A/C running cool, but not cold

[Xplor]

Hey people, I dunno if the heat from the summer is getting to me, but I've tested my A/C by using a thermomter in the A/C vent and the result are appox. 60-65 temp during the day with the outside temp around 90 degrees. The evening the A/C works fine, I am getting between 50-60 temp reading with the outside temp around 70-80 degrees.

I always have it on the MAX setting and all the fluids are fine. Anybody in this situation? I only have 5K miles on my '00 Should I call up my dealer to check the freon? Please help me

 

[riffman]

hey...i just put this in another post....might be worth a try...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=17348
good luck!!

 

[Kampy]

As a general rule of thumb, A/C units are doing good if they cool the discharge air to 30 - 35 degrees below ambient temp. If it's 90 outside and your discharge temp is 60 you're right in the ballpark. There are some units that for whatever reason do a better job but I think the dealer will probably tell you the same thing about the temps.

I just checked the wifes Intrepid which also has r134 and at 86 degree ambient the discharge air was 54 degrees.

The reason the air works better at night is your system does'nt have to overcome the radiational heat from the sun on your dash and interior.

 

[Xplor]

Okay, I was concern about the temp of the A/C I've also drive a '98 taurus and that blows great cold air on a 90+ degrees days. I had a reading in the lower 50s! At night, I get into the low 40s!! on that car. Kampy, I guess your right about the radiational on the dash part, since the dash is tan on the explorer and grey on the taurus. I've had bad luck when I had my '92 explorer..leaked serveral times(more like 5 times since i had it), replaced the condenser, and the compressor was noisy and weak. But keep the suggestions going everybody. Thanks!

 

[roadkill]

My wife's '91 Camry can make ice cube fast. My '92, well, lets just say it tries to get cold. Though I haven't brought it in to be tested and ($)drained.

 

[flyguy]

While on the subject... my AC seems to be fading as well... Whats the mantainence on the AC system? Anythink I can check or do? Hmmm

Nick

 

[roadkill]

Other than look for leaks, nope.
Mechanics have pressure gages that read pressures at different aspects of the system. Checks pump pressure, back pressure, etc...

 

[flyguy]

Doh, how about these ac kits Ive seen that come with a gauge and some cans of that cooling stuff? Can I top off my system myself? Hmmm

Nick