Anyone else's 2011 F150 AC system suck?
08-08-2014, 12:11 PM
#432
Member
New Truck A/C Tests
Using an Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer I had handy, I conducted some simple Tests on my A/C. ~1 month old 5.0 L Blue Flame Metallic. Grey/Black Interior. Cloth Seats. No Window Tint. I've Foam-insulated my A/C Compressor Output Line.
I started by heat-soaking the Cab in full morning Sun. The Interior Thermometer/Readout rested vertically against the rear side of my Cowboy Hat on the folded-down center Front Seat. The Remote Temp Sensor was placed right at the output of the Dash Vent to the Driver's right.
I started with 'MAX A/C' which recirculates Cabin Air. The Truck Temp Sensor was obviously influenced initially by sitting still in full Sun. Actual Outside Temp was in the mid-80s. The A/C Fan was always run on the highest setting unless noted. Humidity was ~20%.
MAX A/C turned on
Time - Outside Temp - Vent Temp - Cabin Temp
11:52 - 97 - 47 - 117 [starting conditions after sitting]
After Driving for 10 minutes
12:02 - 86 - 47 - 88
12:12 - 85 - 50 - 83
Changed to 'regular' A/C from 'MAX A/C' setting. No Recirculated Air.
12:22 - 87 - 50 - 75
Data recorded later while driving in Sun with a Cabin cooled from driving. 'Regular' A/C was out of Dash Vents only. No Recirculated Air. Fan on top speed. Initial Cabin temp was while the Truck was sitting in Shade @ ~8,000' elevation. Solar Radiation here in the Rocky Mountains is very intense.
16:20 - 88 - 49 - 83 [starting conditions after sitting]
16:35 - 74 - 49 - 67
Data recorded later while driving in partly-Cloudy conditions. Regular A/C was out of Dash Vents only. No Recirculated Air.
18:50 - 72 - 47 - 90 [starting conditions after sitting]
19:00 - 76 - 47 - 69
Subjective Observations
My A/C takes a good 20+ minutes to cool down a heat-soaked Cabin. A/C Air blasted straight at us from only the Dash Vents makes it seem cooler than the Cabin Temp readings would suggest. When A/C Air is blasted out of Dash and Floor Vents simultaneously, it does not feel as cool. 'MAX A/C' Air repeatably cycles on/off at about 2 degrees cooler than 'regular' A/C Air. After the Cabin is cooled, I have to switch to regular A/C, and turn down the Fan Speed setting to 3 or 2.
Corrective Actions
Buy and use a Windshield Reflector, as suggested above. Consider Tinting Side and Rear Window. When installing Custom Audio down the road, consider retrofitting 'Astrofoil' as the Vapor Barrier in the Doors. Also fit a piece in out of sight behind the SCab Seat. The ultimate use would be up above the Headliner out of sight, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.
Improving to about an 'R-7' Insulation value the Truck Cabin area mentioned above would drastically reduce heat flow inward. I used Astrofoil under the Drywall in my new House, and it's fantastic material. One type is like metallized 'Bubble Pack' Shipping Material. Another type is like metallized 'Tyvek'; the un-tearable Envelope Material. I used that different type up in my Attic to keep it ~30 degrees cooler in Summer. It's like extremely rugged 'Space Blanket' material.
My intent is to stay out of FordMoCo 'Politics' about whether we should have to undertake these Corrective Actions, and focus on solutions.
From visiting Suppliers back when I was working, I know there's active Programs to reduce Compressor size/weight. In some cases, Manufacturers are sputtering on a few Microns of metal to reduce incoming Heat Load through the Windshield. This is the bluish 'shimmer' that you see on oncoming BMWs and similar Vehicle Windshields. Changing this Heat Load scenario is what using Astrofoil is all about.
Astrofoil Website
------
I started by heat-soaking the Cab in full morning Sun. The Interior Thermometer/Readout rested vertically against the rear side of my Cowboy Hat on the folded-down center Front Seat. The Remote Temp Sensor was placed right at the output of the Dash Vent to the Driver's right.
I started with 'MAX A/C' which recirculates Cabin Air. The Truck Temp Sensor was obviously influenced initially by sitting still in full Sun. Actual Outside Temp was in the mid-80s. The A/C Fan was always run on the highest setting unless noted. Humidity was ~20%.
MAX A/C turned on
Time - Outside Temp - Vent Temp - Cabin Temp
11:52 - 97 - 47 - 117 [starting conditions after sitting]
After Driving for 10 minutes
12:02 - 86 - 47 - 88
12:12 - 85 - 50 - 83
Changed to 'regular' A/C from 'MAX A/C' setting. No Recirculated Air.
