A/C compressor shuts off when it is hot

RLAMONICA

MEMBER
2005 FORD FOCUS
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

The AC compressor clutch engages and ice cold air come out of the vents after we purchased an AC Pro recharge kit and added a bit of refrigerant, but it did not last.

The issue seems to be heat related because if we use the AC at night it will consistently blow cold air for as long as we want. During the day is a different story as the compressor clutch will disengage after about ten to fifteen minutes and only hot air comes out of the vents. We have taken the car on a ride on the freeway and stayed in the driveway both with the same results after ten to fifteen minutes of running the car with the AC on.

I am not sure if the system is overcharged and when the system heats up it trips a pressure sensor and shuts down the clutch on the compressor or if there is something else going on?

5 Replies

BMDOUBLE

MECHANIC
1,139 POSTS

I would start by retrieving trouble codes from the PCM and verify the cooling fans are operating. Seems to be temperature/pressure related and most of these that I have seen seem to have fan issues.

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Sunday, May 20th, 2018 AT 12:56 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
43,332 POSTS

Yes, it does sounds like the system is over charged. Here is a guide to help you confirm the issue:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

This guide can help as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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Monday, May 21st, 2018 AT 10:26 AM

RLAMONICA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Update:

I checked error codes and there were none. Both fans are running and pulling air through the condenser. While using the OBD2 scanner I did notice after a while the (ACP) sensor reading went from Open to Closed and kicked off the compressor clutch

I then had to wait a few hours for things to cool before I could get the compressor clutch to to engage again to get readings with a set of gauges. It is currently 77° and I have got an LP of 24 and a HP of just over 150 (see photo). The LP started around 30 then after ten to fifteen minutes dropped to 24.

Everything was running ice cold as it usually does at night. The only difference tonight was when I cycled the AC off then back on the clutch would not engage again even though it was cool out.

I am thinking I may have to take it to a shop, but its just so expensive. $130.00 to recover and recharge even though a machine does all the work at most shops.

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