How good is the AC system on a generation 3

[Rickademus]

How good does the gen 3 AC system work when everything is serviced properly ?
Does it keep everyone cool in the summer months cool?

 

[Number4]

No ones ever complained in my household. '05 has rear ac '04 doesn't.
Bought the '05 when I lived in California, where it's 100-110 during the summer and there's no shade.

 

[Rickademus]

Thanks number4 ive ordered a new receiver dryer for my truck probably going to order a new viscous fan hub too haven't heard it cut in.

 

[Number4]

Why are you replacing the dryer? Are you replacing the compressor?

 

[Rickademus]

Its probably never been replaced and it can make a difference to how efficient the AC works. It is a serviceable item like a filter probably not a bad idea to replace every 6 years. I replaced it on a 1995 Audi A6 and recharged using one of the aerosol cans from the states i also replaced the condenser and viscous fan hub and the and it started to drip on the floor and even the pipes got a bit frosty and it NEVER did that before i was very happy with the results. I think the fan makes the most difference drawing the air through.

 

[Rickademus]

I am impressed with the build quality of the rear AC unit and the way the AC lines connect to each other. The fan in the rear unit is the same size as the one in the front unit it seems to move the air good...

 

[Argentimage]

158k and goign strong, so AZ where its a furnace

 

[kenc195]

I found this page as I am looking to troubleshoot poor air circulation. The fan sounds like it should be blowing like crazy but you cant even feel it on your face or chest chest with the vents aimed straight at you. Living in phoenix Az suburb my rating today is not so good.

 

[Number4]

I found this page as I am looking to troubleshoot poor air circulation. The fan sounds like it should be blowing like crazy but you cant even feel it on your face or chest chest with the vents aimed straight at you. Living in phoenix Az suburb my rating today is not so good.

Look for threads relating to the fresh air / recirc air door. It snaps off where it connects to the vacuum actuator and falls on top of the blower, thus impeding the air flow.

 

[leadfootdriver]

Nothing needs to be replaced as long as there's no contamination.

 

[apenland01]

In my humble opinion, it sucks.

In my case it blows cold air nicely, but I'm on my 3rd complete rebuild of the A/C system and it has been the only system on this Explorer that has been problematic.

The last rebuild was in 2011, so the compressor is due to burst into flames and blow shrapnel everywhere any day now........

 

[Number4]

Today's condensers can't be flushed. Flushing the evaporator may be a gamble.
Of course, if you don't flush the system, with an AC machine not an aerosol can, your asking for failure.

When replacing a compressor, always do the accumulator and comdensor. (Orifice tubes are always replaced when opening the system.) I'd suggest doing the lines too. Then have the rest of the system professionally flushed.
If you have rear AC, you have to remove the expansion valve in the back in order to flush the rear system.

Not done right (on any make and model) you'll be doing it again.

 

[Joe in NY]

When my compressor manifold leaked my uncle said because my a/c was freezing cold I only needed to replace the manifold assembly. Leave everything else be. So I did. Left it on a vac pump for an hour (the longer the better. Period) And it sucked down three 12oz cans of DuPont R134a (pure r134a, none of that crap at the stores) and my a/c is right back to freezing cold. Never opened the orifice tube section to inspect or replace it.

Panel vent temp is below 40*