1995 Ford Escort A/C erratic

Tiny
84SHOVEL
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 FORD ESCORT
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
Have a 1995 Ford Escort with 125,000mi. As of today, the A/C began blowing Cold than warm. With engine running, I had my wife turn the A/C switch to high, and noticed that the compressor was engaging and disengaging rather rapidly (5 to 10 second intervals). To my knowledge this system has never been serviced. Could the systems refrigerant broken down over time or is this and indicator that the compressor is about to give out? Thanking you in advance for your knowledgeable input and advice.
Monday, June 28th, 2010 AT 4:19 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
You could be low on charge which if you have never serviced it would be good considering it's age. You could also have a leak so when you charge it make sure you charge it with some dye. Also make sure you get a charging hose with a gauge that tells you when it's low on charge just right or over charged. Also if your cooling fan doesn't work correctly that can cause your compressor to cycle as well because it will cause your pressure's in the a/c system to be too high then your compressor will cycle on and off.
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Monday, June 28th, 2010 AT 4:30 PM
Tiny
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Saturntech9.

Thank you for the quick response. Due to cars age, would current refrigerant be the old R12, and if so are there components that need to be changed out when switching to R134A?

Thanking you in advance for your response.
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Tuesday, June 29th, 2010 AT 4:52 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Look's like your car already came with r 134 so your good to go. You just need to get a charging hose that has a gauge that tells you the state of charge if it's under over etc charged. Also get a can of charge with a/c dye in it in case you have a leak. Your system completely empty hold's 28 ounce's of charge which your system isn't empty since your compressor come's on. Follow the direction's on the can and that come with the hose.
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Tuesday, June 29th, 2010 AT 2:30 PM
Tiny
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  • 4 POSTS
Saturntech9,

Thanks for all your help. Will tackle this weekend. Have a great Fourth of July Holiday!
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Tuesday, June 29th, 2010 AT 5:19 PM
Tiny
84SHOVEL
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Saturntech9

Opps, forgot to ask. Since I could not locate product that had dye, refrigerant and oil, I purchased oil separately. Refrigerant has gauge and seems pretty straight forward. However. Was advised to do oil first? Would that be correct? If so. How many ounces of oil would this A/C system contain? I am NOT purging the system. That being said.I also do NOT want to over fill.

Once again, thank you for your support.L
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Saturday, July 3rd, 2010 AT 11:37 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
I wouldn't worry about the oil unless you replace a a/c line compressor etc or you have a sudden loss of pressure and you will the oil that came out. But that is correct to add the oil first.I would get a can of charge with just charge and dye they sell them just don't get that piece of junk with the hose already attached they leak everywhere. Start with the can with the dye and charge first.
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Sunday, July 4th, 2010 AT 12:59 AM

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