1997 F150 4x4 Ext. Cab within the past couple of months the A/C would work fine then blow hot air. After a few minutes of being turned off, it would blow just fine. Now, the A/C compressor will not engage at all. Any ideas about troubleshooting to get the compressor to come on??

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Gene Nix

 

No idea if you found out anything yet. Check the pressure. If there is not enough pressure(not enough refridgerant in the system could cause this) then you might have to add refridgerant. You have to check the low and high pressure side. When I get a chance I'll look up the pressure and what to do if the pressure is low on either side.

 

Most likely your system is low on freeon buy a kit with the presure guage so you can check your system from time to time to see how it is holding up if it doesn't hold for very long then you got a leak that needs to be fixed.

 

A 97 shouldn't be losing compression on its compression. Many quick shops (Jiffy Lube etc.) can perform a quick test with an ultraviolet light to detect a leak with a additive simliar to what physicians use to locate tumors in the body. Chances are, if this is remedied, you will not need your "freon" kit again.

Keep in mind; that vehicles built recently no longer use freon but R13 coolant.

 

On a previous Ford product that I owned (mercury lynx ), this happened to throughout a summer until it finally went out. Turns out the compressor clutch went "tango uniform" and the pulley was merely free wheeling. Fortunately, the clutch could be replaced without breaking the system.

 

Were you ever able to figure this AC problem out. I have the same problem with my 97 F150. It has been to the dealer 3 times and so far they have replaced a low pressure switch and the fan clutch. The problem reappears within a week.

any suggestions???