Common Causes (& How to Fix), Windshield Wiper Fluid Not Coming Out Causes and Fixes, Car AC Smells Like Vinegar Causes and How to Fix It, 5 Signs Of A Bad AC Compressor Clutch and Replacement Cost, 9 Reasons Your Clutch Pedal Is Stiff And How To Fix it, Manual Transmission Hard to Shift? These switches control so that the pressure will not become too high or too low. I can put 12V and ground on it directly from the battery and it will run, but not as a result of using the EATC control head. Has brand new compressor, drier and not low on freon. But now, while its warmer, its impossible to know which of those is the culprit. There are many reasons why an AC clutch does not engage. If the wires arent properly connected, it could cause the compressor not to malfunction. Check Low and High AC Pressure Switches. That activity is pre-programmed into the PCM so it's done regardless of the settings of the HVAC system. It could be because of a blown fuse, a bad clutch coil, or an open on the wire to the clutch coil. Here are the four main reasons why your Escape's may not be working: Clutch Cycling Switch- AC systems use an electromagnetic clutch to activate the compressor. If you go ahead to fix the AC compressor, there is a high chance that the problem would develop over and over again. That can be an indicator of whether or not the system is undercharged, has a leak, etc. You can also examine this for noise and smell issues. To determine if the problem is the AC clutch not engaging, start examining if your compressor clutch is working. Stephen Interior Leave a comment 7,609 Views. Seems to be working. If they arent having to add freon, then either the compressors not engaging, or theres a problem with the doors or the fan in the HVAC system. -or-. Inspect the harness to make sure that it doesnt have any opens or shorts. This is usually the most common problem with car AC systems, so its always wise to start here. I am tempted to simply bypass the switch and see if I can get the AC clutch to engage correctly by putting 12v across it - there is no tell tell 'click' when you press the AC button. Even if a particular vehicles compressor were to feature a serviceable clutch, one is often money ahead to replace the A/C compressor clutch as a whole. Options. Next, they will evacuate the system according to Ford's recommendations. Castrol Edge vs. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & Which Is Better? However, many components make up the air conditioning system, so your problem could be entirely different. Ensure that your engine is turned off when performing this inspection. Unplug any relay terminal wiring with the interior car A/C controls in the "off" position. Who doesnt love road trips? To finish, we'll add new refrigerant to recharge the A/C . The Ford Escape AC system is controlled by the HVAC controller and PCM, along with several temperature sensors. The psi for the low side should be about 25 to 40. . Over time, you may notice your A/C not performing as it should. Is this normal? If it has blown, your only option is to replace it. Fv 27, 2023 . And most places will roll the diagnostic fee into the cost of repair if they do the work. Read also: What Happens When There is Oil in The Coolant Reservoir? Cold air started blowing again! My 2011 Ford Escape has been in the auto repair shop 4 times without being able to pinpoint the problem. When the engine is on. Causes & How To Fix, 5 Reasons Why Your Starter Is Not Engaging & How To Fix It, 6 Symptoms Of A Bad AC Compressor and Location, 9 Reasons Why Your Car AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air, P0456 Code - What It Means and How To Fix It, P0496 Code Meaning, Causes, Symptoms (& How To Fix), Car Wont Accelerate But RPMs Go Up: Causes & Fixes. Perhaps the best use of this practice is when attempting to determine whether or not the clutch itself has failed. Thank you so much for the feedback thus far. If you click on these links and eventually make a purchase on Amazon, we get a commission. That is RIDICULOUS, Cheryl. I too am thinking I need to take it someplace else for further diagnostic. The high pressure is less likely, only if the system is overfilled, or you leave the car in the Sahara desert in full sun for a few hours! The Compressor Is Cycling More Often Than I Recall. RELATED: 5 Signs Your Cars AC is Low on Freon (& What to do). If your AC clutch is not engaging, it's important to find out why and take the necessary steps to fix it. They did the evacuation/recharge and the air is now blowing cold again. If the clutch kicks on at first I doubt it is that. Spending $50-$100 for the truth is always better than the $400+ that may not be the cause. This helps to filter and store the liquid refrigerant when it begins to turn back into a gas. How do I manually engage my AC compressor clutch? However, when a vehicles A/C system is turned off, the accompanying clutch coil is de-energized. The easiest check is to look at the refrigerant levels. Who knows, you might get lucky like I did. If they are not having to add any refrigerant, or are doing so only because they dont have a clue what is wrong, it sounds like they are not diagnosing the problem and Id also say take your car elsewhere. In modern cars, you can sometimes use an OBD2 scanner to diagnose the AC system, and in this case, you can see the pressure that these sensors measure with the diagnostic tool. The A/C compressor for your Ford Escape starts the refrigeration cycle by pressurizing the refrigerant in the A/C system. Tiny bits of metal can clog your AC condenser. #2. 