Lately the discharge air comming from the a/c system warms up when sitting in traffic on hot days.
Note: a/c was set on "normal" setting not "max", blower running on second or third speed.
I took it in to be checked and the dealer found that the front compressor seal was leaking slightly and that the cycling switch needed to be replaced.
Repairs were made, system worked fine for two or three days, now it's back to the way it was.
I've been monitoring the air temp comming from the vents and found that it runs at 50 deg. on hot days and 60 to 64 deg. sitting in traffic. In the morning when it's cool and the sun isn't up yet, it pumps out 38 deg. air and no change when sitting still. Check my wifes '99 Ranger and found that the air temp is 50 deg. in the heat and no change when in traffic.
Took it back today and the dealer found no problems, eveything is ok.
Anyone else experiencing this problem?
If so, what was done to correct it?

------------------
'97 F-250 L/D Lariat S/C, 4x4, 5.4, E4OD automatic, 3.73 gears, gray leather interior, outside: white w/gray rocker section, sliding rear window, tow package. Mods- Ford running boards, Ford ventsahdes, Color-matched bug deflector, AVS tail light covers, Tuff Liner bed liner, unknown brand of cat-back exhaust system (previous owner installed).

 

I had a escort do the same type of thing after it was a couple years old and the dealer told me to live with or have the compressor replaced I chose to live with it for the rest of the summer since it was late summer by the next spring i bought a new ride.

 

Iggy,
>>>>I had an 89 caprice and a 93 caprice that I used for my two previous work vehicles and they did the exact same thing from day one of driving them. The problem only showed up on hot days when the motors were running at idle speed. My 97 crown vic does it also, but it only shows it symptoms on extremely hot days. I took the chevys back to the dealer and they could never find anything wrong with them. I've never bothered to take the ford back because of the formentioned chevys and the fact that it wasn't as bad as the previous cars. My theory is that it is caused by rising temperatures under the hood overpowering the condensors ability to cool. While at an idle I would increase the throttle and run the engines at a higher speed and the a/c would run cooler, because the fan on the motor was cooling the engine a little more I suppose. Try that next time and see if your a/c runs a little cooler at a higher throttle speed than your idle speed provides.

------------------
99 F150 XLT SC 4x4 4.6L
Deep Wedgewood Blue w/Dark Graphite int. Kennwood CD Changer, Lund bug deflector, Bodyguard bedliner

 

It comes down to this: When on a/c you are cooling fresh air which is hot and takes alot of energy to cool. On max a/c the air is recycled with in the cab and so is much more effective. It all comes down to approx 25degrees temp reduction. ie. 90-25 = 65 on a/c, 70-25=45 on max a/c.

------------------
97, 4.6, 3.55LS, Dk red 265/75/16, Leer cap, Rhino bed, rose wood dash, CD player,

 

Thanks to all, I figured I'd have to live with it.
Dealer said to keep watch on it and check to see if the compressor is cycling when the air gets warm while in traffic.
It's going to be a long summer.

uknigle,
I see you're in Jersey, I'll be passing your way in two weeks (over the July 4th weekend/week) on the way to Toms River to see my family. Looking forward to seeing home again.

------------------
'97 F-250 L/D Lariat S/C, 4x4, 5.4, E4OD automatic, 3.73 gears, gray leather interior, outside: white w/gray rocker section, sliding rear window, tow package. Mods- Ford running boards, Ford ventsahdes, Color-matched bug deflector, AVS tail light covers, Tuff Liner bed liner, unknown brand of cat-back exhaust system (previous owner installed).

 

At least your AC was still blowing cold air. I recently went on a trip to North Carolina's Outer Banks in a rented GMC Safari. When the computer feels the engine needs more power (often, 4.3 V6) it shuts the AC OFF! But leaves the fans on to blow hot outside air at you.
Jeff

------------------
1999 F150 Lariat
Reg cab Short box Styleside
5.4L 3.55ls
Deep Wedgwood Blue/Silver
Lund Interceptor hood shield, VentVisors, Class III hitch, Ford molded mud guards, soft tonneau, window tinting on the 27th