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Ford Explorer Community - Maintenance - Modifications - Performance Upgrades - Problem Solving - Off-Road - Street
Explorer Forum Covers the Explorer ST, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the Ford Aerostar
Can I replace my stock 97 Explorer AC system with something better. It always seems to die. I had the whole system replaced just over a year and now it is full of leaks again...have to charge it up all summer?
I don't really think there'd be anything better... the factory system is fine but if it wasn't fixed right, then that may be why you are having issues.
It's probably something small causing the issue, like a slight o-ring leak. Problem is the system must be evacuated and all in order to change something like that.
The dealer probably won't do anything but it might be worth taking it back and telling them that it was fixed there but still has issues.
I've had some bum work done by a dealer in the past, so don't automatically assume that just because it's the dealer it's going to be done right. You might want to ask around to see what shops are like in your town. If there's somewhere good nearby, you might want to try there instead.
There's no such thing as better A/C systems. All A/C systems are created equally. There's no Brembo or Edelbrock A/C systems.
Theoretically, your A/C system should require no maintenance until it's very old, like at least 20 years old. The need to add refrigerant every summer means there is something very wrong.
I believe the factory uses A/C oil with ultraviolet die in it. So get a UV light and try to pinpoint the leak.
Check out the forums at www.ackits.com, they really helped me a lot. However, when it comes to replacing A/C parts, definitely use (or make sure the mechanic uses) OEM from the dealership, I got some questionable parts from them. Their tools and lubrication are good though.
If you're a DIY guy, definitely invest in the tools (manifold gauges & vacuum pump) from Harbor Freight (~$150-200). They pay for themselves for the first job you use them for. You'll just need a shop to "evacuate" the system, which means taking out the old refrigerant and disposing it appropriately. I think my mechanic charged me $30 to do that, which made me contemplate "accidentally" releasing it into the ozone myself, but I guess I did the right thing).
