AC not working in 2006 Explorer

[andres666]

Hello everyone,

I'm currently experiencing an issue with my car's AC. I had the compressor replaced and it cools down slightly but not the way it should.

I should also mention that the air blows from the center console with no problem, but on the driver's side vent close to the window it is very faint. When I change the setting to blow air to my feet the driver's side does not work and the passenger does.

Thank you.

 

[Rcflyer330]

you may have a blend door issue do you have manual or auto temp controls? I have the manual controls and the driver side does not blow very strong. When the ac compressor was changed was it done by a shop and also why was it changed?

 

[andres666]

you may have a blend door issue do you have manual or auto temp controls? I have the manual controls and the driver side does not blow very strong. When the ac compressor was changed was it done by a shop and also why was it changed?

Thanks for the reply. I have the manual controls. I took the car to the shop at the end of the summer last year because the AC was only blowing hot air. The mechanic said it was the compressor. He changed it and also recharged the AC system. It worked well for a week and but it wasn't as cold as I thought it should be and then the fall came and here I am now trying to figure out what is the issue.

Overall, I think the entire system might have some issue.

 

[Rcflyer330]

do you have rear ac? and it's possible you have multiple problems.
one thing you can easily check is to open the hood start the engine turn on the ac and look at the ac compressor to see if it is spinning if its not the you may have not have refrigerant.

 

[Bazz270]

Clogged a/c refrigerant filter OR metal/rubber piping leaks should be checked prior to any compressor job

Use refrigerant leaks detector.

If you see any signs of kinda mixed oil and dust on the rubber hoses or a/c lines metal flanges,change the hose/flange seal.

If the new fresh compressor clutch wont spin with the system fully charged check the compressor clutch connector and wiring from the PCM

 

[andres666]

do you have rear ac? and it's possible you have multiple problems.
one thing you can easily check is to open the hood start the engine turn on the ac and look at the ac compressor to see if it is spinning if its not the you may have not have refrigerant.

I do have rear AC. I checked today to see that the AC compressor was spinning when I turned on the AC. I did this multiple times and every time it worked.

Before I started my car today I checked the AC relay and fuse baed on the video below. Interestingly enough the AC started working after I tapped like he said in the video. The AC did an amazing job of cooling for about 85% of the time (it was a 30 minute drive). To further test I swapped the fog light relay with the AC to see if it might be a faulty relay.

I will provide an update later tomorrow or in the week.

 

[andres666]

Clogged a/c refrigerant filter OR metal/rubber piping leaks should be checked prior to any compressor job

Use refrigerant leaks detector.

If you see any signs of kinda mixed oil and dust on the rubber hoses or a/c lines metal flanges,change the hose/flange seal.

If the new fresh compressor clutch wont spin with the system fully charged check the compressor clutch connector and wiring from the PCM

The clutch was spinning. I posted a longer reply in the thread which explains what I’ve done so far. Thus far, I have made some progress. If I don’t make more progress I’m checking hoses and seals next.

 

[Rcflyer330]

well I hope it's just that relay let us know if that was the permanent fix for you. just an fyi keep an eye on the passender side frame the rear ac lines run down the rocker pannel and can rub on each each other eventually causing a leak and it will show up on the frame as an oil spot.

 

[andres666]

The clutch was spinning. I posted a longer reply in the thread which explains what I’ve done so far. Thus far, I have made some progress. If I don’t make more progress I’m checking hoses and seals next.

When the AC started blowing hot air I stopped to the car to check that the clutch was spinning and it was NOT. I took your advice and I ran my finger on some of the hoses coming out of the compressor. I came across a hose that had oil and dirt on it very close to the point where it is connected to the compressor. I am uploading a picture for some clarity. The yellow arrow is pointing to the clutch, the green arrow is pointing at the compressor, and the red arrow is pointing at the cable and the location of the dirt and oily substance I found. Does anyone know what the name of that hose is and the metal part that it is attached to on the compressor? Is this something I can tighten myself? Is it an o-ring?

I also purchased a dye kit with goggles to check for leaks. I wouldn't be surprised if I found more than one.

 

[94Eddie]

Using dye is the best way to find AC refrigerant leaks.