Aircon & Temperatures - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

fordel · 11-07-2002, 04:43

Hi

Just noticed today that when i stick the air con on, the temperature needle swings quite a lot higher then normal, it usually sits on the line that starts the " normal " zone but now it starts to move towards the top end of this area.

When i turn the A/C off it starts to head down again

Any ideas ?

thanks

Chris

TopGhia · 11-07-2002, 11:56

This might be a stupid question, but have you checked your coolant level. Air-con working OK otherwise?

fordel · 11-07-2002, 13:12

Yep have checked that, seems to be ok, aircon isnt as cold as it should be i dont think, not as cold as dad's EF either.

This morning dad said there was as bit of water from the left hand side near the aircon unit... so going to have to check with ford today

211 · 11-08-2002, 12:54

Interested to find out what you found out. I've always noticed the temp of the engine rises when aircon is on, and sometimes by a lot.

The water coming out near the aircon - isn't that normal? (Not a smart arse question - I thought there is some sort of overflow?)

Kieron · 11-08-2002, 16:39

The water is normal, especially in humid conditions. The A/C dries the air as it passes thru the evaporator, the water collects at the bottom of the heater box and spills out the overflow pipe.

Not sure exactly about the temp problem, but it should rise a little. I'd check the operation of the thermo fans with engine at operating temp and tunring the A/C in in Max mode. From memory they fans should be on all of the time with A/C on max.

If the system is low on gas, it won't of course cool as well as it should and the compressor will stay on for longer periods which could contribute to the temp problem, it may even be a failing compressor, E series Falcons are notorious for failing compressors as they don't get enough cooling, hopefully this isn't your problem as its an $800 job!

It would also pay to have the cooling system checked, especially the radiator, E series cooling systems are quite sensative to problems, particularily blocked radiators.

Take it to an A/C place rather than Ford unless you wan't a heart attack :)

Kieron

fordel · 11-08-2002, 17:38

I rang ford the guy there said the same couple of things, to check the thermo fans as well, had a good look at them last nite, the only problem is that when i had the air con on yesterday the temp didnt want to raise all that far so was a bit hard to tell what was going on.

Both the fans were running together so they seem to be ok, dad again noticed some more leaks from the car today and it hadnt been driven in over 12 hours, so something isnt right, im glad most of the car is covered under warranty which helps.

Its booked into ford on tuesday morning to see what is happening.

XR_Strider_GuY · 11-08-2002, 17:56

I've noticed in the EF before i had the radiator change that one a hot day with aircon on and in traffic it would swing to 3/4 on the temp gauge. With a new radiator it would only go to about half way.

Check your thermostat and radiator. Just for the record a new radiator costs $230 and not a hard job to do yourself.
Oh yeah don't bother getting your existing radiator recored, there a waste of time and cost the same a new one.

211 · 11-08-2002, 18:48

Quote:

Originally posted by XR_Strider_GuY

Oh yeah don't bother getting your existing radiator recored, there a waste of time and cost the same a new one.

Aaaargh - bugger. Just getting this done today. Haven't been told of the cost yet either ..... wish I'd known .....

botch · 11-09-2002, 04:46

if you pull the rubber strip up that sits on the top edge of the radiator, and have a look to see if theres any leaves / dirt / rubbish built up between the radiator core and the condesor (a/c core). if there is then this will result in the a/c not working 100% and the engine temp goin up.

Also on an ef the fans wont come on high speed when the a/c is on. High speed only comes on when engine temp is verryy hot. There is a wiring conversion which an auto elec should be able to do for you to fix this.

el onwards have the fans come on high speed when the air con is on!

VanGelder · 11-09-2002, 21:53

Last time I had my radiotor recored, it cost me $100.
I took it out, had it fixed and installed it afterwards myself though.
It's probably more expensive if they have to take it out and refit it.