1999 Explorer Limited, v8, 2wd, climate control, Florida
Yesterday evening when we went out the air didn't seem to be very cool.
We didn't go far so I just brushed it off. Today, in the heat of the
day, it seemed to be cooler outside the car than in it. I just did
minimal investigation, I started the engine and looked at the compressor
clutch. The clutch cycled at about 3 second intervals in and out. I
disconnected the pressure switch (?hi or low?) and the clutch
de-energized completely until I reconnected it.
Any ideas before I spend 'big bucks'?
TIA,
Dave

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Happy Traveler - 21 Aug 2006 00:09 GMT
Fast cycling typically indicates low refrigerant charge. Your system has a
leak somewhere. Not unusual for a 7-8 year old vehicle. The proper way to
deal with it is to have a professional find the source of the leak, repair
and recharge. I will leave improvisation advice to other members of this
group...
"Dave" <superj@earthlink.net> wrote in message news:WU4Gg.11040
...
> I started the engine and looked at the compressor clutch. The clutch
cycled at about 3
> second intervals in and out...
Dave - 21 Aug 2006 17:21 GMT
I put a gauge on the low side. At 25lbs the clutch energizes and cuts
out at 45 lbs (readings are approximate) still cycling at about 3 second
intervals.
From here where should I go?
TIA,
Dave
> 1999 Explorer Limited, v8, 2wd, climate control, Florida
>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> TIA,
> Dave

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JohanB - 22 Aug 2006 01:59 GMT
Traveler was right , usually low on freon, look for hose connections that
have a oily residue,
Check if the clutch is oily etc.
Have a a/c mechanic pull a vacuum and if it passes add dye and freon and
check after a few days/weeks
> I put a gauge on the low side. At 25lbs the clutch energizes and cuts
> out at 45 lbs (readings are approximate) still cycling at about 3 second
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> > TIA,
> > Dave
Jim Warman - 22 Aug 2006 02:06 GMT
First thing ro do is realize that you cannot diagnose AC concerns from only
low side pressures.... Your low side pressures aren't doing anything
abnormal. What is abnormal is the rapid clutch cycling times.... and the
most common (but not the only) cause of rapid cycling is a low refrigerant
charge...
The correct way to proceed from a proper diagnosis of a low charge (using
both high and low side gauges), would be to fecover the refrigerant and pull
a deep vacuum on the system. Once vacuum reaches ~27 inches, the pump is
turned off and the valves closed and we observe the gauges... If and how
fast the vacuum drops will have a bearing on our repair strategy.
Venting refrigerant of any sort to atmosphere is illegal in my province -
something I agree with and will support to my last breath (think about
it....). Topping off with cans from Partz R Us has the possibility of
causing system damage (especially in the case of a misdiagnosis) or
contributing to pollution.
While I applaud and even help DIYers with auto repairs (and saving money),
some auto repair efforts are inappropriate for those without specialized
knowledge and equipment.
Dave - 22 Aug 2006 19:27 GMT
> First thing ro do is realize that you cannot diagnose AC concerns from only
> low side pressures.... Your low side pressures aren't doing anything
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> some auto repair efforts are inappropriate for those without specialized
> knowledge and equipment.
Jim, thanks and I wholeheartedly agree!
I took it in this morning and, after professional troubleshooting, the
problem was determined to be minor..... A minor hole in the evaporator.
New evaporator, dryer etc. and I will be able to pick it up this evening!
Dave

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Diving is life! The rest is just details.
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Jim Warman - 23 Aug 2006 04:00 GMT
Dave... I'm happy for two reasons.... first, you didn't call me a lecturing
bastuhd (even though I can be...).... second, you'll be on the road and COOL
for less than you originally figured...
Everyone wins!!!!