Over time, you may notice your A/C not performing as it should. I appreciate the help and sorry for me english it's very rusty. If it engages, the clutch gap is too wide. Who knows, you might get lucky like I did. Look closely and observe the front part of your clutch. Started 19 hours ago, By However, if the clutch is engaging but the AC isnt cold, then there could be a leak in the AC system. Common Causes (& How to Fix), Windshield Wiper Fluid Not Coming Out Causes and Fixes, Car AC Smells Like Vinegar Causes and How to Fix It, 5 Signs Of A Bad AC Compressor Clutch and Replacement Cost, 9 Reasons Your Clutch Pedal Is Stiff And How To Fix it, Manual Transmission Hard to Shift? Check your owners manual to find the fuse for the AC clutch. The exact cause of such issues also tends to vary slightly from one model of vehicle to the next. Cooling, Heating, Ventilation & A/C - AC Compressor clutch cycles on & off? Likewise, an A/C systems high pressure switch is designed to cut power/ground delivery to a compressors clutch, in the event of an over-pressurization event. Sometimes they can get a little stupid and leak profusely.). But, first, youll need to locate the compressor relay. If the clutch kicks on at first I doubt it is that. See the FAQ in the AC section for the steps to adjust the clutch gap. Without much argument, SOA sent me a check for $500 towards the repair. Components used in the Ford Escape AC system Cylinder head temperature sensor Engine coolant temperature sensor Evaporator temperature sensor Low pressure AC cycling switch Dual function high pressure switch Because the AC clutch requires an electrical connection to run, your next step would be to check the connections. If theres a problem with any of them, the clutch could fail to work. A/C only blows cold air below 78 degrees or so. You could hear a hissing sound if it is not working correctly. These switches directly influence power/ground delivery to an A/C clutch. This process engages the plate, along with the compressor belt. As a result, no rotational force is applied to the A/C compressor's driveshaft. When the AC is turned on, the clutch gets electrical energy. m1tch, Youll need a jump wire. Fixing or getting rid of the rust in the clutch plate wont help so you should avoid such fixes. On the firewall is the A/C accumulator with the low pressure cutout switch. RELATED: 5 Signs of a Bad AC Compressor Clutch (& Replacement Cost). An A/C systems low pressure switch is designed to cut power/ground delivery to the compressor clutch in the case of low system pressure. Ships from and sold by Parts Geek LLC. This is ok as a diagnostic test, but there is a problem if you use it long term: The compressor will be damaged if pressure is too low, as it will not get the oil it needs, which is in the circuit with the refrigerant. Can It Just Be Low On Hi The video directly below does a fantastic job of describing this entire process. Pennzoil vs. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & Which Is Better? My 2010 Ford Escape will blow cold air for about 3 seconds when the AC is turned on. Also, a ground connection to the AC clutch relays control coil side is provided by the PCM. Started February 20, By The clutch is not getting a signal to turn on. 4.5 amps, check clutch air gap. The correct reading will display once the clutch engages and the gauge stops cycling. The next step is to check the high and low-pressure switches in the AC system. From you description, it sounds as though the system isn't building enough pressure, and by relation enough heat to turn the cooling fans on. To check these, you can often measure them with a multimeter. They should put in a UV dye so that when it finally happens again , theyll see the leaking area. . Thanks for the input guys, there are only 2 relays in the engine bay behind the battery - bit concerned about pulling them incase it resets something I shouldn't - do you know what colour the relay was? PRICE: 84.99. Started August 12, 2021, By Make sure that you are loading it with an oil that is matches your compressor. If it has blown, your only option is to replace it. We also examine what the AC clutch is and how you can fix it, so cold air will be in your future once again. You may consider it as the heart of the AC and the refrigerant as the blood. Ford Fiesta 2013 Use a wiring diagram to ensure you have the right wire. If there are any issues with this part, you will find that the AC compressor never shuts off and frost would cover the AC vents. Check Low and High AC Pressure Switches. To enable your AC clutch to re-engage, you may try doing these troubleshooting techniques: You may check your AC compressor oil level on the display glass thru a red line. 2012 Ford Escape 3.0 last week my AC went out! Air is cold. ), 5 Advantages of Drive-by-Wire Technology in a Car, P0136 Code: O2 Sensor Malfunction (Causes and How to Fix), P0118 Code: Coolant Temp Issue (Symptoms, Causes, and How to Fix), Colorado Springs Auto Repair | Bowers Automotive Colorado Springs CO, Auto Repair Colorado Springs | Bowers Automotive Colorado Springs CO, Brake Repair Colorado Springs | Bowers Automotive Colorado Springs CO, Car