A/C gone kapoot

[EmmaD]

I was driving down the road and I just purchase my explorer little over a week ago. I never tested the A/C so dicided to do it today. I starther to get a burning smell coming through the vent to the point I had to pull over. I opened the hood and noticed the the a/c motor with the pully was smoking through the pully. I unpluged all power to it and waited fir it to cool down before I started the truck again. Is the motor shot? if so what is it called so I can source one out. I also 10 minutes after that had the check enhine light come on. Could it be because I unplugged the electrical from it? I do have a small vacuum leak but it when all yesterday and today and never came on because of that. Thanks Emma

 

[Vargas]

The "a/c motor" as you called it is actually the compressor. If you have never run the A/C before now, it is likely that the compressor was seized when you bought it. When you tried turning on the A/C today, the compressor clutch probably burned up because the compressor could not turn. The compressor clutch connects the serpentine belt pulley to the compressor shaft and is electrically operated. If you look at the edge of the plate in front of the compressor pulley, I bet you'll find it is discolored by heat and may have a trace of fine metallic particles on it.

You'll need a new compressor (should come with a new clutch on it) at the least. The A/C system may have other issues. It will need to be evacuated and refilled as well.

 

[EmmaD]

I am going to pick one up at a wreckers but does anyone know the years of model that will work for my 1996 explorer. As above if I get it changed and refilled what else other than electrical and circuts can go wrong.

 

[G-96XLT]

if it fits it works, the thing to look for is the same size and shape and the same electrical connector. If the electrical connector fits it will work.

 

[G-96XLT]

usually when you go to the wreckers you go with the old one in your hand so you can match it up, as well they might want the old one for a core charge. if you're adventurous you remove the part in their parking lot before you go in and install the new one when you come out.

 

[EmmaD]

Well I am trying to find one because I have a guy coming over sunday to replace the gasket on the ERG hose to the Plenum. I hope that once I change that compressor the a/c just works/ How long does the fluid in the ac last if never used? or not used for a long time.

 

[Electrohacker]

you cant just change a compressor without evacuating and refilling the system

and the R134a will last till it leaks which IS what happened, if the compressor ceased then someone ran it dry. there's a little oil in R134a to keep the parts lubed, and if it leaks out and you run it, the compressor will cease

so you probably still have a leak somewhere

I paid a shop over $500 some years ago to replace my evaporator and some lines, best money I ever spent seeing as the AC is still ice cold and th truck is still running strong

 

[EmmaD]

So you think that just because the compressor is change there is still a proble somewhere. My compressor went in my neon years ago but I did not see any leaks from it. When I took it in to get the recharge anfter they already did the recharge they told me it was gone. Is there any way to do a pressure test to see if there is a leak somewhere?

 

[Electrohacker]

yeah you can get a recharge kit with dye in it, then you use a UV light (they usually come with) and you can see the leaks

and its all just a theory, if you chance the compressor and make sure you charge the system and it has oil and it runns goo... then you can prove me wrong, it's happened before!

 

[scucci]

The compressor is an FS-10 made by Visteon for Ford. It sounds as though your knowledge of refrigeration is limited. You would be best served by having a pro do the work. If the compressor is locked up there may be debris in the system. This would require a new accumulator, Orifice Tube and possibly a condenser and evaporator flush. The system would need the proper amount of refrigerant oil added and would need to be pulled down with a vacuum pump. Then the correct amount of r-134a refrigerant would need to be charged and the system tested for leaks as that may be the cause of the lock up. Also a defective fan clutch can cause this problem.

 

[G-96XLT]

You said you just got the explorer last week. I would lay off the AC and worry about other things, what if the entire thing melts down before the summer. You live in alberta, is there even a need for AC.

 

[EmmaD]

I have a chance to get a a/c compressor with the clutch from a 1999 explorer for 60.00do you know it if will fit on my 1997. I just dont want to drive all the way out and it not fit. Were they all the same in the mid to late 1990'S?

 

[G-96XLT]

Many parts are interchangeable between the 95-00 explorers but not everything. I don't think anyone can say for sure because there were 1 or 2 variations of most major components. You would have to get the part number from both and call a dealer. The other way is take one out and match it up under the hood. If the shape fits and connector fits it will work. For example I can fit my 00 alternator in my 96 but the harness is different and doesn't work. The way to match up car parts is by eye, if they look identical it will work.

 

[EmmaD]

I picked up a new compressor and clutch out of a unit they were parting out. I also tried the pressure to the back valve and when i took my keyy an pushed it down there was lots of pressure. Could there still be a leak in the system? I would think thatif there was a leak there would be no pressure at all. Once the newer compressor and clutch is installed maybe all I would need it a recharge.

 

[Electrohacker]

I say charge it and have some ultraviolet leak detector put in


if it stays charged congratulations, in not you'll see the leak