I have a 1999 Ranger XLT with a 3.0. Just got back from my local Ford dealer... I noticed that my ac cycles, compressor clutch engages and disengages, more often than I would expect "normal". Whenever it disengages I occassionally get a slight "popping" sounds, I initially thought that the engine was coughing. I still get plenty of cold air.

My dealer told me $700 to replace the expansion tube(?), the dryer and labor/recharge the system. The explanation was that the system was clogged.

I know that it is probably difficult or downright impossuible to tell without looking at the truck, but does anyone have a second opinion or any other ideas? I initally thought hi press or low press switches... like I said the system gets good and cold...

Thanks in advance for any thoughts...

 

Your system could be over charged. I ran in to that problem with my friends wifes honda. He put in too much and every so often the preassure would build up and blow past a seal on the high preassure side. Just a thought.

Bill

 

The low-pressure switch disables the power to the compressor because the pressure in the system isn't high enough to keep its electrical contacts closed. I'd get the system checked by another AC pro, not necessarly a Ford dealer.....there are plenty of independent shops around. Cases like this are similar to having a Doctor tell you that you need an expensive operation....always get a second/third opinion before you start writing any checks.

 

I had the identical problem with my 2001 Ranger Edge 3.0 v6. I took the thing in at least 5 times to one dealer and never got it resolved. They insisted this was "normal". I finally had an independent A/C specialist tell me it was probably the A/C clutch needing adjustment (spacing). I took the thing to a different dealer and told them. Meanwhile the vehicle was about totaled while parked in front of my house so I never was able to determine if that fixed it or not. I traded it in on a 2002 F-150 just as I got it back from the repair shop. The short time I had it after the "fix" it seemed to be OK, so I'd have them check the compressor clutch adjustment/spacing. Good luck!