The A/C on my '05 Escape just developed a problem. As I'm going down the road (I'm in Kansas so it's mosly level), the A/C will stop blowing cold air and slowly increase in temp. Then after a minute or so it will kick back in. I noticed that it seems to be happening when the temperature guage will suddenly read hotter (it goes from about half-way to three-quarters). When the temp comes back down, the A/C will re-engage 10-20 seconds later.

I have a month left on the warranty so I'm going to call the dealer, but was wondering if anyone had any thoughts about the cause.

Thanks!

 

TSB 04-24-13

12/13/04

ENGINE OVERHEATING AND/OR LOSS OF A/C
PERFORMANCE

FORD:
2005 Escape

ISSUE
Some 2005 Escape vehicles built between 01/02/04 and 05/22/04 may exhibit an overheating condition. This condition may be due to a loss of engine coolant from the degas hose. The degas hose may come into contact with the front end accessory drive (FEAD) belt, damaging the hose.

The vehicle may also exhibit a loss of A/C performance. In some cases, the customer may only notice the loss of A/C. The PCM will disable the A/C compressor if the engine temperature reaches 230° F (110° C) or higher (ECT PID). Ensure the cooling system is full and operating properly before replacing any A/C or climate control components.

ACTION
Replace the degas hose with revised longer hose. Route the revised hose around and below the radiator drain petcock boss (Figures 1 and 2). Be sure to fasten the standoff clip included with the hose to the drain petcock boss.



The FEAD belt should also be replaced if there is any indication the belt has been contaminated with engine coolant. Prior to installing the new belt be sure to clean all pulleys with soap and water. If the pulley cleaning operation is not performed the new belt may become noisy.

Parts Block
5L8Z-8C633-BK - Degas Hose
4L8Z-8620-AB - Belt - FEAD

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage

OPERATION - DESCRIPTION - TIME
042413A - Replace Degas Hose (Includes Time To Drain And Fill The Cooling System) - 0.7 Hr.

042413B - Replace Degas Hose And Front End Accessory Drive Belt (Includes Time To Drain And Fill The Cooling System And Clean Pulleys) - 0.9 Hr.

DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO.: 8C633
CONDITION CODE: 30

 

That's interesting. Thanks for posting it.

I did some more looking tonight and did find that the coolant was low. Very low. In fact, I went through the fill, run, cool, fill routine three times,adding about 3 quarts. It finally got too dark outside to continue but looks like I'll need to add a little more in the morning.

I've also noticed it idling a little rough when I start it cold.

To add to this, just yesterday I took it in to the dealer as the engine light was on. They said the computer only told them "random misfire". They couldn't find the cylinder that misfired so they did a "reset kam", according to the receipt.

Could it be that coolant is leaking into a cylinder? Would this mean a head gasket?

 

Difficult to answer without seeing your vehicle. A cold engine misfire can be caused by poor plugs, and or plug wires, and may not have anything to do with your coolant levels.
I would follow the TSB for your Coolant, and then do a plug and wire change, clean the throttle body, air filter, ( tune up) etc.