A/C Compressor throwing sparks?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
A/C Compressor throwing sparks?
Hey all, I used this forum years ago with good results, but couldn't remember any of my information, so I'm here under a new alias.
The parents have a 2004 Explorer XLT, 4.6L, whose A/C has stopped working. Upon further inspection, I can see sparks and hear a grinding sound coming from underneath the engine block (which I believe is the compressor, forgot to check the engine diagram in the manual when I was last home) when the A/C is turned on.
Anyway, why would this be? Local shop has quoted $1400 to fix the problem, didn't get specifics from the parents. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
-HonkyFronk
The parents have a 2004 Explorer XLT, 4.6L, whose A/C has stopped working. Upon further inspection, I can see sparks and hear a grinding sound coming from underneath the engine block (which I believe is the compressor, forgot to check the engine diagram in the manual when I was last home) when the A/C is turned on.
Anyway, why would this be? Local shop has quoted $1400 to fix the problem, didn't get specifics from the parents. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
-HonkyFronk
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,263
Likes: 92
From: BC Canada
Disconnect the A/C clutch wire so it will freewheel.
The compressor is seizing, hence the spark shower, it will need to be replaced and the system serviced as small fragments will undoubtedly have found their way into the circuit.
The compressor is seizing, hence the spark shower, it will need to be replaced and the system serviced as small fragments will undoubtedly have found their way into the circuit.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
Thanks for the quick reply! I'm not sure what you mean by "the system will need to be serviced" and "the circuit." What "system" and "circuit" are you referring to?
I've got zero experience with HVAC, but I've used Haynes manuals for years so if I know what to look up, I should be able to figure it out from there.
I've got zero experience with HVAC, but I've used Haynes manuals for years so if I know what to look up, I should be able to figure it out from there.
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 238
Likes: 1
From: Horseheads NY
I think what he is say is there might be metal shavings in the a/c lines now. Thats not a good thing. The a/c system will have to be sucked out after you get the new pump on to ensure that there is nothing bad in the lines... I'm not sure you would have any metal shavings in the system, but you never know, it is possible. Sounds to me like the clutch and bearing is going bad. Like aquanaut20 said, disconnect the a/c pump by unplugging it so it cant turn on. It is going seize up soon so don't put it off to long.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 3
From: Chesapeake, Va.
It may just be that the clutch assembly has lost it's friction material or the magnet is going bad. A replacement is about $100.00 at Autozone. Only 1 bolt holds it on and it takes about 1/2 hour to replace.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 7
If its throwing sparks, this is not a clutch problem.
$1400 is a lot of money, but let the pros handle this one, you need knowledge and know how to tackle AC, especially something big. Over half that cost is going to be parts. So lets see, about $700 in parts, plus another $400 in tools, you would need to spend at least $1200 to do it yourself, then you are stuck with a bunch of tools you might not use again. And without the knowledge and experience, you have a good chance of messing something up and have it fail sometime down the road.
$1400 is a lot of money, but let the pros handle this one, you need knowledge and know how to tackle AC, especially something big. Over half that cost is going to be parts. So lets see, about $700 in parts, plus another $400 in tools, you would need to spend at least $1200 to do it yourself, then you are stuck with a bunch of tools you might not use again. And without the knowledge and experience, you have a good chance of messing something up and have it fail sometime down the road.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 3
From: Chesapeake, Va.
If its throwing sparks, this is not a clutch problem.
$1400 is a lot of money, but let the pros handle this one, you need knowledge and know how to tackle AC, especially something big. Over half that cost is going to be parts. So lets see, about $700 in parts, plus another $400 in tools, you would need to spend at least $1200 to do it yourself, then you are stuck with a bunch of tools you might not use again. And without the knowledge and experience, you have a good chance of messing something up and have it fail sometime down the road.
$1400 is a lot of money, but let the pros handle this one, you need knowledge and know how to tackle AC, especially something big. Over half that cost is going to be parts. So lets see, about $700 in parts, plus another $400 in tools, you would need to spend at least $1200 to do it yourself, then you are stuck with a bunch of tools you might not use again. And without the knowledge and experience, you have a good chance of messing something up and have it fail sometime down the road.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,903
Likes: 1
From: MICHIGAN
If the compressor turns freely then the clutch air gap has opened up beyond the magnets ability to pull the clutch plate all the way in, hence the sparks. The gap needs to be .015" (fifteen thousandths of an inch). Removing shims will fix it.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Elkridge, MD
Here's my two cents from someone who refuses to take their car anywhere to be serviced. My '96 was throwing sparks from the compressor/clutch area. I could see the compressor stop spinning, power steering was gone and the car had almost no power to move. 3 shots of WD40 on the clutch and haven't had a problem since. That was about 8 years ago. Worth a shot! Good Luck!
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 3
From: Chesapeake, Va.
Here's my two cents from someone who refuses to take their car anywhere to be serviced. My '96 was throwing sparks from the compressor/clutch area. I could see the compressor stop spinning, power steering was gone and the car had almost no power to move. 3 shots of WD40 on the clutch and haven't had a problem since. That was about 8 years ago. Worth a shot! Good Luck!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
hackdog
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
2
May 21, 2014 07:23 PM
mebe2k
Escape & Escape Hybrid
3
Jul 1, 2011 05:53 PM
SleeprLegend
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
13
Apr 22, 2011 08:43 PM
