aircon problems - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Futura97 · 11-17-2002, 22:23

As nice as it is to have a newish car, I hate not having aircon. When I bought the car, the air didn't work at all. Just a simple regass i thought, as the compressor didn't click on. Got it re gassed(free) and it worked okay, but not really cold like my old XF.

Now, its barely cool at all. But the compressor is still clicking on. I also had a look in the engine bay to see if I could see anything obvious but there was nothing. I noticed however that one of the two pipes that go through the firewall on the passangers side ice's up within minutes of having the aircon on. Does this mean the compressor is still ok??

Does this sound like something simple, or something costly??

Cheers
Matt

btw, its an EL futura

TopGhia · 11-18-2002, 00:01

Probably the receiver/dryer is shot. Don't know how much they cost, but probably won't be cheap. Receiver/dryer fault symptom is frosting of one of the pipes, and they recommend replacement if the air-con has not been working for a while.

carazy · 11-18-2002, 00:14

Sorry to hear dude. Air cons not cheap to fix. If the air con box is in the dash you better pray it's warrenty.
Removing the dash is expensive.

LTDHO · 11-18-2002, 00:34

Generally, if something is freezing up it is due to a blockage. That's what I've been told.

Futura97 · 11-18-2002, 03:23

thats just great f*$#ing news!!!!

its not under warranty(doesn't tend to go to well when you get a car at wholesale).

But if it is blockage, can you empty the gas out and put some high pressure air through the system to clear it up??

dam dam dam dam......

yldsix · 11-18-2002, 03:26

The reciever drier is about 30 dollars cost price and the compressor is about 550 cost price a regas and flush should be around 140 from ford.

Take it to ford and get them to see if the blockage can be flushed then you'll be sweet.

I had to replace comp and drier as comp blew to smitherines it all up cost me 720 as my parts were cost price and i did the labour myself not that hard really. by the sound of things your comp is ok otherwise pipes wouldnot be cold.

yldsix · 11-18-2002, 03:34

forgot to mention the reciever drier is located behind the front bar so you will have to take it off if u want to replace it which is a good idea anyway. Should only take about 30min to 45 to take it off as the headlights have to come out as well as the rest of the nuts and screws.

YLDSIX

Futura97 · 11-18-2002, 03:51

Thanks for that info yldsix. I have a few mechanic mates, so i'll get them to check it out thoroughly for me.

How would a blockage form anyway???

Aussiblue · 11-18-2002, 05:12

I suspect its will just be leaking O ring seals although perhaps it might also need a new dryer. If its still got some gas left in the system you might be able to find the leaks by spraying soapy water on all the pipe joints and look for leaks. The can leak near the TX valve or at the dryer joints or where the hose change from metal to rubber.