1999 Ford Escort ZX2

AKAALFY

MEMBER
1999 FORD ESCORT

My '99 zx2 (automatic, 4 cylinder, etc.) Has been giving me some trouble lately. Recently it has been idling rough when I have the a/c on. It squeaks pretty loud. And the belt is brand new. So is the tensioner and timing shaft(?). I thought it was my motor mounts so I had all those replaced (they turned out to be pretty messed up). Every time I switch my car into reverse with the a/c on I can't believe how rough it feels and how loud it gets. My mechanic suggested I needed oil in my compressor. But I don't know. I've spent a lot of money on repairs already. And it runs like a charm without the a/c. Why? Could it just be as simple as oil in the compressor? Heh.
thanks for any replies.

5 Replies

JWALTH02

MEMBER
180 POSTS

Could be oil, could be the whole compressor being out of whack, if it's only when the a/c is on then that's a good possibility. I'd start small by putting the oil in it, but it might be time for a new compressor. Or just roll the window down and drive faster :)

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Wednesday, July 11th, 2007 AT 3:11 AM

AKAALFY

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3 POSTS

Sometimes when I have my A/C off and I turn after being stopped, there is a 1 second whining noise - exactly like the one when I have my A/C on. Would this have anything to do with the compressor - even though the A/C is not on? Does having a compressor put a constant extra load on a vehicle?

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Wednesday, July 11th, 2007 AT 3:26 AM

JWALTH02

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180 POSTS

Not a constant load no. It's got a floating pully basically just like a clutch that only puts the load on it when you turn it on. That might be what's causing it is the compressor pulley but I believe they have to be bought as a whole.

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Wednesday, July 11th, 2007 AT 3:51 AM

AKAALFY

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3 POSTS

I'm pretty sure it's the belt tensioner. Took it to an a/c shop. It doesn't have anything to do with the compressor. My car cools good and everything, doesn't overheat. Oil change and going to take out the tensioner soon. Any thoughts? I think my mechanic was just avoiding this as if he didn't want to do the job.

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Wednesday, July 11th, 2007 AT 3:03 PM

JWALTH02

MEMBER
180 POSTS

Ok, ya if you just replaced those, then the tensioner might not have been adjusted properly so it would be ok without the load of the compressor, but with that extra strain sent it over the edge with the squealing and everything. Makes sense.

Is this the same mechanic that put it in? Cause if so he probably just doesn't wanna admit that he did something wrong and wants to charge you more for something that's wasting time.