AC compressor problem?

[KITTinKC]

Hey, everyone -

I have a 2010 Explorer XLT. Last week, I took it in to my mechanic to have the A/C looked at because I had an issue the week before where the blower would lose power when accelerating. The problem actually occurred on the interstate when I was already going 60 and just accelerating to 65 (nowhere near full throttle.....this is an SUV afterall ).

Anyway, they couldn't get the truck to reproduce that (and I haven't either since then), but they did say that the A/C compressor was making "clicking" noises and was on its way out. But, Ford told them I needed to take it to a Ford dealer since I have an extended warranty.

So I took it to Ford and they said there's nothing wrong with it. They even had the truck for 3 days just to tell me that. The weird thing was that they spent the first 2 days trying to investigate the blower motor issue (which, to my understanding, only involved driving it around) when I told them it hadn't done that in a couple weeks and I wanted the A/C compressor issue addressed before anything else. On the 3rd day was when they said there was nothing wrong with the compressor. So I picked it up from Ford yesterday.

Anyway, just today I noticed that the A/C blows cold when "Max Air" (recirculate) is selected, but when I switch to the Bi-Level setting (fresh air), it just blows air......not cold at all, just air. And the A/C button indicates that it is on. Would this still indicate A/C compressor, or could it be something else? I'm thinking it needs to go back in to Ford tomorrow, but I'd appreciate your feedback to kind of give them some more input.

Thanks!

 

[Themightyquinn]

Anyway, just today I noticed that the A/C blows cold when "Max Air" (recirculate) is selected, but when I switch to the Bi-Level setting (fresh air), it just blows air......not cold at all, just air. And the A/C button indicates that it is on. Would this still indicate A/C compressor, or could it be something else?

Do you have the Manual Climate Control System or the Electronic Automatic Temperature Control System?

 

[KITTinKC]

Manual

 

[polizi212]

I Dont think your blower motor lost power as much as when you accelerated you lost vacuum and the blend door shut! Under the passenger side dash area up above your feet there is a small ball looking canister for holding vacuum in reserve. I will bet you are losing vacuum and that door is closing off temporarily and you lose A/C for a few seconds till the vacuum rebuilds. Do you hear a hiss sound from under the passenger side when accelerating???

 

[FordService]

...So I took it to Ford and they said there's nothing wrong with it. They even had the truck for 3 days just to tell me that. The weird thing was that they spent the first 2 days trying to investigate the blower motor issue (which, to my understanding, only involved driving it around) when I told them it hadn't done that in a couple weeks and I wanted the A/C compressor issue addressed before anything else. On the 3rd day was when they said there was nothing wrong with the compressor. So I picked it up from Ford yesterday...

Hi KITTinKC,

Shoot me a PM so I can look into this for you. Include your VIN, dealer, mileage, daytime phone number, and full name; I'll get to work.

Crystal

 

[mindless2]

Same exact thing is happening to my 2010 as well. After doing some research online, I think that it is indeed a problem with the vacuum system. When accelerating in town I hear the hissing sound from the passenger side of the vehicle. When doing a long road trip, using cruise control, the AC would cut out (both on max AC and regular) whenever the vehicle accelerated up an incline. I haven't been able to reproduce it around town.

I'll be taking mine to the dealer this week since I also have noticed that the driver's side AC is not as cold as the passenger side.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...l-to-defrost-and-back-under-acceleration.html

This thread suggests a check valve problem:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=267635

 

[mindless2]

Same exact thing is happening to my 2010 as well. After doing some research online, I think that it is indeed a problem with the vacuum system. When accelerating in town I hear the hissing sound from the passenger side of the vehicle. When doing a long road trip, using cruise control, the AC would cut out (both on max AC and regular) whenever the vehicle accelerated up an incline. I haven't been able to reproduce it around town.

I'll be taking mine to the dealer this week since I also have noticed that the driver's side AC is not as cold as the passenger side.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...l-to-defrost-and-back-under-acceleration.html

This thread suggests a check valve problem:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=267635

Update on my problem: The driver's side AC being warm was related to a failed condenser. According to the dealer, the AC cutting out on highway acceleration is normal (Even though it doesn't happen on our other identical 2010 explorer). I forgot to mention the hissing from the passenger side on acceleration, so maybe looking at that will solve the problem.

 

[FordService]

Update on my problem: The driver's side AC being warm was related to a failed condenser. According to the dealer, the AC cutting out on highway acceleration is normal (Even though it doesn't happen on our other identical 2010 explorer). I forgot to mention the hissing from the passenger side on acceleration, so maybe looking at that will solve the problem.

Thanks for the update, mindless2. Give me a shout if you need any assistance.

Crystal

 

[KITTinKC]

Sorry I've been MIA. And thanks to everyone who has contributed here. Just an update on mine:

I took it to a different Ford dealer and they ended up saying nothing was wrong with the compressor, but recharged the AC. It seems to have done the trick as far as the issue with not blowing cold air when in Bi-Level mode.

But, now the thing sounds like a jet engine at times. It seems to happen the most after the engine has already been warmed up, but off for maybe 15 minutes or so. It'll start fine, but when I accelerate, it is very loud. The RPMs are also higher than normal. For example, they could be around 2500 when normally around 1500-1600. This goes on for about 30 seconds, then goes back to normal. Any thoughts on what this could be?

 

[pb3]

Sorry I've been MIA. And thanks to everyone who has contributed here. Just an update on mine:

I took it to a different Ford dealer and they ended up saying nothing was wrong with the compressor, but recharged the AC. It seems to have done the trick as far as the issue with not blowing cold air when in Bi-Level mode.

But, now the thing sounds like a jet engine at times. It seems to happen the most after the engine has already been warmed up, but off for maybe 15 minutes or so. It'll start fine, but when I accelerate, it is very loud. The RPMs are also higher than normal. For example, they could be around 2500 when normally around 1500-1600. This goes on for about 30 seconds, then goes back to normal. Any thoughts on what this could be?

check your coolant level

 

[Johnno]

DO many of you get an air conditioning service?

 

[KITTinKC]

pb3 -

Here is the coolant level. Engine was hot when I took this picture.

Johnno, I bought my Explorer from a Ford dealer last July. From what I was told, they serviced the A/C before putting it on the lot....and I think they acquired the vehicle in June. And, if it was in need of service, should I have been informed of this when I took it in to Ford to have the compressor looked at?