AC get warm when not moving
09-11-2011, 10:55 AM
#1
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AC get warm when not moving
My 2008 FX4 AC is not functioning properly. If I am not moving the air turns warm. I have recharged the system and it does not make a difference, which leads me to rule out the chance of a leak. What else could the problem be?
09-11-2011, 11:35 AM
#2
Devil's advocate
Common problem. It's because there is very little air moving through the condenser when stopped. The only fix is to add an electric fan.
Last edited by JP2085; 09-11-2011 at 11:38 AM.
09-11-2011, 01:22 PM
#4
Moderator (Ret.)
Ask a dealer, or whomever provided the extended warranty. No offense to any members here, but we cannot answer that one unless we wrote the policy!
You are not alone with the warm AC at idle issue. Interesting that the new Ford F150's now have e-fans!
Check the operation of the fan clutch at idle to verify the fan is spinning. Some year F150's with the 5.4 used an electric clutch for the engine fan.
Another test you can do to verify it's a problem of not getting enough air at idle is to place a shop fan (or simular) in front of the truck while the engine is running. If the AC is cooler, you know it's not an AC system issue. And don't bash Ford for this, it has to do with the switchover to R134A freon. It's not as efficient as the old R12 systems.
I have an efan setup in my 05, and my AC blows cooler at idle, due to the e-fan drawing more air past the AC condensor/radiator. Should you go this route, read the dozens of posts on the subject; many have pictures and steps to guide you. Make sure you use a setup that includes a fan shroud as well.
You are not alone with the warm AC at idle issue. Interesting that the new Ford F150's now have e-fans!
Check the operation of the fan clutch at idle to verify the fan is spinning. Some year F150's with the 5.4 used an electric clutch for the engine fan.
Another test you can do to verify it's a problem of not getting enough air at idle is to place a shop fan (or simular) in front of the truck while the engine is running. If the AC is cooler, you know it's not an AC system issue. And don't bash Ford for this, it has to do with the switchover to R134A freon. It's not as efficient as the old R12 systems.
I have an efan setup in my 05, and my AC blows cooler at idle, due to the e-fan drawing more air past the AC condensor/radiator. Should you go this route, read the dozens of posts on the subject; many have pictures and steps to guide you. Make sure you use a setup that includes a fan shroud as well.
Last edited by Mod (Ret.); 09-11-2011 at 01:41 PM.
09-11-2011, 01:35 PM
#5
I have a question for the OP. Have you disabled any of your CEL functionality? I do know if you have an issue with your Cylinder Head Temperature sensor (CHT), the PCM will disable some systems (inlcuding the A/C). I had a bad cable on mine and everytime I stopped, the vibration in the act of stopping would cause the issue and the A/C would turn warm... Just saying, it may be something like that and if you aren't seeing a CEL b/c it's disabled - then you'd probably never know... My A/C blows COLD at idle...
09-11-2011, 07:20 PM
#7
'08f150stx
Can't answer that but it most likely will. And efans are most likely the fix. My truck blows warm at idle/stop also. Contacting your warranty rep is a good idea, but if they say efans are ok, get that in writing!
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07-11-2019, 06:59 AM
#8
Definently not a design problem. My friend has a 2007 5.4L and it will freeze you out within a minute of idling in 100 degree weather. I have a 2008 5.4L, and don't get anything at idle. Serviced AC, cleaned out radiator fins, replaced with new Motorcraft electric fan clutch. There's something else like a sensor that nobody is mentioning that kicks it out for some reason. But for real if you bought one brand new and the AC wasn't blowing cold at idle it's probably something faulty.
07-11-2019, 11:58 AM
#9
The f150 has a fan clutch that does not spin at idle unless the engine is over 200 degrees F if i recall...Even when the fan does kick on, it only spins as fast as the engine is turning. The A/C condenser is essentially heat soaking from the minimal air that is flowing through it, thus making the inside air hotter. The fix is an E-fan setup.
07-11-2019, 12:31 PM
#10
Senior Member
Definently not a design problem. My friend has a 2007 5.4L and it will freeze you out within a minute of idling in 100 degree weather. I have a 2008 5.4L, and don't get anything at idle. Serviced AC, cleaned out radiator fins, replaced with new Motorcraft electric fan clutch. There's something else like a sensor that nobody is mentioning that kicks it out for some reason. But for real if you bought one brand new and the AC wasn't blowing cold at idle it's probably something faulty.
Check the dates before replying. This is an 8 year old thread.
