2004 Ford F150 air conditioner not cold when idling

2004 FORD F-150
60,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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TXTIMBOB
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I recently took my truck to a local mechanic and had him charge the a/c because it was not getting cold.He drained all of the freon and added new and drove the truck. Occasionally it would get to 65 degrees and then it wouldn't. He said that it was not getting cold when idling...I find that if you turn the fan all the way down it does get cold .If you in fact turn the fan speed up the temperature gets warm.The mechanic was at a loss and told me to take it somewhere else. Any ideas?
Jul 11, 2008 at 8:48 AM
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MERLIN2021
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Couple of things to check, any frost on the evap inlet pipe? Compressor cycling too much? And clean out the fins of your radiator and condenser with compressed air, do a good job on this, When you service the A/C you should replace the accumulator/drier, and the orifice tube...
Jul 11, 2008 at 8:51 AM
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PAPA ROSCOE
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I am having the same exact problem. Did you get it figured out?
Oct 8, 2008 at 5:44 PM
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MERLIN2021
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Did you have any of these symtoms?
Oct 9, 2008 at 5:06 PM
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PAPA ROSCOE
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The system worked great from the factory and just recently began acting up. I have cleaned the condensor and added refrigerant. That didn't seem to help. It is running at 45# on the low and 250# on the high side. More refrigerant? It seem to acting the same as the original thread poster. I'm at a loss.
Oct 9, 2008 at 5:32 PM
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MERLIN2021
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Reading isnt bad if it,s 85-90 where you are. Turn a/c on and have someone raise the idle to 2000 rpm, how many seconds between cycles of the comressor? Count how long it runs between shutoffs.
Oct 10, 2008 at 3:06 PM
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PAPA ROSCOE
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Will do this weekend and post the results. Outside temps have been that high, if not a little higher. Still a little hot here in So Cal.
Oct 10, 2008 at 4:27 PM
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MERLIN2021
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Ok dont add anymore r134a...
Oct 10, 2008 at 4:40 PM
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PAPA ROSCOE
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Here are the results of the cycling test. I ran it for 10 minutes on max A/C with the truck closed up @ 1750RPM. Never cycled once. Ambient air temp +/- 75, A/C temp cool not cold. No frost on what I believe is the accumulator. Cold but not frosty.
Oct 11, 2008 at 1:23 PM
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MERLIN2021
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Is the water draining out of the evap case good? And how is the flow thru the condesnser? Air flow that is, if you have auto temp control, try this and post any codes.
CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - F150 PICKUP -2004 Ford Pickup F150
Page 1 of 1
Electronic Automatic Temperature Control Module On-demand Self-Test
The EATC module on-demand self-test will retrieve on-demand (hard fault) DTCs only, it will not retrieve continuous DTCs. Continuous DTCs can be cleared when exiting the EATC module on-demand self-test. Make sure to retrieve continuous DTCs by carrying out the Electronic Automatic Temperature Control Module - Retrieve Continuous DTCs procedure before clearing any continuous DTCs.
 The EATC module on-demand self-test will not detect concerns associated with data link messages like engine coolant temperature or vehicle speed signals. A diagnostic tool must be used to retrieve these concerns.
 The EATC module on-demand self-test will detect concerns in the system control functions and will display on-demand (hard fault) DTCs for concerns that are present during the self-test. The vehicle interior temperature should be between 4°C - 38°C (40°F - 100°F) when performing the self-test. If the temperatures are not within the specified ranges, false DTCs may be displayed.
 The self-test can be initiated after cycling the ignition switch from OFF to ON. Normal operation of the climate control system stops when the self-test is activated.
 To enter the self-test press the OFF and DEFROST buttons simultaneously and release, then press the AUTO button within two seconds. The display will show a flashing blower icon for 20 seconds, after which all vacuum fluorescent segments will be displayed if there are no on-demand DTCs present. If DTCs are present the EATC module will display "00 00" and then on-demand DTCs. Record all DTCs displayed.
 If any DTCs appear during the self-test, carry out the diagnostic procedure. Refer to the ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (EATC) MODULE
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) INDEX and follow the ACTION for each DTC given.
 If a condition exists but no DTCs appear during the self -test, GO to SYMPTOM CHART Condition: The EATC System Is Inoperative, Intermittent or Incorrect Operation.
 To exit the self-test and retain all DTCs, press any button except DEFROST. The EATC module will exit the self-test and retain all DTCs.
 To exit the self-test and clear all DTCs, press the DEFROST button. The EATC module will exit the self-test and all DTCs will be cleared.
 Always exit the self-test before powering the system down (system turned OFF). Once the self-test is exited the ignition switch must remain ON for at least 30 seconds to allow the door actuators to automatically recalibrate.
 Continuous DTCs will be deleted after 80 ignition switch ON cycles after the intermittent fault occurs.
Oct 11, 2008 at 9:08 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.