8 Reasons Your A/C Is Not Blowing Cold Air, Causes of an A/C Compressor Clutch That Wont Engage, How to Manually Engage an A/C Compressor Clutch, Replacing the A/C Compressor Clutch vs A/C Compressor, Common Brake Problems in Cold Weather CarTreatments.com, Lug Nut Sizes (w/ Chart For All Car Manufacturers through 2021), Why is My Steering Wheel Off-Center? What Happens When There is Oil in The Coolant Reservoir? The clutch is not getting a signal to turn on. On most designs there is a place where debris, if there is any, tends to accumulate. You should check this area for bad noises and bad smells. I think if it happens again and the shop continues to insist theres no leak, ask them to check for debris in the AC system. Ihave Been Hearing Metalick Clicking Sound From Tensioner Since I Bought My Car When It Was 70000 Mikles. Ensure that your engine is turned off when performing this inspection. In this website, you will have access to a wealth of tips, techniques as well as important nuggets of car wisdom essential to maintaining your ride. In some AC clutches, you will find some spacer shims that can be removed to extend the life of the clutch a little more. Cooling, Heating, Ventilation & A/C - AC Compressor clutch cycles on & off? You can jump-start the clutch to see if it will get moving manually. Compressor does not run in any AC mode. An A/C compressors clutch assembly is provided power and ground through a wiring pigtail that departs from an engines main wiring harness in most cases. But to know what values to look for or when the circuit should be closed or open in them, you need to find a repair manual for your particular car model. The clutch is not getting a signal to turn on. Seems that my mechanic does not know what else to try. It is a 2010. If so, then youve come to the right place. 0 %. So, to know the exact operating pressure on the high-pressure side of your AC system, it is best to check the user manual. By If you jump the low pressure switch with the engine running, do it only for a few seconds. Solved A/C compressor clutch not engaging . Or they charge it, then cant find a leak? Seems to work good when outside temps are below 80 degrees. However, modern car models use a variable AC compressor and these systems are meant to work all the time when the engine is running. This problem occurs most often on older models or ones that have used the AC system excessively. zain611 You would rather have the fuse blow than too much voltage make it through the system. Started February 26, 2015, By A/C Stopped Working 2010 Ford Escape This problem may be covered under warranty. Notes: A/C install kit, Includes: Filter Drier, Expansion Valve, Compressor Oil, Necessary O-Rings and Gaskets, Cap and Valve Kit. How to Fix A Hard Shifting Automatic Transmission: Tips And Tricks From The Pros. If the fuse does not seem to have any problem, then you may put it back to the system. Use a wiring diagram to ensure you have the right wire. Previously the air didn't work when set at level 2 and 3 of the four levels. Copyright 2023 Mechanic Base. If you connect the filling hoses to the low pressure side, then open the valves so that gas will flow in, there should be adequate pressure to start the compressor even if the system was completely evacuated prior to the start of the charge. Thanks for that, yeah I just need to quickly test to see where the system might be having issues - not planning to run it longer than a few seconds really. The Best Torque Wrench Digital or Dial Type? Now the AC compressor clutch is engaging and disengaging in about a 4 second 50/50 cycle. ), 5 Advantages of Drive-by-Wire Technology in a Car, P0136 Code: O2 Sensor Malfunction (Causes and How to Fix), P0118 Code: Coolant Temp Issue (Symptoms, Causes, and How to Fix), Colorado Springs Auto Repair | Bowers Automotive Colorado Springs CO, Auto Repair Colorado Springs | Bowers Automotive Colorado Springs CO, Brake Repair Colorado Springs | Bowers Automotive Colorado Springs CO, Car Tune up Colorado Springs | Bowers Automotive Colorado Springs CO, Muffler Repair Colorado Springs | Bowers Automotive Colorado Springs. Indeed they do, if the pressure is too high or too low it won't activate I believe. Again it will need to be vacuumed and refilled. Do it somewhere quiet. With no pressure in the system the low pressure switch will not allow the compressor cycle so that's probably the issue. Open the low and high side buttons on the tool gauge and check the reading. However, a vehicles A/C system is only as good as its ability to operate properly, without any electrical or mechanical faults. Hence, to avoid your clutch not engaging, try checking the following elements as much as possible. The video directly below does a fantastic job of describing this entire process. Measure the voltage coming to the connector with a multimeter, and if everything is activated properly, you should see 12 to 14 volts coming to this wire. May you find this article as helpful as we hoped it to be. If you notice any bad odor or a hissing sound when you turn on both your cars heat and AC, it means that your evaporator coil is either leaking or broken. If you dont get any voltage reading, then check the fuse. Started August 12, 2021, By FluffyBunnyFlipFlops Before opening the hood to see if there is anything wrong with the AC compressor, start the Escape and turn the AC off and back on a few times. Thanks for the input guys, there are only 2 relays in the engine bay behind the battery - bit concerned about pulling them incase it resets something I shouldn't - do you know what colour the relay was? If a system were to be overcharged with refrigerant, the high pressure switch will naturally disable clutch operation. If so, try the troubleshooting techniques described here. 85ltdcrownvic. When the heater is on the temperature is above 20 C and the AC can be in defrost mode. 15 people found this helpful. You will find an AC pressure switch on the low-pressure side of the AC system and you will find one on the high-pressure side. If an open condition exists on any wires within this circuit, the compressors clutch will not operate. What, if anything, could I try to diagnose? I think you want