12:22 - 87 - 50 - 75
Data recorded later while driving in Sun with a Cabin cooled from driving. 'Regular' A/C was out of Dash Vents only. No Recirculated Air. Fan on top speed. Initial Cabin temp was while the Truck was sitting in Shade @ ~8,000' elevation. Solar Radiation here in the Rocky Mountains is very intense.
16:20 - 88 - 49 - 83 [starting conditions after sitting]
16:35 - 74 - 49 - 67
Data recorded later while driving in partly-Cloudy conditions. Regular A/C was out of Dash Vents only. No Recirculated Air.
18:50 - 72 - 47 - 90 [starting conditions after sitting]
19:00 - 76 - 47 - 69
Subjective Observations
My A/C takes a good 20+ minutes to cool down a heat-soaked Cabin. A/C Air blasted straight at us from only the Dash Vents makes it seem cooler than the Cabin Temp readings would suggest. When A/C Air is blasted out of Dash and Floor Vents simultaneously, it does not feel as cool. 'MAX A/C' Air repeatably cycles on/off at about 2 degrees cooler than 'regular' A/C Air. After the Cabin is cooled, I have to switch to regular A/C, and turn down the Fan Speed setting to 3 or 2.
Corrective Actions
Buy and use a Windshield Reflector, as suggested above. Consider Tinting Side and Rear Window. When installing Custom Audio down the road, consider retrofitting 'Astrofoil' as the Vapor Barrier in the Doors. Also fit a piece in out of sight behind the SCab Seat. The ultimate use would be up above the Headliner out of sight, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.
Improving to about an 'R-7' Insulation value the Truck Cabin area mentioned above would drastically reduce heat flow inward. I used Astrofoil under the Drywall in my new House, and it's fantastic material. One type is like metallized 'Bubble Pack' Shipping Material. Another type is like metallized 'Tyvek'; the un-tearable Envelope Material. I used that different type up in my Attic to keep it ~30 degrees cooler in Summer. It's like extremely rugged 'Space Blanket' material.
My intent is to stay out of FordMoCo 'Politics' about whether we should have to undertake these Corrective Actions, and focus on solutions.
From visiting Suppliers back when I was working, I know there's active Programs to reduce Compressor size/weight. In some cases, Manufacturers are sputtering on a few Microns of metal to reduce incoming Heat Load through the Windshield. This is the bluish 'shimmer' that you see on oncoming BMWs and similar Vehicle Windshields. Changing this Heat Load scenario is what using Astrofoil is all about.
Astrofoil Website
------
08-08-2014, 12:34 PM
#433
Senior Member
Thanks, there is no way with vent temps that you have, that that truck would ever cool here in Texas temps and humidities.
That's my whole point, the temp coming off of the evap probably caused by programmed cycle points for efficiency, won't get it! Currently I could never use speed 2 or 3.
Thanks for the details though!
That's my whole point, the temp coming off of the evap probably caused by programmed cycle points for efficiency, won't get it! Currently I could never use speed 2 or 3.
Thanks for the details though!
Using an Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer I had handy, I conducted some simple Tests on my A/C. ~1 month old 5.0 L Blue Flame Metallic. Grey/Black Interior. Cloth Seats. No Window Tint. I've Foam-insulated my A/C Compressor Output Line.
I started by heat-soaking the Cab in full morning Sun. The Interior Thermometer/Readout rested vertically against the rear side of my Cowboy Hat on the folded-down center Front Seat. The Remote Temp Sensor was placed right at the output of the Dash Vent to the Driver's right.
I started with 'MAX A/C' which recirculates Cabin Air. The Truck Temp Sensor was obviously influenced initially by sitting still in full Sun. Actual Outside Temp was in the mid-80s. The A/C Fan was always run on the highest setting unless noted. Humidity was ~20%.
MAX A/C turned on
Time - Outside Temp - Vent Temp - Cabin Temp
11:52 - 97 - 47 - 117 [starting conditions after sitting]
After Driving for 10 minutes
12:02 - 86 - 47 - 88
12:12 - 85 - 50 - 83
Changed to 'regular' A/C from 'MAX A/C' setting. No Recirculated Air.
12:22 - 87 - 50 - 75
Data recorded later while driving in Sun with a Cabin cooled from driving. 'Regular' A/C was out of Dash Vents only. No Recirculated Air. Fan on top speed. Initial Cabin temp was while the Truck was sitting in Shade @ ~8,000' elevation. Solar Radiation here in the Rocky Mountains is very intense.
16:20 - 88 - 49 - 83 [starting conditions after sitting]
16:35 - 74 - 49 - 67
Data recorded later while driving in partly-Cloudy conditions. Regular A/C was out of Dash Vents only. No Recirculated Air.
