2002 Air conditioning issues

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 4, 2019 | 09:08 AM

jws4621

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jul 2016

Posts: 60

Likes: 0

From: Amarillo, Texas

2002 Air conditioning issues

My 2002 recently the air conditioning compressor has started cycling, alot. Now it has quit cooling at idle, but still works great going down the highway or even just driving around. I took it to a local shop to get it refilled thinking it was low and they said I need a new compressor. I have been looking around and have not found this issue really anywhere else, so I went and got a can of the refill yourself stuff with a gauge. The gauge on the can shows it is full already and when occasionally when the compressor kicks off the pressure spikes. Which actually may be normal.

I am trying to figure out what is the best way to go. If I have to replace the compressor that is fine I just don't understand how a compressor that cools so well going down the road would need to be replaced.

Hopefully one of you has had issues like this.

2002 F250 XLT 7.3 with 300,000 miles

Sep 4, 2019 | 09:34 AM

BWST

Got Data?

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 4,250

Likes: 1,382

From: Lake Stevens, WA

A couple things to try first. The A/C clutch might need adjustment of the air gap. Involves a shim change, I think: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...tch-shims.html

How is the fan clutch on the engine? Seem like it's pulling air through adequately? Some resistance when you try to rotate it (engine off)? If it turns with no resistance, it might not be doing much good at idle.

Is the condenser itself clean and fins straight?

Sep 4, 2019 | 09:49 AM

jws4621

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jul 2016

Posts: 60

Likes: 0

From: Amarillo, Texas

I was actually wondering about the condenser. It is pretty beat up.

The fan clutch is working well and it only a few years old.

I have looked at the shim change. I will get out there tonight with a feeler gauge set and see what the air gap is.

Sep 4, 2019 | 10:45 AM

Whitey Ford

FTE-Spread The Knowledge

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 2,285

Likes: 240

On my 02 all I had to do is remove the washers and the clutch did great. We have also done it on several other 7.3’s.

Sep 4, 2019 | 10:54 AM

'88 E-350

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 1,753

Likes: 34

From: Los Angeles, Ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jws4621

If the air gap is excessive it can keep the clutch from engaging, not your problem. I also doubt that the problem is a worn out compressor. It could be worn out, but that won't cause it to cycle. The most common cause of cycling is low charge. If the compressor is worn out I'd expect to see higher than normal low side pressure with lower than normal high side pressure. Better cooling while cruising is common whether the system is perfect or not. Mine will swing about 5* outlet temp just by raising the idle sitting still, which is also common.

You said that when you put your refiller thing on that the system was already full; what was the lowest pressure shown and what was the ambient temperature? Better yet, google "R134A pressure chart" and you should find a temperature/pressure chart that'll help you determine if it's actually full. It's not the ideal way to know, but it generally works well enough.

Sep 4, 2019 | 11:12 AM

jws4621

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jul 2016

Posts: 60

Likes: 0

From: Amarillo, Texas

I do not have a proper set of gauges. I may go grab a set from harbor freight. I really have trouble believing the compressor is worn out. I would believe the condenser is clogged up and making pressure spikes?

It works really really well when it works. Just starts cycling on and off with quick cycles at idle and slow speeds.

Oct 2, 2019 | 09:11 AM

jws4621

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jul 2016

Posts: 60

Likes: 0

From: Amarillo, Texas

I hate threads that don't have an ending. I found my issue the wiring harness going into the AC compressor/clutch had a short in it. Replaced the plug with a pigtail soldered it all back up and good to go.