A/C Problems...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
From: Houston, Texas
A/C Problems...
I have a 14 screw purchased new about 18 months ago. The AC has been better than nothing but definitely leaves a lot to be desired. I've wrapped the low side in insulation (sticky method) which didn't seem to have much of an effect. After renting a Kia suv on a recent business trip with ICE cold AC I was pretty disappointed driving home from the airport in my black/black platinum in North Carolina's 95 degree heat.
I had a can of 134a in the garage so I hooked the gauge up to the low side port. It read just over 30 psi. The gauge told me it should be over 50 psi given the outside temp. I unloaded most of the bottle. Then the compressor started to kick on and off every few seconds followed by a discharge of what I assume was refrigerant from the passenger tire area. It did this a few times and the compressor continued to cycle on an off. My gauge was reading 65psi so I manually released some refrigerant and got it back to 35psi off, 55psi cycle on. However the truck has been blowing mildly cool air since.
I called ford today to discuss the issue and the service rep told me to put a meat thermometer in the vent and call him back. I got readings around 73 with an outside temp of 88. He then told me to go drive the highway for a while and check it while moving. I was able to get down to about 60 degrees after running for 20+ mins on MAX A/C. He said that was about as good as I should expect but they would look at it if I wanted.
I really don't want to waste a day at the dealership if this is as simple as an overcharged or undercharged system. However, I would also like to put down the sweat rag on my afternoon commute.
Is a 10 degree drop in vent temp at idle and a 20-30 degree drop after 20 mins driving normal? Is there something more serious going on? Are these systems a poor design or can I achieve the ice cold air flow I get in other vehicles?
Thanks in advance.
I had a can of 134a in the garage so I hooked the gauge up to the low side port. It read just over 30 psi. The gauge told me it should be over 50 psi given the outside temp. I unloaded most of the bottle. Then the compressor started to kick on and off every few seconds followed by a discharge of what I assume was refrigerant from the passenger tire area. It did this a few times and the compressor continued to cycle on an off. My gauge was reading 65psi so I manually released some refrigerant and got it back to 35psi off, 55psi cycle on. However the truck has been blowing mildly cool air since.
I called ford today to discuss the issue and the service rep told me to put a meat thermometer in the vent and call him back. I got readings around 73 with an outside temp of 88. He then told me to go drive the highway for a while and check it while moving. I was able to get down to about 60 degrees after running for 20+ mins on MAX A/C. He said that was about as good as I should expect but they would look at it if I wanted.
I really don't want to waste a day at the dealership if this is as simple as an overcharged or undercharged system. However, I would also like to put down the sweat rag on my afternoon commute.
Is a 10 degree drop in vent temp at idle and a 20-30 degree drop after 20 mins driving normal? Is there something more serious going on? Are these systems a poor design or can I achieve the ice cold air flow I get in other vehicles?
Thanks in advance.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 120
Likes: 20
2012 and in 85° wi humidity I can get 42-43° on max AC with a thermometer after 5-10 mins driving. I tried a can of AC pro and ended up over charging it. Have someone with an AC machine evac and recharge to the 24 oz recommended and look in compressor cycling fix on this forum.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 667
Likes: 85