1997 - 2003 F-150

a/c question

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Old Jul 8, 2011 | 06:30 PM
  #1  
NickArellano97's Avatar
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From: texas
a/c question

ok so my 97 f150 air conditioner doesnt work. it blows hot air instead of cold, but i have freon in my system.

the compressor doesnt sound like it turns on. I never learned about the ac system in autotech because i switched schools two years ago.

and i dont know exactly what it is but im quessing the ac clutch needs replacing. so if anybody knows id appreciate it.

its summer here in texas and its been over 100 degrees everyday since april, and it hasent rained since last year so its very HOT.
 
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Old Jul 8, 2011 | 09:54 PM
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Bluegrass's Avatar
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From: Easton, Pa.
The system has a pressure switch to cut off the compressor if the charge goes to low.
Look into charging it with R134 back to spec providing nothing else is faulty.
Good luck.
 
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Old Jul 8, 2011 | 11:46 PM
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stewy 39's Avatar
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How do you know there is freon in it? like bluegrass said if it's low the switch will cut the compressor off. BTW if it is low that means the freon went somewhere. Get some UV dye put in it and have it checked for leaks before you start replacing parts. If you checked for freon by sticking something into the shraeder valve that just means there is pressure in the system- not necessarily refrigerant. Get the dye put in and go from there.
 
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Old Jul 10, 2011 | 11:32 AM
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Take it to a pro for diagnosis.
 
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Old Jul 10, 2011 | 01:55 PM
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projectSHO89's Avatar
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Ford hasn't used freon since 1993 or so....
 
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Old Jul 10, 2011 | 02:41 PM
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From: Live Oak, FL
Originally Posted by projectSHO89
Ford hasn't used freon since 1993 or so....
I stopped trying to correct people a long time ago. Habit is habit. Just like these "motors" we have under the hood, although they aren't powered by electricity.

x2 on take it to a pro. I bought a new compressor and accumulator and took it to a Tuffys and IIRC it was $350 for the install and recharge.
 
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Old Jul 10, 2011 | 07:14 PM
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Raptor, you made me lol...same thing I encounter at work with "hot" water heaters...the water isn't hot before it gets heated....only after it comes out of the water heater...
 
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Old Jul 10, 2011 | 07:43 PM
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ickfinger's Avatar
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tap on the compressor on clutch quickly with a hammer while switch is in on position. if it kicks to life your clutch is worn. There is a washer behind the clutch, that if removed will allow clutch to engage electrically when commanded by switch. Many shops will try and just replace compressor,but with evac n recharge, labor, you could be looking @$650 for a reman unit installed. Have an ac pro diagnose it and have them clarify whats wrong with the compressor if tap test doesnt work. Do not buy a compressor if the clutch problem, as rebuild kits are about $75, plus install about an hour.
 
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