18:50 - 72 - 47 - 90 [starting conditions after sitting]
19:00 - 76 - 47 - 69
Subjective Observations
My A/C takes a good 20+ minutes to cool down a heat-soaked Cabin. A/C Air blasted straight at us from only the Dash Vents makes it seem cooler than the Cabin Temp readings would suggest. When A/C Air is blasted out of Dash and Floor Vents simultaneously, it does not feel as cool. 'MAX A/C' Air repeatably cycles on/off at about 2 degrees cooler than 'regular' A/C Air. After the Cabin is cooled, I have to switch to regular A/C, and turn down the Fan Speed setting to 3 or 2.
Corrective Actions
Buy and use a Windshield Reflector, as suggested above. Consider Tinting Side and Rear Window. When installing Custom Audio down the road, consider retrofitting 'Astrofoil' as the Vapor Barrier in the Doors. Also fit a piece in out of sight behind the SCab Seat. The ultimate use would be up above the Headliner out of sight, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.
Improving to about an 'R-7' Insulation value the Truck Cabin area mentioned above would drastically reduce heat flow inward. I used Astrofoil under the Drywall in my new House, and it's fantastic material. One type is like metallized 'Bubble Pack' Shipping Material. Another type is like metallized 'Tyvek'; the un-tearable Envelope Material. I used that different type up in my Attic to keep it ~30 degrees cooler in Summer. It's like extremely rugged 'Space Blanket' material.
My intent is to stay out of FordMoCo 'Politics' about whether we should have to undertake these Corrective Actions, and focus on solutions.
From visiting Suppliers back when I was working, I know there's active Programs to reduce Compressor size/weight. In some cases, Manufacturers are sputtering on a few Microns of metal to reduce incoming Heat Load through the Windshield. This is the bluish 'shimmer' that you see on oncoming BMWs and similar Vehicle Windshields. Changing this Heat Load scenario is what using Astrofoil is all about.
Astrofoil Website
------
I started by heat-soaking the Cab in full morning Sun. The Interior Thermometer/Readout rested vertically against the rear side of my Cowboy Hat on the folded-down center Front Seat. The Remote Temp Sensor was placed right at the output of the Dash Vent to the Driver's right.
I started with 'MAX A/C' which recirculates Cabin Air. The Truck Temp Sensor was obviously influenced initially by sitting still in full Sun. Actual Outside Temp was in the mid-80s. The A/C Fan was always run on the highest setting unless noted. Humidity was ~20%.
MAX A/C turned on
Time - Outside Temp - Vent Temp - Cabin Temp
11:52 - 97 - 47 - 117 [starting conditions after sitting]
After Driving for 10 minutes
12:02 - 86 - 47 - 88
12:12 - 85 - 50 - 83
Changed to 'regular' A/C from 'MAX A/C' setting. No Recirculated Air.
12:22 - 87 - 50 - 75
Data recorded later while driving in Sun with a Cabin cooled from driving. 'Regular' A/C was out of Dash Vents only. No Recirculated Air. Fan on top speed. Initial Cabin temp was while the Truck was sitting in Shade @ ~8,000' elevation. Solar Radiation here in the Rocky Mountains is very intense.
16:20 - 88 - 49 - 83 [starting conditions after sitting]
16:35 - 74 - 49 - 67
Data recorded later while driving in partly-Cloudy conditions. Regular A/C was out of Dash Vents only. No Recirculated Air.
18:50 - 72 - 47 - 90 [starting conditions after sitting]
19:00 - 76 - 47 - 69
Subjective Observations
My A/C takes a good 20+ minutes to cool down a heat-soaked Cabin. A/C Air blasted straight at us from only the Dash Vents makes it seem cooler than the Cabin Temp readings would suggest. When A/C Air is blasted out of Dash and Floor Vents simultaneously, it does not feel as cool. 'MAX A/C' Air repeatably cycles on/off at about 2 degrees cooler than 'regular' A/C Air. After the Cabin is cooled, I have to switch to regular A/C, and turn down the Fan Speed setting to 3 or 2.
Corrective Actions
Buy and use a Windshield Reflector, as suggested above. Consider Tinting Side and Rear Window. When installing Custom Audio down the road, consider retrofitting 'Astrofoil' as the Vapor Barrier in the Doors. Also fit a piece in out of sight behind the SCab Seat. The ultimate use would be up above the Headliner out of sight, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.
Improving to about an 'R-7' Insulation value the Truck Cabin area mentioned above would drastically reduce heat flow inward. I used Astrofoil under the Drywall in my new House, and it's fantastic material. One type is like metallized 'Bubble Pack' Shipping Material. Another type is like metallized 'Tyvek'; the un-tearable Envelope Material. I used that different type up in my Attic to keep it ~30 degrees cooler in Summer. It's like extremely rugged 'Space Blanket' material.
My intent is to stay out of FordMoCo 'Politics' about whether we should have to undertake these Corrective Actions, and focus on solutions.
