A/C Question???

[Kiel Meier]

Hi everyone I need to know if this is right. My AC is OK but not nearly as cold as I think it should be, especially for a Ford. dealer said it checked out fine but i like them to freeze you out. I can run on max and never need to turn it down. let me know what yours are like
its a 2011 with 39k miles just got it Saturday.
thanks thanks thanks

 

[SHOdded]

A/C could be under or over filled. Condenser fins could be clogged, need to be hosed down (I like the foaming cleaner used for home A/C, available at Home Depot etc). The coolant should not be low either, as that can degrade A/C performance. Check the cabin filter, it may be clogged. If the blower motor is making a noise or not blowing hard, may need a resistor or new motor. If you hear a clicking sound in the dash, it points to 1 or more of the blend door actuators being faulty.

 

[mknittel]

In the past I have found a full cabin filter to cut airflow across the evap coil to the point it starts to freeze up, compounding the lack of cooling.

 

[sperold]

The dealership will have a performance test to perform on you vehicle; they use clip on thermometers and monitor how long it takes for the system to reach certain temperatures from being completely off. Try another dealer if you think the first one is not trying too hard.

 

[LongNap]

I'm in Houston and it was 100 today, car sitting in the sun all day, no tint or windshield shade... Jumped in car and hit max and it took about 10 miles or about 10 minutes and I hit auto and the cabin was 73.

Hope that answered your question?

 

[Rok]

Noting the cycle rate of the compressor can clue to (typically) an undercharge of refrigerant, which likely means there's some leak in the system. If the AC has a good load, as on a warm day, the compressor should run pretty much continuously. The compressor cycling on/off every few seconds indicates a problem. The R134 charge cans/hose and fitting kits available in the parts houses are pretty handy for adding refrigerant to a low system. I personally stay away from those 134A refrigerants that include Oil.
Always check for a clean cabin air filter and especially the condenser.
Finally, R134a is a blended refrigerant; meaning if there's a small leak in the system, different compounds leak at different rates. Repeated recharging can render the charge almost ineffective. You can add refrigerant to a system one time. After that, replace the entire charge, preferably after a good 28"Hg evacuation.