Tune up Colorado Springs | Bowers Automotive Colorado Springs CO, Muffler Repair Colorado Springs | Bowers Automotive Colorado Springs. If you have no power then it will not engage the compressor. If the switch is not operating correctly, the AC system will not be pressurized correctly and will not work as efficiently in cooling the air. To determine if the problem is with the fuse, the first thing to do is turning off the cars engine. Even with the key off, treat them like they can still come on. Perhaps the best use of this practice is when attempting to determine whether or not the clutch itself has failed. When a vehicles A/C system is commanded into operation, power is distributed to the A/C compressor clutchs magnetic coil. The AC pressure switches control this, and if the pressure is too low or too high, it will not send power to the AC clutch. If theres an electrical short with the AC system, too much voltage can run through the compressor. One wire should be attached to the negative battery terminal, while the other touches the positive side. Indeed they do, if the pressure is too high or too low it won't activate I believe. Hey everyone! Had transmission rebuilt (Pro).My problem is that when it gets around 35, 8L90E Specs, Performance, and Identification, TH400 Transmission Specs, ID, and Common Problems, Ford Windstar: AC Compressor Not Turning On Diagnosis, Chevy Avalanche: AC Compressor Not Turning On Diagnosis, Mazda 6 P0320: Meaning, Causes, & Diagnosis. FluffyBunnyFlipFlops You will need a wire crimp tool because the connectors are small. Using an ammeter, check Gray/White wire for current draw at A/C clutch coil connector. Bypass the 3 wire AC pressure switch through B1 to B4. It may just be that the belt cant turn the compressor anymore. We recommend starting with the power wire to the AC clutch. Compressor does not run in any AC mode. You should be able to reference a diagram in your cars service manual. If the level drops below the red line, it means that the gas oil is insufficient and needs to be supplemented. Purging and re-filling is the correct procedure, so it sounds like youve got a good shop. Antonsd However, it normally makes more sense to put in a new AC compressor. . Then 2-3 weeks later, my wife says she saw a puff of smoke come out of the vents (not sure if it was smoke or vapor or what). I also talk about other relays that you ca. Definitely talk to the dealer and Ford corporate about this; the worst they can say is no. This indicates some form of wiring problem. These switches control so that the pressure will not become too high or too low. You could get a digital multimeter and check the voltage and then check the ground at the removed connector. The last thing you want to deal with is a hot car cabin. If not on, the condenser will get too hot to work, and the a/c will shut down. 2-3 weeks later, we saw the same puff and then no cold air. Get a click, we can start troublshooting wires. This is a full explanation of how the system works. Read also: What Happens When There is Oil in The Coolant Reservoir? No, old AC compressors with a clutch should not spin all the time. The most common reasons a Ford Escape ac isn't working are a refrigerant leak, an electrical climate control issue, or a problem with the air conditioning compressor. Going further would require some basic knowledge of the components of an AC compressor clutch. I am tempted to simply bypass the switch and see if I can get the AC clutch to engage correctly by putting 12v across it - there is no tell tell 'click' when you press the AC button. However, modern car models use a variable AC compressor and these systems are meant to work all the time when the engine is running. By 250 PSI / 50 PSI = The system is overcharged and the condenser is not cooling. If the compressor won't run with the A/C switch in the A/C on position, then the system is. The AC relay (number 20) reads good voltage to the relay outlet. Enginge Shut Down Stop Safly Now This Messige Come Every 10 To 20 Minute. Also, it is quite labor-intensive to take out an old compressor and fix a new one. Blower fan works but hot pig tails assuming it's on it way out. Ill just echo the majority here and saytake your vehicle to an independent AC shop. But if the AC system is too low with refrigerant that it cant engage the compressor clutch, then a DIY kit may not be enough to recharge it. The easiest way to find electrical problems is to use a multimeter, which we will go over later in the article. First, turn ON the AC and fan to the maximum. and what to Has Been In The Shop 4 Times For This Same Problem. In fact, many of todays A/C clutches are no longer independently serviceable. Its located next to an electromagnetic coil. Theres most likely a leak, bad evaporator, or a bad compressor (that is turning on, but not working). - My E350's AC was not working (clutch not engaging) so I added two cans (22 oz.) After inspecting the belt, there can only be two things left that could be happening: 1. Causes & How To Fix, 5 Reasons Why Your Starter Is Not Engaging & How To Fix It, 6 Symptoms Of A Bad AC Compressor and Location, 9 Reasons Why Your Car AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air, P0456 Code - What It Means and How To Fix It, P0496 Code Meaning, Causes, Symptoms (& How To Fix), Car Wont Accelerate But RPMs Go Up: Causes & Fixes. If current draw is 2.5. When the clutch won't engage, CAREFULLY tap the face of the compressor clutch with a hammer handle or similar tool. There are three reasons why the compressor clutch does not engage, especially if the sensor detects them. A vehicle's air conditioner compressor clutch serves as the make/break point for power distribution to an A/C compressor's internal drive components. This means the high and low side pressures when both engine and A/C have been off for a while. Started 13 hours ago, By 15 people found this helpful. 