A/C is not cold when first start in idle
09-28-2015, 01:01 PM
#11
I'm having the same problem as OP. I think it's because my system might be a little undercharged/overcharged, but I'm no expert!
My vent temperature won't go below 50 on an a cool early morning, so it's not very good on a sunny hot day. I also notice my vent temperature drops when the blower is not set to max. For example, I get slightly colder air when the blower is set to 2 then when set to 4.
I took it to a garage before the weekend to get some dye in the system. They supposedly evacuated and recharged the system, but it's still the same. I'm going to take it back today, so they can check for leaks.
My vent temperature won't go below 50 on an a cool early morning, so it's not very good on a sunny hot day. I also notice my vent temperature drops when the blower is not set to max. For example, I get slightly colder air when the blower is set to 2 then when set to 4.
I took it to a garage before the weekend to get some dye in the system. They supposedly evacuated and recharged the system, but it's still the same. I'm going to take it back today, so they can check for leaks.
09-28-2015, 01:03 PM
#12
It's a known problem. The fan doesn't suck enough air through the grille when you're sitting there. It's not a refrigerant problem.
Edit: I suppose it wouldn't hurt to get a look at your condenser and grille and make sure everything there in the way of air passages is cleaned out. Have your flan clutch checked (or check it yourself with welding gloves or a broom stick). Don't kill yourself or lose a limb doing it, though.
Edit: I suppose it wouldn't hurt to get a look at your condenser and grille and make sure everything there in the way of air passages is cleaned out. Have your flan clutch checked (or check it yourself with welding gloves or a broom stick). Don't kill yourself or lose a limb doing it, though.
Last edited by Martian; 09-28-2015 at 01:07 PM.
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ratatat (09-28-2015)
09-28-2015, 01:07 PM
#13
Have you checked the clutch fan for proper operation?
Not for the meek, but if you have a large towel or welders glove, try to stop the fan while the engine is running at idle. If the fan is easily stopped by carefully touching the fan blades, the electric clutch (4.6 and 5.4's) is bad, and not drawing enough air through the A/C condenser and radiator at idle. Ford is very generous with a large radiator, so overheating is usually not an issue with a weak fan clutch, but lower air draw does effect the A/C efficiency during idle conditions. If the A/C cools down during forward driving, then its fine.
For this reason, many (including Ford) have gone the way of installing an electric fan.
Not for the meek, but if you have a large towel or welders glove, try to stop the fan while the engine is running at idle. If the fan is easily stopped by carefully touching the fan blades, the electric clutch (4.6 and 5.4's) is bad, and not drawing enough air through the A/C condenser and radiator at idle. Ford is very generous with a large radiator, so overheating is usually not an issue with a weak fan clutch, but lower air draw does effect the A/C efficiency during idle conditions. If the A/C cools down during forward driving, then its fine.
For this reason, many (including Ford) have gone the way of installing an electric fan.
09-28-2015, 01:08 PM
#14
Not really... you're trying to see if the blades can be stopped to make sure the clutch is clutching. If you can stop the blades, your clutch is done.
09-28-2015, 01:09 PM
#15
It's a known problem. The fan doesn't suck enough air through the grille when you're sitting there. It's not a refrigerant problem.
Edit: I suppose it wouldn't hurt to get a look at your condenser and grille and make sure everything there in the way of air passages is cleaned out. Have your flan clutch checked (or check it yourself with welding gloves or a broom stick). Don't kill yourself or lose a limb doing it, though.
Edit: I suppose it wouldn't hurt to get a look at your condenser and grille and make sure everything there in the way of air passages is cleaned out. Have your flan clutch checked (or check it yourself with welding gloves or a broom stick). Don't kill yourself or lose a limb doing it, though.
09-28-2015, 01:13 PM
#16
Yeah, wouldn't we all like to.
09-28-2015, 03:11 PM
#17
Here is my thread from last summer on this issue. https://www.f150forum.com/f4/ac-blow...y-cold-267418/
Note my AC was about 8oz low. Must have a true set of manifold gauges to do this work right. I don't So for not much money I had my shop do the work. AC is still perfect this summer. Several days over 100
Note my AC was about 8oz low. Must have a true set of manifold gauges to do this work right. I don't So for not much money I had my shop do the work. AC is still perfect this summer. Several days over 100
Last edited by wolfy53; 09-28-2015 at 04:26 PM.
09-28-2015, 04:00 PM
#18
I saw a Youtube video of the clutch test and it did not look dangerous. I will try it out after work today using a rolled up magazine or small newspaper.
09-28-2015, 04:11 PM
#19
I did a visual inspection and could not find any leaks. They'll probably use a UV light, so maybe something will show up then. I hope not!
09-28-2015, 04:21 PM
#20
Senior Member
I don't have a manifold gauge set either. I took my truck to a local garage. They told me my system was low and I most likely have a leak. They billed me for 32oz of refrigerant, so I guess they evacuated and then recharged the system adding some dye. They asked me to bring it back after the weekend to check for leaks, which is today.
I did a visual inspection and could not find any leaks. They'll probably use a UV light, so maybe something will show up then. I hope not!
I did a visual inspection and could not find any leaks. They'll probably use a UV light, so maybe something will show up then. I hope not!
They charged you for 2 pounds of freon? Check the label under the hood, my 08 did not hold that much as I recall. My 13 takes 24 ounces in my supercrew.
Check the label under the hood and report back.
