QuestionI have been having problems with my AC. When I first start the car, my MAX AC usually works from 2-5 minutes and is very cold. The fan continues to blow, but there is no cool air. Sometimes if I turn off the engine and start it again
the AC will work for a few min. When the temperature is cool (70-75) the AC works fine. A mechanic (not a Ford dealer mechanic) said he thought the whole climate control needs to be replaced. The heater works fine. Thanks for your help.
AnswerVicky,
The first thing that comes to mind...
Have you noticed your engine temperature gauge reading slightly above where it usually does? I ask this because...
Your A/C is wired through your PCM (Powertrain Control Module) This is the component that acts as the brain for the entire car. In order to turn on the A/C, certain conditions must be met. One of those conditions is that your engine temperature must not exceed 250 dgrees fahrenheit. The reason for this is that the computer is trying to allow the radiator to dissipate the heat quicker, so it shuts down the A/C system so it won't have to fight against the heat produced from the condensor (mounted in front of hte radiator) The normal operating temp for your engine should be between 180-220 degrees, so if it was running at 250 it would be noticable on the temperature gauge.
The first thing I would recommend is to check your coolant/antifreeze. Is it low? Rusty looking? If so add some coolant or have your system flushed. And while you are in there it doesn't hurt to change your thermostat also. Is your water punp leaking?
If this does not do anything, which I am fairly certain it will, the next step I would move to is your a/c clutch relay. As this relay begins going bad, the coil will draw heat from the electrical energy that runs through it. As it gets too hot the contacts (being metallic, they will react to heat and bend/flex) will break contact.
So in closing, the first check is your coolant system, NOT a/c refrigerant system. I believe you will find your cause here. After that move to the actual a/c system. When he said the whole climate control needs replaced, I assume that he was talking about the control head in the dash? If he was insinuating that the entire a/c system needs replaced, do not take your vehicle to him for repair, as it sounds he is money-hunting not trying to help you at all. If he was saying just the control head, That is a possibility, but I would have that checked out as step 3. Not right off the bat. And though I do not care for the dealership mechanics, they have one advantage, and that is that they will see faults that develop to be a common trend in certain vehicles, whereas the outside shops may not see enough 98 towncars to determine if there is a trend or not.
Thank you for the question, I hope I was of some assistance. If I can do anything further during this process, or in the future, please do not hesitate to ask. If you found this response to be of some assistance, please remember to rate this answer. Thanks again and good luck in everything.
