97 explorer ac not working
#1
05-30-07, 04:37 PM
97 explorer ac not working
hey guys...i have a 97 explorer that is not blowing any cold air.
I bought the car from my parents a few years ago. I know they have had some ac problems in the past. Switches were replaced as was the hose from the compressor to the manifold. I apologize if "switches" is too generic...I don't know much about cars.
When the ac is on it blows hot air...doesn't matter if it's on max ac or not.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to diy solutions I can try before looking into taking it to professional?
Thanks.
I bought the car from my parents a few years ago. I know they have had some ac problems in the past. Switches were replaced as was the hose from the compressor to the manifold. I apologize if "switches" is too generic...I don't know much about cars.
When the ac is on it blows hot air...doesn't matter if it's on max ac or not.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to diy solutions I can try before looking into taking it to professional?
Thanks.
#2
05-30-07, 05:52 PM
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#3
05-30-07, 06:58 PM
I can't hear the compressor...although to be honest with you, i'm not sure if I'd know what it sounds like if I could hear it.
I turn the ac on and air starts blowing. It's tolerable in the morning as it's not very hot...driving home is a totally different story.
I turn the ac on and air starts blowing. It's tolerable in the morning as it's not very hot...driving home is a totally different story.
#4
05-30-07, 07:27 PM
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If the compressor is coming on, you will here a click and sometimes the engine rpm will go up a little.
You should get a refrigerant pressure gauge at a auto store and see if you have refrigerant. That would be the first place to start looking.
This gauge usualy comes with a can of refrigerant (134a).
You attach it to the low side of your a/c system (1 of the 2 silver lines).
If you do not feel comfortable doing this, have a mechanic check it out.
While engine is running, A/C on max, feel those two a/c lines that go into your firewall, one should be cold with condesation on it, and the other usually warm/hot.
If they are both the same temp (warm) your compressor is not coming on.
You should get a refrigerant pressure gauge at a auto store and see if you have refrigerant. That would be the first place to start looking.
This gauge usualy comes with a can of refrigerant (134a).
You attach it to the low side of your a/c system (1 of the 2 silver lines).
If you do not feel comfortable doing this, have a mechanic check it out.
While engine is running, A/C on max, feel those two a/c lines that go into your firewall, one should be cold with condesation on it, and the other usually warm/hot.
If they are both the same temp (warm) your compressor is not coming on.
#6
05-31-07, 06:47 AM
I went a bought a refrigerant pressure gauge. The gauge indicated that it was low so I added some refrigerant. Should I notice a difference immediately?
I also felt the hoses coming off the compressor...at least I hope it was the compressor. There were two hoses next to the port where I added the refridgerant...both felt hot. Does this mean my compressor's bunk?
Is there anything else I can try?
I also felt the hoses coming off the compressor...at least I hope it was the compressor. There were two hoses next to the port where I added the refridgerant...both felt hot. Does this mean my compressor's bunk?
Is there anything else I can try?
#9
05-31-07, 12:46 PM
as of this morning...it still wasn't working. I'm going to check the fuses later tonight...could that affect anything? should one of the hoses coming off the accumulator be cold?
#10
05-31-07, 12:53 PM
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You should be able to hear the AC compressor click on. There's a magnetic clutch than needs to be actuated on mine, thus the 'click'.
On my VW, I charge the low side port (don't hook to the high side!) with the car running and the AC on max. Keep adding until the can is so cold you can't touch it, then go in the car to check the AC. Should be getting cold. Repeat until you are satisfied. If you have a gauge, charge up to the proper pressure.
On my VW, I charge the low side port (don't hook to the high side!) with the car running and the AC on max. Keep adding until the can is so cold you can't touch it, then go in the car to check the AC. Should be getting cold. Repeat until you are satisfied. If you have a gauge, charge up to the proper pressure.
#12
05-31-07, 12:56 PM
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DO NOT keep adding refrigerant! If you overcharge the system, it can cause alot more damage!
Add the refrigerent until your gauge reads normal.
Add the refrigerent until your gauge reads normal.
#13
05-31-07, 12:58 PM
yep...the guage read "filled". I did not overfill the system.
It takes me 40 minutes to get to work. In those 40 minutes I did not feel the air getting cooler. Is it safe to rule the lack of refridgerant out of the equation?
It takes me 40 minutes to get to work. In those 40 minutes I did not feel the air getting cooler. Is it safe to rule the lack of refridgerant out of the equation?
#14
06-01-07, 08:04 AM
would just see a shop for an a/c diagnostic as there could be alot of causes for it not to be working call around a few shops its generally not that expensive to get the system checked out and see what it needs.
#15
06-01-07, 09:13 AM
I've got a '97 Explorer too, and when my AC died at 35,000 miles, it turned out the accumulator had rusted out and a pinhole leak caused the refrigerant to leak out. Ford had a problem with these accumulators, in that they insulated them, and the insulation trapped moisture next to the steel accumulator, causing it to rust and eventually fail.
