Hey guys. So to just verify the commonality of this failure and my issue..... Ive been reading up on issues similar to my problem and run into similar threads such as this but i want to be fairly sure prior to emptying my savings account to buy manifold gauges, vacuum pump, containers, refrigerant, drier, TXV, etc.....
So if i might be able to get some attention from the knowlegable folks here at fordforums i would be very much relieved.
So i have a 2012 ford escape limited 6 cyl with 79,000 miles (The wifes) and my car 2012 ford fusion se 4 cyl with 75,000... Hers had the front end rebuilt about a year and a half ago due to my wifes amazing driving abilities. No issues to speak of that are relevant to this problem at all until about 3 weeks ago ironically shortly after i finished tearing the top part of the intake manifold and other stuff off to swap out spark plugs as i found one that actually seperated the top half from the base causing a persistant misfire. Unfortunatly with limited resources amd time i had only replaced 1 of 6 but cleaned up the others and gapped - reinstalled everything properly except no new intake manifold gasket sadly or torque specs to work with at the time. ----- lomg story short no issues remained..
THE CONCERN:
Maybe a week later it began to warm up outside considerably so she of couese tries using the AC. I heard she was complaining about it not being really cold or that it worked some times which was vague at best so it went about 2 weeks untouched.
She stated it works sometimes and usually at the start up every mornkng for just a few moments then ambient temp air.
So i began looking into this.
DUPLICATING FAILURE/CONCERN:
Verified AC operation was intermittent at best,
- clutch engages and prodcues chilled air directly after initial start up or after extended periods of not running such as leaving work on lunch break..... After either INCREASING rpms or vehicle motion the A/C comprssor disengages at random even with A/C button ON, blowers full blast on high/ middle vents and temp to COLD thus duplicating the concern.
- I noticed on rare occasions A/C operation / temp output will work completely fine even while driving, toggling A/C compressor on / off, shut down and start up of engine.
- Also I have noticed A/C operation (Compressor) engages randomly sometimes during normal driving for just a few moments or sometimes longer.......
- I believe my A/C system has adequate pressure / refrigerant & PAG oil. (To cheap to take it to a shop - and to cheap to purchase some manifold gauges to see).....
- I know my compressor clutch gap is adequate otherwise these issues would be more consistent and slowly worsening. Not suddenly indicate an issue.
- I know there are no stored/active faults on the (PCM ONLY) i have a cheapo OBD reader from 2007......lol. Cant figure out what scan tool and programs i need to do software checks/tests and look at module operation and readings
---- i uploaded the only TSB icould find relating to my issues and this is what i found lol. However the description of issues <<< like my cooling fans running NON STOP >>> which i neglected to mention are for the most part accurate except the blower operation.....
My fan controls or even actually ALL my HVAC interface knobs, buttons, etc are in working order. Even the heat (blend door, etc) are all in working order other than the A/C button light working but no cold air afterwards.....
I have inspected my ambient air temp sensor, evaporator temp sensor (that is inserted ontop the evaporator housing under the passenger's side dash behind the glove box to the left next to the blower speed board i believe) -- i also snipped the plastic U shaped part off on the end of the sensor near the probe / cleaned it up a touch and reinstalled along with verifying the connectors condition.
I also inspected the A/C system externally and found no obvious signs of damage or leaks even with my UV light. I removed the shrader cap on high side and a touch of built up pressure behind the cap bled off indicating along with randomly cold air that refrigerant was present and had decent pressure atleast (not sure of proper pressure since no gauges to use)...... Inspected condenser up front and found no blockage or damage. Transmission temp is always with in spec...... Pressure sensor ontop of the drier was good for the most part (HAVENT TESTED INDIVIDUAL SENSORS AS TECHNICAL MANUAL WALKS YOU THROUGH TESTS, PINOUTS, AND OPERATIONAL CHECKS VIA A SPECIFIC TOOL & SOFTWARE ------ Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) & Integrated Diagnostics System (IDS) with appropriate software Or equivalent scan tool................
What scanner / program do i get so i can get into my cars electronics to do proper testing???
Conclusion :
I need you help, ideas, input...... AND im trying to search for other likelihood failures. Not settle with the horrible idea that the desicant bag blewbup into the TXV and contaminating the evaporator..............
HELP GUYS ( & GALS)!!!!
Thanks a ton everyone! Lets hear your thoughts!