for certain, but its much more likely than the fan clutch.
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Thanks for the response, Pikachu. What can you tell me about the compressor clutch? What is its function, how big of a problem it is, and what kind of possible repairs am I looking at? Thanks again for your help.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,335
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From: Amarillo, TEXAS!
The compressor clutch is the part the belt turns on the A/C compressor. When energized, it locks the pulley to the compressor shaft to move the refrigerant in the system. A clutch is (depending on which compressor) about 50-60 bucks for the part. It is possible the problem is something else, like a bad pressure switch, but the clutch is more likely. You'd probably be best off to take it to a shop that specializes in A/C to have a formal diagnosis done. Those shops are more likely to diagnose it properly the first time since they primarily deal with air conditioning. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 606
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From: Colstrip, MT
Similar problem for me. At high ambient temperatures, the a/c blew warm air. After running at 75 mph and then slowing down, the a/c blew cool air. At lower ambient temps, hence lower pressure( I think?), the a/c worked pretty good. Problem was solved by repacing pressure switch, which cost $70( $35 for the switch and $35 for labor) at the dealer. Vehicle was a '91 ford aerostar.
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