kcackler

I have a new to me 2006 F150 HD edition. When I looked at it originally, the AC wasn't working. They said it was the fan clutch and replaced it. When I picked up the truck the next day, still no AC. I took it back and they said it must be the compressor and put on a brand new compressor (I watched them do it). They topped off the refrigerant after replacing the compressor.

After that, the AC was working again for about a mile. Then it transitioned from being ice cold to being cool. Then it was ambient temp. Then it was ice cold again. And so on and so forth. I called the dealership and they said they probably need to vacuum the system out and refill with refrigerant. This is fine with me if it's actually going to fix the problem, but at this point I'm having my doubts. Does vacuuming and refilling sound like a solution to the AC cycling between cold and ambient? The dealership is 2 hours from me so I'd rather not make the trip unless it's actually going to fix the issue.

It's very annoying when it's 100 degrees outside and the AC can't actually cool anything because it won't stay cold long enough to actually do anything.

Any tips are appreciated.

SCORGE

Is the compressor clutch rapid cycling?
Did they replace the compressor clutch with a new one?

kcackler

I don't think it's rapid cycling but I haven't checked. I'll check that this afternoon.

The new compressor came with a clutch installed out of the box.

SCORGE

10-4.
Could be an issue with the gap, not allowing the comp. to engage properly.
Also make sure there are no obstructions by the condenser

kcackler

Gap between clutch and compressor? Is that fixable without replacing it?

I'll check cycle timing and for any condenser obstructions this afternoon.

SCORGE

Gap between the clutch plate and the pulley assembly. Yes it is fixable. Trying to remember gap specs. You'll need some feeler gauges to check it though.

kcackler

I was able to run outside and check. I ran the truck for a few minutes with the AC engaged and the compressor kicked on and didn't turn off. No cycling at all. The air coming out of the vents was pretty cool when I jumped in to check it.

I'm not sure if I just didn't let it run long enough to experience a warm spot or what. I can check the gap tonight if I can find out what it's supposed to be, though it seemed to engage just fine.

BadFish523

Did it get warmer while driving? Or was it while at a stop light/idle? These trucks are knows for having a bad fan clutch and at idle wont draw enough air to keep it cool.


Edit: Sorry somehow I missed the sentence where you stated the fan clutch was replaced.

kcackler

As far as I saw, the AC clutch was part of the new compressor. I didn't notice them swapping the clutch out. The fan clutch however was the first thing that they replaced.

As far as when it gets warm - It's all the time. It seems worse in stop and go traffic but that could just be my imagination. But for sure, the problem happens both while driving and while sitting still.

SCORGE

If it's engaging normally, then gapping shouldn't be an issue