one of those at this point. There are shops that specialize in A/C systems. Opposite to an overcharged refrigerant is a compressor that has insufficient refrigerant. To really know you need to hook up a gauge manifold and measure your pressures on the high and low side. How to Manually Move A Power Seat: A Step-By-Step Guide. The a/c clutch normally uses a 10A fuse. rcmckee Started 2 hours ago, By Remove the AC connector, check a wiring diagram, and pull a fused wire from the battery to the connector. Do NOT jump the low pressure switch to operate the compressor non-stop so you can add refrigerant. (2012 - 2023) Ford Fusion Battery Sizes & Specs (2006 - 2023) Ford Ranger Battery Sizes & Specs (2000 - 2023) If the AC system is low on the coolant, there is a high chance that it could cause the AC compressor clutch not to engage. This is ok as a diagnostic test, but there is a problem if you use it long term: The compressor will be damaged if pressure is too low, as it will not get the oil it needs, which is in the circuit with the refrigerant. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Your link has been automatically embedded. Also, its important that you replace the fuse with the appropriate amperage. In order for the AC Condensor to do its job it must stay as cool as it can. Mondeo Mk5, Fiesta TDCI 1.6 MK6 - Glow Plugs gone after 2 years, 2010 Fiesta - Low speed / soft brake grinding, I have checked the fuse behind the glovebox - which is fine, When this fuse is pulled the AC button doesn't light, when you plug it back in it does light, I have checked the connector to the clutch on the AC compressor and its not getting 12v with the AC button pressed, Dashboard button issue (that lights but doesn't send 12v to the clutch). Can It Just Be Low On Hi You should also check the high-pressure switch and evaporator temperature sensors for signs of faulty or loose wires. Thanks Ken. In turn, the A/C system clutch disengages. ANY good A/C shop will solve this riddle in short orderits all they do. No leaks. Started February 20, By 2. No problems since then (two years ago). This pressure pushes the refrigerant through the rest of the system. Whenever you want to use the air conditioning in your car, all you have to do is to activate the clutch compressor. might look to manually run the AC pump directly at the clutch end. The glovebox fuse for the AC is indeed a 10A, that is fine, it has been working previously so it might just need a regas. Certified Automotive Diagnostic Technician. It is also a simple replacement to do. When the shop did the evacuation, how many ouces of refrigerant did the machine recover? Just like any clutch, its possible that it has simply worn out. laumk7 not sure if these systems have a pressure failsafe where it doesn't operate if the internal pressure isn't high enough? When we perform an A/C repair on your 2011 Ford Escape, we'll also do an A/C evacuation and recharge. Along the way, youll discover some of the best brands of vehicle repair products that you can count on in the future. Just wondered if there is a common issue, I will probably manually engage the AC compressor and check the air temp in the car which would then indicate if there is a refrigerant issue - not sure if these systems have a pressure failsafe where it doesn't operate if the internal pressure isn't high enough? The bypass you tried relies on the fuse listed to have power to the relay. In other words, the system is low on refrigerant. 2. Dave May We also examine what the AC clutch is and how you can fix it, so cold air will be in your future once again. Powered by Invision Community, DISCLAIMER: fordownersclub.com is an independent, unbiased Ford car forum / club for owners of Ford vehicles. We only use the commissions thereby generated to maintain the site. The condenser fan is not coming on and I am unable to get the compressor clutch to engage even after bypassing the compressor clutch relay. Marvel Mystery Oil vs Seafoam: Which is The Better Choice? Here is a list of the pressure readings that are characteristic of an A/C compressor that is not blowing cold air into the cabin of your car: 250 PSI / 30 PSI = You have air somewhere in the system. Started 15 hours ago, By $285.95. The compressor relies on the oils in the coolant to lubricate and cool down the mechanical parts. Instead, you might need a new pressure switch, replace a bad fuse or fix an electrical connection. The AC compressor is getting a command to turn on but is no longer able to, which would indicate that it needs replacing. Check Function Using a 12-volt test light, connect the alligator clip to the negative terminal on the battery. The failure of any of these sensors can render an A/C clutch inoperable. Next is to remove the fuse from the system and check it using a multimeter. Antonsd - My E350's AC was not working (clutch not engaging) so I added two cans (22 oz.) Looking for a good online repair manual? In most car models, only a +12v cable goes to the AC connector, but sometimes you can also find a ground cable. Previously the air didn't work when set at level 2 and 3 of the four levels. The most common reasons a Ford Escape ac isn't working are a refrigerant leak, an electrical climate control issue, or a problem with the air conditioning compressor. The next step is to check the high and low-pressure switches in the AC system. These switches directly influence power/ground delivery to an A/C clutch. 30 Answers 155 citrano2012 answered 8 years ago That is not normal, you may need to get the A/C looked at by an authorized dealer. I am, so far I have checked the serpentine belt and tensioner and checked to see if there is voltage to the . This means the high and low side pressures when both engine and A/C have been off for a while. These include low or excess refrigerant and insufficient oil. 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