Notices

Air Conditioning Problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 7, 2007 | 04:17 PM
  #1  
mbeatles's Avatar
mbeatles
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Air Conditioning Problem

I hope someone can help me with this problem! I live in north carolina and as most may know, the summers are very hot. At the end of last summer my A/C in my 98 Explorer Sport stopped blowing cold air. I thought maybe it would be need to be recharged so I hooked up the recharge kit and noticed something strange. The meter on the kit would read recharged and then I could hear what I think was the compressor kick in and the meter would read in the red, which I believe it said was overcharged. This cycle would repeat every 20 seconds or so. If anyone has any ideas what the problem may be that would be great. I am trying to avoid an expensive trip to the A/C repair man if I can help it. I have the 6 cyl. SOHC engine. Thanks
 
Reply
Old Apr 7, 2007 | 06:48 PM
  #2  
lsrx101's Avatar
lsrx101
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 5
From: Lorain County, Ohio
Club FTE Gold Member
The first thing you need to do is throw that useless gauge deep into the trash can.
The only thing it can tell you is if the static pressure in the system is kinda, sorta ok at somewhere around 75 degrees ambient temp.
Beg, borrow, buy or steal a real manifold gauge set. Many parts stores are starting to rent them. Knowing the actual high and low side pressures is a must for troubleshooting.
From your description, it sounds like you may be a bit low on refrigerant. What was the outside temp. That cycling rate could be about normal at ~65-70 degrees.
Does the air temp at the outlets change temperature when you move the heat control? It's common for the blend door or actuator on Explorers to fail.
 
Reply
Old Apr 7, 2007 | 07:16 PM
  #3  
mbeatles's Avatar
mbeatles
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thank you guys for the info. I'll check around to see if anyone will rent a manifold gauge set. The temperature outside was around 85F. As for the temperature change at the outlets, I'll check that out tomorrow. Thanks again.

Mike
 
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2007 | 12:40 PM
  #4  
lsrx101's Avatar
lsrx101
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 5
From: Lorain County, Ohio
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by mbeatles
Thank you guys for the info. I'll check around to see if anyone will rent a manifold gauge set. The temperature outside was around 85F. As for the temperature change at the outlets, I'll check that out tomorrow. Thanks again.

Mike
Auto Zone stores in my area rent gauge sets. The net cost when you return it is $0. Also, check with tool/equipment rental places. It will cost you a few bucks there, but it will be money well spent.
At 85degrees, the cycling rate sounds a little fast. You may be a little low on refrigerant. The High and Low side pressures will tell for sure. Don't add any refrigerant until you know for sure.
A quick check for the AC is to feel the accumulator can. It should be cold and sweaty.
The blend door on an Explorer is always suspect. Even if the AC is not working, you should feel a large temperature change between Full Cold and Full Hot. You'll know Full Hot when you feel it, Full Cold should be within 5-10 degrees of the outside temp after a couple of minutes. (with no AC)If it feels noticably warmer, the blend door isn't closing fully.
 
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2007 | 01:45 PM
  #5  
JMK's Avatar
JMK
New User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
AC PRoblems

I think your guage is good enuf; last year had exact same symptoms paid $400 for the following:
Dealer repair---"found high resistance in PCM to AC relay. Repaired circuit and AC operates properly" Which it did, now doesn't work again.

I was hoping this forum would tell me how to do this.
Thanks
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
procraftrob
Excursion - King of SUVs
4
Aug 29, 2016 01:34 PM
tony montana 42
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
19
Jun 14, 2016 09:08 PM
77_F150_4x4
Cooling, Heating, Ventilation & A/C
2
Sep 5, 2005 11:31 AM
maa139
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
3
May 17, 2004 07:26 AM
galaxie223
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Jul 31, 2003 09:20 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:21 AM.

story-0
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-02 21:45:57


VIEW MORE
story-1
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-5
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE