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Compressor will not engage

Tiny
PAPADAVE
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 FORD RANGER
Air Conditioning problem 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 175000 miles

The AC on my Ranger will not cool. This started last fall as an occasional problem. At first it seemed that it just took an extraordinarily long time for the AC to start cooling. I found that repeatedly switching the AC on and off would cause it the compressor to start (I can tell when it kicks in because of the slight drop in RPMs) As soon as the compressor starts it cools quickly. This spring it had gotten to the point that it only worked every few weeks. I had a local mechanic look at it, he attempted to "jump" the compressor, checked fuses, etc but nothing would work. A few days later it started working and continued to work for several days. For the last few weeks it will not engage at all. The mechanic told me that it could possibly be the BCM and suggested that we replace it to find out. I'm concerned that this might be a shot in the dark and do not want to pay to replace something that is not the problem.
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Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 AT 4:08 PM

14 Replies

Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Hi
No BCM used on Ford a GM feature. With a test light put on A/C compressor turn A/C on off if light glows every time then clutch is worn and gap is too large for magnet to pull in. With A/C on engine runing tap clutch shoe it should engage.
Let me know
Thanks for donate
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Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 AT 4:22 PM
Tiny
PAPADAVE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for replying. There is no power at the plug to the compressor. However, if I directly connect the compressor from the battery the clutch engages.
Checked all the fuses and none (that I could locate) are blown.
This obviously indicates that a switch or relay is bad. Any suggestons on where to start?
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Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 AT 5:42 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,861 POSTS
Hello,

The compressor will not engage if the system is low. Here is a guide to show you how to check that.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-how-to-add-freon

Next there is a compressor relay that may have gone out

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Here are some wiring diagrams (BELOW) so you can check the system to see why its not getting power.

You might have a compressor clutch coil that is bad and it needs replacing.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, May 29th, 2017 AT 8:56 PM
Tiny
STEVE MORROW
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • FORD RANGER
2002 Ranger 4WD 4.0L, 42K miles. My daughter's truck - she says there is a minor squeal only under a load - not when idling. Brakes Plus tells her it's the A/C compressor and will be $850 to repair. Anyone have an opinion? Some way I can confirm the diagnosis? If she does need a new compressor, is rebuilt OK? Thanks! (Donation submitted :-))
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Monday, May 29th, 2017 AT 8:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Squeel under load? Does it go away with a/c off? The comp will usually make noise when engaged. Ifit is gone with a/c off, then I would look closely at the drive belt tensioner
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Monday, May 29th, 2017 AT 8:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVE MORROW
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for that info. I drove the truck over the weekend and determined that it is definitely not the compressor. (At least the manager of Brakes Plus admitted that his mechanic blew it, and was glad that I questioned the diagnosis.) It is a rotational noise - a squeak that is related to the rotation of the front wheels. Is there a boot or seal that you know of that is troublesome on 2002 Rangers? Since I have to take it to a dealer for a recall on the cruise control, I guess I'll have them advise me on it. Any words of wisdom from you? Thanks.
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Monday, May 29th, 2017 AT 8:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Wheel bearing or 4x4 hub assembly
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Monday, May 29th, 2017 AT 8:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOEBSEA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1993 FORD RANGER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 124,000 MILES
Air Conditioning problem
1993 Ford Ranger 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic 124000 miles

A/C quit working, seemed slowly less warm.

Mechanic say compressor shot. Requires compressor
replacement and system rebuild.
1700.00... Vehicle not worth the expense.

Does the estimate seem reasonable. If compressor replacemnt done would new refrigrant be used?
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Monday, May 29th, 2017 AT 8:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
A/C is a funny thing. That year had r-12 for a refrigerent, is that what is planned on for the recharge? And Yes, new refrigerent would be used.

I am assumming the lines are being flushed and the Reciever drier is also being replaced as moisture will kill a compressor. IS this a new compressor, ( I stay away from rebuilds) What else is being replaced?

The price may not be unreasonable, but there are too many variables to say without knowing them.

Here's the kicker, You spend the money and the system goes down in two weeks because of another area that began to leak, you aren't going to be happy. IT may not go that way, but have seen it happen.
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Monday, May 29th, 2017 AT 8:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
You might want to look into a used compressor in the bone yard, usually $50.00, then install a pankake filter in the line, charge and run for 1 hour, remove the filter, and recharge. Cheapest way out!
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Monday, May 29th, 2017 AT 8:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MIKE HAMMETT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 FORD RANGER
Air Conditioning problem
1995 Ford Ranger V6 Two Wheel Drive Automatic 125, 00 miles

if the compressor siezes up can you simply remove it and will you be able to adjust the serpentine belt so that the engine continues to operate o.K.?
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Monday, May 29th, 2017 AT 8:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
Mike are you asking if you can bypass the a/c compressor?

What liter motor?
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Monday, May 29th, 2017 AT 8:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TOPDOLLAR112
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1994 FORD RANGER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 19,000 MILES
Air Conditioning problem
1994 Ford Ranger 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic 190, 00 miles

when I first turn on my AC it blows cold air, gradually gets warmer until it is just blowing slightly cool air. I turn off the air and wait a while, then turn fan on and it blows cold again then gradually gets warmer. System is fully charged, compressor and accumulator have been replaced. Cant figure this out.
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Monday, May 29th, 2017 AT 8:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RENAUDTN
  • MECHANIC
  • 636 POSTS
You probably have air and moisture in your system causing it to freeze up. Evacuate your AC with a vacuum pump to purge it. If you're not sure how to do that I suggest you take it to a professional; refrigerant in your system is under high pressure, and can be hazardous if handled improperly.
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Monday, May 29th, 2017 AT 8:58 PM (Merged)

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