QuestionQUESTION: Hi, first thanks so much for offering your help to others...it is a really nice thing to do.
I have a 1998 Ford Escort (4-door). It only has 30,000 miles on it. A good car. I have lived in Phoenix, AZ for three years and this summer my air conditioner would be just fine and I'd have two or three stops at stores and then the third or fourth time I'd start the car and only hot air would blow out of the vents...
So, I asked a friend to help me recharge it...I bought a gauge and he put in about half of the stuff. It worked for a while but then started doing the same thing. When I put the gauge on the car in the mornings, when it's not hot, it measures in the 45-50 psi level...just right...but today, when the air was blowing hot and the weather is hot outside, I put the gauge on and it showed way over to the red section...around 150 psi...that scared me and I took it off and just went inside.
Later I went out and started the car and the air came out cold again...
I don't mind taking it someplace, but I'm afraid I will be told I need something I don't and it will cost more than it should.
do you have any ideas on what could be happening? Anything you can tell me would help me...
Thank you so much for your expertise...
Sincerely,
Leslee
ANSWER: Hi Leslee
Check and see if your compressor is starting. Turn car on with ac at max if the system pressures show 150 psi check the front of the compressor clutch to see if it engages. If it engages and is still at 150 psi then your compressor is not pumping. If your compressor is not turning on then go to the accumulator (black metal bottle) near the fire wall. There is a pressure switch on it disconnect cable and jump with a paper clip. If it starts and cools then replace the switch.
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QUESTION: Hi, it's me again....I finally figured out where all that stuff was located that you spoke of in your answer...and when I put the wire to "jump" the disconnect cable...the air conditioner did run well...Okay, what I am asking now, if you have any idea, is how much should that cost to fix? I wonder if it is easy enough for me to do myself? If I do take it to a professional...I don't want to get "ripped off" by not knowing how much it should cost...I'm in Arizona...
I'd love to replace it myself...as I'm a female and would love to be able to fix my car myself. But the part is in a sort of hard to get to place...but doable...
Anyway, I so appreciate your answer and you were right on target with your reply....
Thanks again..
Best wishes,
Leslee
AnswerGlad you found it that was probably the hardest thing. All you need to do now is unscrew the switch and replace it. You may find it at an auto parts store and for sure at the dealer. Just be careful when you screw it back in make sure you do not have a leak at the seal. Go slow and listen for the hissing sound.
