Climate Switch kills engine

WAZ

MEMBER
FORD WINDSTAR

Ford
Windstar
1998
179,000 miles
3.8L engine

While driving, I turned the climate control switch clockwise to direct heat to the dash/footwell position. After a couple of seconds there was a noticeable affect on the engine (like the compressor coming on). The engine then died. I turned off the heat blower and repositioned the climate control to the 12 o'clock or "off" position. I was able to restart the engine but noticed a strong "burn" smell. (Smelled more like and electric motor burn smell than wiring or engine). Tried repeating the problem and discovered that it involved turning the climate switch ONLY to clockwise positions (dash/footwell, dash/windshield, windshield only). In the off or counterclockwise position (dash only or AC settings) problem did not repeat. When turning the climate control to clockwise position as initially, two seconds later the engine immediately seems to step-down, like a load is being placed on it. The blower fans (front & back) seem to be unaffected since they work fine when the climate control is on dash only--plenty of heat (did not try A/C). Obviously something is fried or seized, but what and at what cost to repair?

1 Reply

BHUGG

MECHANIC
157 POSTS

It sounds like your A/C compressor froze. The compressor will only run in certian settings on the climate control. Don't run the climate control where it will require the compressor.
I personally don't know the cost. The cost could be effected by which refrigerant is in your car. I think that Ford was still using R-12 in 1998. If so, this will increase your costs. R-12 is no longer used in new automobiles. They will more than likely convince you to switch to R-134a. It is a different, more envirement frendly refrigerant. If they change refrigerants, they will need to change out more than the compressor. All seals and maybe some hoses will need to be changed as the oil for R-134a is not compatable with R-12.
I recommend that you change as repairs to R-12 systems will only get more costly as R-12 gets more scarce in the US.
I would bet that you will also need to replace the serpenitne belt as that is probably what you smelled and is now damaged.

Good luck.

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