ac not working right

[bstrong66]

Hey guys, sorry if this has been answered before but I haven't seen this same problem or at least the solution in any of the threads. I have an 03 explorer and have noticed the ac is not cooloing down right. 134a is good. Going off what I saw someone else post I found that when I turn on the defrost I still have air blowing out of the vents. The air is not as cold as it should be. Tried all I know to do but can't figure it out. Doesn't help the situation that the car is my pregnant wife's and we're hitting 90 degree days here in Florida. Any help would be appreciated.

Brian

 

[Gus Gorilla]

Brian, if it's possible to get some pressure readings from the system it would be easier to diagnose. Maybe you know somebody that has some A/C gauges. If you can get it measured let us know the low and high side pressures at idle, above idle like around 1500rpm, and the temperature that day. I'm not sure about your system blowing vent when in defrost. The default position for door failure is defrost, unless it's stuck.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Automotive A/C systems usually need a charge after a while. The fittings have O rings that contract & expand with heat, and tend to leak a little each year under vibration.

 

[ma96782]

The cheap way without any money............

Turn the AC on as usual.............after a few minutes............grab ahold of the pipes coming off of the accumulator. It should be cold. IF not..........the AC needs work.

IF they were cold...........look for a vent door issue.

So...........assuming that the pipes were warm...........something is not functioning. Watch and listen for the clutch cycling.

Most times.......IF the clutch is not cycling it's either due to a leak in your system or you may just need a partial fill w/134a.

Now, it's gonna start to cost some money.

You could take it to a pro and have him run some dye through to pin point if you have leaks. And, IF he doesn't find a leak........just have him fill her up.

IF........he finds leaks or a non-functioning compressor you might want to consider DIY replacement to save labor costs. And, just bring it back when you're done, for a re-fill.

Or.........you might want to spend money for a gauge set and get into it. The gauge set will get you on the path to "REAL DIY" repairs. As, the pressure readings will tell you alot about the health of the system.

The path you choose is your choice.

Aloha, Mark