A/C issue

[caltman]

I have a '98 Sport that is having a problem with the A/C system. The problem is that the cooling is weak, almost like it is half vent, half conditioned air. I do feel cool air mixing in at times. The cooler outside it is the better it works, the hotter it is, the less it works. Could this be related to the blend door issue?

 

[chadhargis]

I'm right there with you. Same X....98 Sport...and my A/C is weaker than whale piss. I have to run it on MAX A/C at full blower when the temps get past 80 degrees. I figured that it might need a recharge. I need to review the haynes manual to find the low pressure line and go buy some coolant to shoot in. I think you can buy the stuff in a can with a guage on it for about $20.

 

[Glacier991]

To be candid I can come up with a number of things that could give that symptom. In order to diagnose the A/C with any accuracy just from hearing about it, it helps to know the 1) high side pressure; 2)low side pressure and 3) ambient and 4)vent temps while the system is operational. How often does the clutch cycle? short cycling times are good evidence of a low charge.
Low charge is probably your likely culprit, but I wouldn't just add refrigerant on a wild hunch if t'was me. Wish I could be more definite, or that you could <smile>.

Happy exploring

Chris

 

[thorne88]

According to my neighbor, who's a Ford mechanic it's always best to run your ac on max. It uses only recirculated air and is much more efficient at cooling the cab. When you run it in any other mode the a/c mixes with warm air causing your a/c to work harder. If your blend door is broken or the actuator you won't be able to change the temp. Try setting your air to vent and adjust the temp. If it comes out hot a the sun and you can't control it, then either the blend door is broken or the actuator. When you drop down the glove box you can take a flashlight and watch the actuator move very, very slowly as you adjust the temp. If that moves and the heat can't be adjusted then it's the blend door.

 

[Alec]

Max AC is not better when first starting the truck though, and on longer trips it can lead to elevated levels of CO2 in the cab making you more sleepy.

 

[caltman]

Temp control while using "vent" mode works fine. I am taking it in tommorrow evening to have it checked out.

 

[chadhargis]

Be very careful about using the MAX setting all the time as it can allow condensation to accumulate in the vents that will eventually mold and mildew. It leaves a very nasty smell and can be hazzardous to your health if you are alergic to it.

 

[caltman]

got the call from the dealer. Over a crappy phone they said it was a problem with some accumulator thinga-ma-gigy. Will get the right part name on here when I get the ticket.

 

[Glacier991]

Ah... the rusted out accumulator. Read this post, and you will understand your problem.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=78901

Happy Exploring

Chris