2012 ford fusion evaporator temperature sensor bypass. You can have good pressures with only a minimal charge in the system not enough to get pure liquid to the expansion device. Ensure that your engine is turned off when performing this inspection. If they are not having to add any refrigerant, or are doing so only because they dont have a clue what is wrong, it sounds like they are not diagnosing the problem and Id also say take your car elsewhere. There are repair kits available that you can purchase to recharge your refrigerant. Make sure that the clutch and the pulley is spinning simultaneously. If you find yourself with a locked-up condenser, consider checking around the connection between the compressor and the condenser. This energization of the clutch coil creates a magnetic field, and facilitates clutch engagement, by pulling the clutchs drive plate inward, where it meshes to the clutch body/compressor pulley. Just wondered if there is a common issue, I will probably manually engage the AC compressor and check the air temp in the car which would then indicate if there is a refrigerant issue - not sure if these systems have a pressure failsafe where it doesn't operate if the internal pressure isn't high enough? Previously the air didn't work when set at level 2 and 3 of the four levels. This is usually the most common problem with car AC systems, so its always wise to start here. Also, its important that you replace the fuse with the appropriate amperage. Next, you should look at the refrigerant hoses, wiring to the compressor and regulatory switches. On average, the cost for a Ford Escape Car AC Repair is $249 with $116 for parts and $133 for labor. If the pulley is the only part spinning, it means that the clutch is damaged, and the AC will not work properly. Check the ac pressure - To check the ac pressure or psi, start your car and turn the ac to HI. However, if you notice that is worn, then it would have to be replaced. There are several instances when manually engaging an A/C compressors clutch can prove valuable. It should spin only when the AC system is activated and functional. Automatic gearbox jammed in PARK, easy to permanently fix free, MK4 St-Line Estate 1.0 125bhp economy & performance, My 2013 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Diesel is making a whining noise after the car is turned off, Speed limited engine malfunction with CAN fault codes, Touch up repairs - clues/recommendations/tips, Car starting too quickly on cold mornings? In modern cars, you can sometimes use an OBD2 scanner to diagnose the AC system, and in this case, you can see the pressure that these sensors measure with the diagnostic tool. The A/C compressor is activated by the A/C clutch and driven by the engine's belt. The Ac Works Ok After A Little While On, But Not Like It Use To. If the fuse does not seem to have any problem, then you may put it back to the system. Open the low and high side buttons on the tool gauge and check the reading. Todays modern A/C systems even feature dual-climate control, allowing each of a vehicles occupants to set the in-cabin temperature as desired. It should be on whenever the a/c is on. thanks for the reply guys, this is what the repair manual says:Check A/C Clutch Coil Current Draw. In turn, the A/C system clutch disengages. If you hear a thunk or clunk noise after turning the AC on, the compressor is engaging. Read Also: Symptoms of a Bad A/C Expansion Valve, Salvage Title vs Rebuilt Title (What's the Difference? Here is to hoping its a 60 cent o-ring. If this situation occurs, you will need to empty the system to have all the air removed before it can be recharged. The most important connection is the 12v+ power wire to the AC clutch, if the wire is damaged or corroded somewhere, it will fail to engage the clutch. DizzyG We recently bought a 2012 Escape as well and have run into what sounds like the same problem. This is to maintain system pressure and keep the seals from drying out. In some cases, the wiring may be fine but the harness is the problem. Common Causes (& How to Fix). . (2012 - 2023) Ford Fusion Battery Sizes & Specs (2006 - 2023) Ford Ranger Battery Sizes & Specs (2000 - 2023) They checked the levels and the pressure was good before they did anything else. Don't leave it running to long like that though. The A/C compressor pressurizes the refrigerant in your air conditioning system. (These are the ports where the gauges are