From visiting Suppliers back when I was working, I know there's active Programs to reduce Compressor size/weight. In some cases, Manufacturers are sputtering on a few Microns of metal to reduce incoming Heat Load through the Windshield. This is the bluish 'shimmer' that you see on oncoming BMWs and similar Vehicle Windshields. Changing this Heat Load scenario is what using Astrofoil is all about.
Astrofoil Website
------
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Engineer Guy (08-09-2014)
08-08-2014, 07:13 PM
#434
Senior Member
Took my FX4 in the other day. The dealership had the truck all day and essentially found nothing. I asked about the "smell" the truck emits now and again from the HVAC as well as the fact it spit oil at me.. the service manager really had no answer. His suggestion was to wait for a TSB from Ford on the smell at least as he has heard this complaint a few times...... thanks so much...... lol. I didn't test my vent output temps yet but I doubt they are much more into the mid forties at best when the ambient is in the 80's. I have 2 2013 F150's and my XLT's A/C cools fine.... the FX4 on the other hand..... not so much and it smells funky.
The dealer said they had found no cooling issues..... while it was a cooler day (low 70's maybe) and while it was inside their shop in the shade.... The service manager even told me they tested it "in the shop". How about you park it in the sun and then start it while setting it to max and see what you get... you know. like a real world trial. Great test method lol. Oh well. I don't expect any better on Ford's joke of a warranty.
The dealer said they had found no cooling issues..... while it was a cooler day (low 70's maybe) and while it was inside their shop in the shade.... The service manager even told me they tested it "in the shop". How about you park it in the sun and then start it while setting it to max and see what you get... you know. like a real world trial. Great test method lol. Oh well. I don't expect any better on Ford's joke of a warranty.
Last edited by 1994Vmax; 08-08-2014 at 07:17 PM.
04-16-2015, 12:25 AM
#435
Senior Member
Thread Resurrection
i did a search on air conditioning and found this old thread and decided to bring it up since so many posted both good and bad experiences.
I've got 2 - 2010's and the Xl blows ice cold. The XLT used to blow cold but now it's hit or miss. I drove 2 hours the other day with the OS temp at 81F and the inside was probably not even 70. Stopped for 10 minutes then got back on the road and it blew ice cold air. Anyone find anything a DIY'r can do about it. My warranty is out and it's only got 24K miles on it.
I've got 2 - 2010's and the Xl blows ice cold. The XLT used to blow cold but now it's hit or miss. I drove 2 hours the other day with the OS temp at 81F and the inside was probably not even 70. Stopped for 10 minutes then got back on the road and it blew ice cold air. Anyone find anything a DIY'r can do about it. My warranty is out and it's only got 24K miles on it.
04-16-2015, 12:30 AM
#436
Senior Member
i did a search on air conditioning and found this old thread and decided to bring it up since so many posted both good and bad experiences.
I've got 2 - 2010's and the Xl blows ice cold. The XLT used to blow cold but now it's hit or miss. I drove 2 hours the other day with the OS temp at 81F and the inside was probably not even 70. Stopped for 10 minutes then got back on the road and it blew ice cold air. Anyone find anything a DIY'r can do about it. My warranty is out and it's only got 24K miles on it.
I've got 2 - 2010's and the Xl blows ice cold. The XLT used to blow cold but now it's hit or miss. I drove 2 hours the other day with the OS temp at 81F and the inside was probably not even 70. Stopped for 10 minutes then got back on the road and it blew ice cold air. Anyone find anything a DIY'r can do about it. My warranty is out and it's only got 24K miles on it.
04-17-2015, 12:07 AM
#437
Senior Member
Checking it would normally be the first thing but since it blew ice cold air for the next 2 hours I didn't consider low refrigerant would be the problem. I'll take a closer look this weekend.
04-17-2015, 12:11 AM
#438
Senior Member
04-17-2015, 01:51 AM
#439
F150 Greenhorn
i did a search on air conditioning and found this old thread and decided to bring it up since so many posted both good and bad experiences.
I've got 2 - 2010's and the Xl blows ice cold. The XLT used to blow cold but now it's hit or miss. I drove 2 hours the other day with the OS temp at 81F and the inside was probably not even 70. Stopped for 10 minutes then got back on the road and it blew ice cold air. Anyone find anything a DIY'r can do about it. My warranty is out and it's only got 24K miles on it.
I've got 2 - 2010's and the Xl blows ice cold. The XLT used to blow cold but now it's hit or miss. I drove 2 hours the other day with the OS temp at 81F and the inside was probably not even 70. Stopped for 10 minutes then got back on the road and it blew ice cold air. Anyone find anything a DIY'r can do about it. My warranty is out and it's only got 24K miles on it.
