97 Explorer 5.0 A/C Question
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 504
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From: Gilbert, AZ
97 Explorer 5.0 A/C Question
Is it true that if the refrigerant is low or none that the compressor wont turn on? When i put it on max a/c and turn the fan on, i dont hear anything engaging. I was told that if there is a leak and no refrigerant is in the system, that it won't turn on. That just doesnt sound right, so I figured i'd ask..... thanks.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 296
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From: north carolina
System has a low pressure cut-out to protect the compressor. When you turn your inside dash switch to A/C, you should see the clutch on the front of the compressor engage. If not, I suspect it's critically low on refrigerant and the cut-out switch has disabled the circuit to the clutch.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 504
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From: Gilbert, AZ
Yea, its not even remotely doing anything like that. its almost as if the system has no power. i guess it doesnt have any refrigerant. i was told that it was recharged just before i bought it and blew cold air. some time in the span of 2 weeks or so, it is now empty. there goes another couple hundred fixing a leak...... plus refrigerent.........
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: north carolina
If it lost charge that quick, then its a significant leak.
Check this web post:
http://www.imcool.com/articles/airco...ccumulator.htm
Accumulators are prone to rust through and leak, so might be your point of failure.
Just to eliminate variables, if you want to make sure the compressor in fact runs, you can disconnect the connector from the cut-out switch on top of the accumulator and jumper across the two terminals in the plug. This will close the circuit to the compressor and cause it to run. Don't do this for long, though, since the compressor will damage quickly without refrigerant.
The best advice is to hook up a manifold gauge and check the pressure. If the low side pressure reading is below 50 psi, then its a pretty good indicator of low charge. But, if you have a significant leak, which sounds like you do, you really need to locate the hole and fix it.
Check this web post:
http://www.imcool.com/articles/airco...ccumulator.htm
Accumulators are prone to rust through and leak, so might be your point of failure.
Just to eliminate variables, if you want to make sure the compressor in fact runs, you can disconnect the connector from the cut-out switch on top of the accumulator and jumper across the two terminals in the plug. This will close the circuit to the compressor and cause it to run. Don't do this for long, though, since the compressor will damage quickly without refrigerant.
The best advice is to hook up a manifold gauge and check the pressure. If the low side pressure reading is below 50 psi, then its a pretty good indicator of low charge. But, if you have a significant leak, which sounds like you do, you really need to locate the hole and fix it.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 504
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From: Gilbert, AZ
Wow, i read that little article and they say the problem is in 97's with the 5.0 liter engine. Thats what I have!!! I'll check the accumulator.....i'm certain its that because my truck spent most its life in Indiana...... Thanks for the info!
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 504
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From: Gilbert, AZ
Hmm, i checked the accumulator and that doesnt seem to be the problem... i dont see a bit of rust on it. Boy, was i disappointed when that wasnt the problem. I guess I'll have to do the dye thing....
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,956
Likes: 6
From: Abilene, Texas
just charge the system and add the dye to it. it will leave a green flurestent color where it is leaking from. GL
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,858
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From: Friendswood, Texas
You may or may not be able to see the leak depending on where it is even with the dye. This is one of those things I usually just spend the money on have the AC guy do expecially living in Houston.
The AC wenbt in my 93 F-150 in 2001
The AC went in my 96 Explorer in 2004
The AC is going bad in my daughter's 97 Ranger and it's 2005.
The AC just went in your 97 Explorer and it's 2005
Notice a pattern here? (8 years)
FYI - I've never had a single problem with the AC after paying for the fixes. It's eitehr the evaporator core or the compressor. Best to replace both since the other one that isn't bad is probably only a year or so away from failing.
The AC wenbt in my 93 F-150 in 2001
The AC went in my 96 Explorer in 2004
The AC is going bad in my daughter's 97 Ranger and it's 2005.
The AC just went in your 97 Explorer and it's 2005
Notice a pattern here? (8 years)
FYI - I've never had a single problem with the AC after paying for the fixes. It's eitehr the evaporator core or the compressor. Best to replace both since the other one that isn't bad is probably only a year or so away from failing.