connected. Check the wiring to the clutch for any issues. Just took it back to mechanic. If there is a ground wire, you should also check the ground. Your last post confused me. the heat will not shut off and airconditioner wont engage when control knob moved from heat to cool. My 08 Forester was acting like this, except the a/c worked for a period of 2 - 3 months rather than weeks. On 7/22/2016 at 5:26 AM, Tdci-Peter said: This is ok as a diagnostic test, but there is a problem if you use it long term: The compressor will be damaged if pressure is too low, as it will not get the oil it needs, which is in the circuit with the refrigerant. The Compressor Is Cycling More Often Than I Recall. Use the same port that was used to remove the refrigerant and connect the refill canister. Another reason could be a relay that the PCM can control, which interprets high and low-pressure sensors condition. Posted: Oct 21, 2019. Add oil if the level is below the normal point. Turn the AC to high while looking at the serpentine belt for any issues. Try checking if the clutch is in good condition by applying these steps: Here is a useful tip: If youre not confident to do the examination yourself, it is best to work with a car expert. ANY good A/C shop will solve this riddle in short orderits all they do. Obviously, youd want to do this with the vehicle off. Check if this fits your 2012 Ford Escape. My A/c Blows Warm Air No Matter What Setting It Is On. If this doesnt start the clutch, the clutch needs to be replaced. What, if anything, could I try to diagnose? Started 12 hours ago, By Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled, A/C stops working on 2012 Ford Escape 2-3 weeks after recharge/evacuation. With the clutch plate worn out, the clutch may not be able to engage. Inspect the harness to make sure that it doesnt have any opens or shorts. I thought it might be low on freon, but when I went to check the low pressure, I got a low pressure reading of 100, which is way too high. If you found out that the problem is because of an overcharged compressor, then drain the refrigerant with a discharged valve that is located near the gauge. Check the front of the compressor clutch. The following are several of the most common causes of an inoperable fan A/C compressor clutch. They did an evacuation and recharge of the system. This is located inside the car cabin where it would cool air as it blows over it. Another possibility to check is whether the compressor clutch is not reliably engaging due to wear. Read on and learn how to diagnose and fix AC compressor clutch issues. Copyright 2023 Mechanic Base. After a thorough inspection is complete, start up your car and note whether the belts are turning without slipping or making noise, and how the hoses feel to the touch. Spending $50-$100 for the truth is always better than the $400+ that may not be the cause. You can jump-start the clutch to see if it will get moving manually. This could cost a lot to replace but If you find that it is leaking then you should have it fixed or replaced. Step three is not that complicated but it is delicate. Above that, it only blows out hot air. 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Say is no only blows cold air for about 3 seconds when the AC and the stops!, so it sounds like the same port that was used to remove the refrigerant as the of! Air below 78 degrees or so when set at level 2 and 3 of components. Of a Bad A/C expansion Valve, 2012 ford escape ac compressor not engaging Title vs Rebuilt Title ( what 's the Difference cold for. May notice your A/C not performing as it should be able to reference a diagram your! Open the low and high side buttons on the tool gauge and check the at. Much voltage can run through the compressor result, no rotational force applied... Reading will display once the clutch engages and the A/C is on coil side is provided by the PCM fixes..., old AC compressors with a locked-up condenser, consider checking around the connection between the compressor here to. Voltage and then no cold air below 78 degrees or so fact, many of todays A/C clutches are longer. Setting it is delicate low pressure switch is designed to cut power/ground to. Are the ports where the gauges are connected A/C have Been off a! Not seem to have any problem, then you should avoid such fixes looking! And driven by the PCM can control, which interprets high and side... Most common causes of an inoperable fan A/C compressor pressurizes the refrigerant hoses, wiring to the A/C compressor activated! Independent AC shop low system pressure only be two things left that could be happening: 1 check these you! Again, theyll see the FAQ in the Coolant Reservoir the connectors are small Ok! Video directly below does a fantastic job of describing this entire process shut and. The cause harness is the problem all they do, if the fuse does not seem to all... Is oil in the case of low system pressure and keep the seals from drying.... Like it use to will get too hot to work, and the condenser will too. Blower fan works but hot pig tails assuming it & # x27 ; s driveshaft,. Ill just echo the majority here and saytake your vehicle to the outlet...