A/C not working properly

MARCEL E

MEMBER
2012 FORD ESCAPE
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
98,000 MILES

The A/C decided it wasn't going to work this year. I connected a gauge to it and it said 120, I thought it was because it was hot. So I waited until the next morning and checked again the gauge read 45psi, I started the car up and all of a sudden the A/C was working then I turned it off and turned it back on and it started blowing hot air again, stuck the gauge back on and was reading 120psi again. Was told it was a small leak so I went and got the leak stop and added it this morning. Same thing A/C was blowing out cool air I didn't turn it off this time and it started gradually going warmer and warmer. Now since I added the leak product my gauge bounces from 35psi to 65psi for a few seconds and then goes back to 100psi, what in the world is going on with that?

1 Reply

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good morning,

First, never never add sealer to the system. That stuff causes more issues and never does anything for a leak. It most likely failed the expansion valve in the system.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-leak-detection

You need to get a full set of gauges and give me both the high and low side readings when it is not running and when it is running. Then I can help you with diagnosing this issue.

You can rent a set of gauges at a parts store.

You will need at least a expansion valve and a dryer to start.

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

Roy

Removal and Installation

NOTICE: Motorcraft(R) Electric Compressor Oil only must be used as a refrigerant system lubricant for hybrid vehicles. Addition of any oil other than Motorcraft(R) Electric Compressor Oil to the hybrid vehicle refrigerant system will damage the electric Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor and contaminate the refrigerant system. Refer to the Refrigerant Oil Adding procedure.

1. Recover the refrigerant.

2. Remove the Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TXV) fitting nut and disconnect the fitting.
- Discard the gasket seals.

- To install, tighten to 15 Nm (133 lb-in).

3. Remove the 2 TXV (Thermostatic Expansion Valve) bolts and the TXV (Thermostatic Expansion Valve).
- Discard the O-ring seals.

- To install, tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).

4. NOTICE: Motorcraft(R) Electric Compressor Oil only must be used as a refrigerant system lubricant for hybrid vehicles. Addition of any oil other than Motorcraft(R) Electric Compressor Oil to the hybrid vehicle refrigerant system will damage the electric Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor and contaminate the refrigerant system. Refer to the Refrigerant Oil Adding procedure.

To install, reverse the reverse the removal procedure.

- If the TXV (Thermostatic Expansion Valve) stud has become loose during removal, or has been removed for any reason, tighten the TXV (Thermostatic Expansion Valve) stud to 6 Nm (53 lb-in) before the TXV (Thermostatic Expansion Valve) fitting nut is reinstalled.

- Install new O-ring seals and gasket seals.

- Add the correct amount of clean PAG oil (non-hybrid) or electric A/C compressor oil (hybrid) to the refrigerant system. For additional information, refer to the Refrigerant Oil Adding procedure.

5. Evacuate, leak test and charge the refrigerant system.

Removal and Installation

NOTE: The receiver/drier fitting studs can be removed and installed separately from the receiver/drier and are available as service parts. If only the fitting studs are damaged, it is not necessary to install a new receiver/drier.

NOTE: Installation of a new receiver/drier is not required when repairing the A/C system, except when there is physical evidence of contamination from a failed A/C compressor or damage to the receiver/drier. Damage to the receiver/drier includes leaks, physical damage to the receiver/drier shell or desiccant, or moisture contamination. Moisture contamination results only from a complete loss of refrigerant, and equalization of the refrigerant system pressure with atmospheric pressure for a period longer than one hour. If even a slight amount of positive refrigerant pressure is present in the refrigerant system before repairs are carried out, a new receiver/drier should not be installed.

1. Recover the refrigerant.

2. Remove the front bumper cover. For additional information, refer to Section 501-19 See: Bumper.

3. Remove the condenser outlet fitting nut and disconnect the fitting.
- Discard the O-ring seal and gasket seal.

- To install, tighten to 15 Nm (133 lb-in).

4. Disconnect the A/C pressure transducer electrical connector.

5. Remove the receiver/drier outlet fitting nut and disconnect the fitting.
- To install, tighten to 15 Nm (133 lb-in).

- Discard the O-ring seal and gasket seal.

6. Detach the evaporator outlet line from the receiver/drier bracket clip.

7. Remove the 2 receiver/drier nuts.
- To install, tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).

8. Remove the receiver/drier.

9. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Install new gasket seals and O-ring seals.

- Lubricate the refrigerant system with the correct amount of clean PAG oil.

10. Evacuate, leak test and charge the refrigerant system.

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