Weird A/C Problem

[DenCollins]

I'm having a weird A/C problem on my 1999 Explorer. The other day when I went turn on the A/C from the control knob the engine seems as if the idle being accelerated.

The truck lurches forward when I'm depressing the brake. Needless to say no air is coming out the vents either. From that day I haven't even tried to turn it on again since I fear that the Compressor or Compressor Clutch is frozen.
The last thing I want to do is shred my serpentine belt. But I could be way off.

Can anyone give me a clue as to what this could be. I'd like to have at least an little knowledge under my belt before I take it my repair shop.

Thanks In Advance,

Den

 

[DjDom]

I've moved your thread to the Stock section where someone will further assist you.

 

[lobo411]

I'm having a weird A/C problem on my 1999 Explorer. The other day when I went turn on the A/C from the control knob the engine seems as if the idle being accelerated.

The truck lurches forward when I'm depressing the brake. Needless to say no air is coming out the vents either. From that day I haven't even tried to turn it on again since I fear that the Compressor or Compressor Clutch is frozen.
The last thing I want to do is shred my serpentine belt. But I could be way off.

Can anyone give me a clue as to what this could be. I'd like to have at least an little knowledge under my belt before I take it my repair shop.

Thanks In Advance,

Den

I'd look at the belt to see if you have any signs of slipping, but the only thing that connects the a/c vents, the brakes, and the engine idle speed would be the vacuum system. Check for a vacuum leak.

 

[DenCollins]

I'd look at the belt to see if you have any signs of slipping, but the only thing that connects the a/c vents, the brakes, and the engine idle speed would be the vacuum system. Check for a vacuum leak.

Thanks, I might also add that I believe that there maybe something wrong with the interior control panel. That is, if it's all hooked up to the vacuum system.
What seems to be happening there is sometimes when you change modes, from heat on the floor to defrost or any other mode the engine starts acting up as it was misfiring. So, it could very well be a vacuum leak. The trouble is, where do I start or locate the leak?

 

[DenCollins]

I've moved your thread to the Stock section where someone will further assist you.

Thanks, Try as I might, I guess I posted in the wrong forum.

 

[lobo411]

Thanks, I might also add that I believe that there maybe something wrong with the interior control panel. That is, if it's all hooked up to the vacuum system.
What seems to be happening there is sometimes when you change modes, from heat on the floor to defrost or any other mode the engine starts acting up as it was misfiring. So, it could very well be a vacuum leak. The trouble is, where do I start or locate the leak?

Ya, the a/c control panel is operated by vacuum. I'd start by a visual inspection of the biggest lines--basically everything connected by vacuum lines to the intake manifold (Brake booster, PCV, EGR). Also, check the vacuum tank under the air filter, as well as all the little 1/8" diameter vacuum lines. Check the boots as well as the lines themselves for cracking. Then you can drop the glovebox and inspect the white colored 1/8" vacuum lines mounted on the blower box, which are the ones that operate the a/c system. The last place I'd look (last because it's the most work to get at IIRC) would be the lines/connectors going to the a/c control panel.

People have used smoke generators (buy one or make one) or even a lit cigar while the engine is running, on the theory that the leaky vacuum line will reveal itself by sucking in the smoke.

 

[DenCollins]

Ya, the a/c control panel is operated by vacuum. I'd start by a visual inspection of the biggest lines--basically everything connected by vacuum lines to the intake manifold (Brake booster, PCV, EGR). Also, check the vacuum tank under the air filter, as well as all the little 1/8" diameter vacuum lines. Check the boots as well as the lines themselves for cracking. Then you can drop the glovebox and inspect the white colored 1/8" vacuum lines mounted on the blower box, which are the ones that operate the a/c system. The last place I'd look (last because it's the most work to get at IIRC) would be the lines/connectors going to the a/c control panel.

People have used smoke generators (buy one or make one) or even a lit cigar while the engine is running, on the theory that the leaky vacuum line will reveal itself by sucking in the smoke.

Thanks for the tip! Guess I have to buy some cigars!

 

[Turdle]

This thread may be of help. You might want to read it

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=192842&highlight=defrost+delete

 

[DenCollins]

This thread may be of help. You might want to read it

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=192842&highlight=defrost+delete

Many Thanks! That's one hell of a thread and I am certainly going to to read it a few more times.

Excellent Work and again, Many Thanks for taking the time to write and put it all together. I know I speak for many when I say your efforts are appreciated.

Den

 

[DenCollins]

Well, things have gone from bad to worse. It seems as if the compressor is frozen or something like that. I pulled it into the garage popped the hood and while it was in park I turned on the A/C. Before I could even get to the engine compartment I heard a big grunt. (more like a huhh sound) I quickly turned the A/C Switch off and left the motor running and it kinda smelled like rubber burning. Looking at the compressor clutch it's pretty darn rusted. (I don't know if that's normal) I guess the next step would be is to have someone in the cab to quickly turn it on and off while I'm watching the compressor. Another thing I'm noticing is that idle is hovering around 1100 rpms. Before I did the first turn on it used to idle at a little over 600 rpms. So, i think I have more than one problem going on here.