Possible Thermostat problem

[lnunemaker]

Howdy, I'm new to the site. And a new Explorer (new to me) owner.

I am experiencing a problem with my thermostat firing rapidly. I have a 1997 Ford Explorer XLT with 107,000.
Problem: When vehicle is in park, running with heater on, the thermostat clicks on and off in rapid succession. Every time it does, the rpm's lower slightly and in some instances it cuts the vehicle off.
When in drive this does not happen. It happens when vehicle is both cold or warmed up.
Additionally, when vehicle is put in drive from reverse, it sometimes cuts off. Again, either cold or warmed up with heater on or off.
Any suggestions?

 

[aldive]

Howdy, I'm new to the site. And a new Explorer (new to me) owner.

I am experiencing a problem with my thermostat firing rapidly. I have a 1997 Ford Explorer XLT with 107,000.
Problem: When vehicle is in park, running with heater on, the thermostat clicks on and off in rapid succession. Every time it does, the rpm's lower slightly and in some instances it cuts the vehicle off.
When in drive this does not happen. It happens when vehicle is both cold or warmed up.
Additionally, when vehicle is put in drive from reverse, it sometimes cuts off. Again, either cold or warmed up with heater on or off.
Any suggestions?

Thermostats don't click. I think what you are hearing is the AC compressor with the clutch engaging and disengaging.

 

[lnunemaker]

Ok...good to know. Any idea why it would do so in such rapid succession?

 

[ndwhitaker13]

You probably need to have your ac recharged. when it clicks on and off it means that its either low/old. you can either spend upwards of 100 bucks for a flush and fill from a garage, or you could pick up one of those 20 dollar top off kits from an autoparts store. I recomend one with a gague and a valve on it.

 

[lnunemaker]

Thank you. Will give it a go!

 

[ExplorerDMB]

There isn't a "flush" for the ac system. However, what the shop will do is put dye in the system to look for a leak. If they find one they will pull the system down by pulling the freon out and then fixing the part that's leaking and then recharge the system. If they don't find a leak then it's possible that your freon has just evaporated. Freon does not get old. The machines that shops use take the "old" freon out and it goes right into the tank with the new stuff. There is no age on freon, just evaporates over time. Check your schradder valves for leakage - mine are leaking slowly. Good luck

-Drew

 

[spta97]

There isn't a "flush" for the ac system. However, what the shop will do is put dye in the system to look for a leak. If they find one they will pull the system down by pulling the freon out and then fixing the part that's leaking and then recharge the system. If they don't find a leak then it's possible that your freon has just evaporated. Freon does not get old. The machines that shops use take the "old" freon out and it goes right into the tank with the new stuff. There is no age on freon, just evaporates over time. Check your schradder valves for leakage - mine are leaking slowly. Good luck

-Drew

I assume that the truck uses R134, is your statement still correct?

 

[spta97]

You probably need to have your ac recharged. when it clicks on and off it means that its either low/old. you can either spend upwards of 100 bucks for a flush and fill from a garage, or you could pick up one of those 20 dollar top off kits from an autoparts store. I recomend one with a gague and a valve on it.

I got one of those fill it yourself cans but was not able to get the pressure up to the "green" section on the scale. People said it can take hours and you should also heat the can (ie: put it in water).

My A/C is good, but in direct sun on a really hot day it could be better. Has anyone gotten one of those can things to work well (on a system that it is just not leaking out of)?