Ford Repair: 95 Tauras SHO ATX 3.2, light glows, coolant level

Question
Hello. I am having trouble with my SHO. The AC blows cold, then hot (not good here in Texas). Temperature gauge shows middle normal then drops to cold normal. Low coolant light glows steady but not bright. Coolant level is fine but the light will not go off. Refridgerant has been added to A/C. I go to work (50 miles)in the early AM, about 80 degrees outside and the system works fine set at 70. When I leave work it is 90-105 outside and the system behaves erratic at best. The radiator fan appears to be working OK. Fuses are all OK. Could all this be related to one thing or do I have many problems? Thank you.

Answer
Let's look at the easy one first: if the low coolant light won't go out with coolant at the proper level the level sensor is most likely the problem. This is separate from the AC concern.

The Taurus of your vintage is prone to excess compressor clutch air gap due to wear. This will show up much more in hot temperatures than any other time. The clutch is a magentic device, and if the gap between clutch and pulley is too great the magnets cannot overcome the air gap and cause the compressor to turn. I would check this first before suspecting any electrical problem. The air gap has a wide spec, but I like to set them about .020" which seems to work well without the annoying noise of the clutch engaging.

You may have something else wrong, but this is what I would check first.