2020 Ford Expedition MAX - Bad Evaporator?

[scsulliv]

So the A/C in my 2020 Ford Expedition MAX has stopped working twice so far this summer. I recharged it myself the first time - and it was blowing warm again 2 weeks later. Took it to the dealership, who couldn't find any leaks. They added UV dye and recharged the system so that they could detect leaks in the future. I'm guessing that it'll be empty in another week or so. The other day I got into the cab and smelled PAG refrigerant oil, which makes me think that the evaporator core is bad / leaking. Is this a common failure on these trucks? Is it even worth it to have the dealer replace one crappy OEM evaporator with another crappy OEM evaporator, or am I better off having a mom and pop shop replace it with an aftermarket evaporator? I'm assuming that the seats, center console, and entire dash need to come out to replace the evaporator, and that has me a bit worried about small shops doing the repair... I'd probably get the truck back with the dash missing half of those stupid white clips. Does anyone have the service procedure on evaporator core replacement? Any other thoughts?

 

[bocabimmer]

Check the rear AC for leaks. I had a leak from that one and it does affect the entire system.

 

[Benztech]

I would use factory parts but only because I've seen fitment issues with aftermarket parts. You could use an aftermarket shop which would likely save a bunch of money. If it is the front evaporator the dash will need to come out. Hopefully it is the rear if it is an evaporator, and based on my experience years ago this was usually the issue. You can buy a cheap UV light and start looking since dye has been added.

 

[scsulliv]

Update: it was the rear evap core..

 

[CoolViper777]

Just wanted say, our 2019 Exp Platinum also had to have it's Rear Evap core replaced, along with front drivers seat heating/cooling electronics, and A/C and sunroof drains had to be replaced and/or unclogged. All under our extended warranty, thank goodness we have one. Along with a front wheel bearing, and repair of oil leak due to valve cover (or something like that). I always wonder what's going to break next...hopefully this is it. Though, I hope the transmission grinds itself to powder before our warranty expires, so we get a properly built one.

 

[scsulliv]

Just wanted say, our 2019 Exp Platinum also had to have it's Rear Evap core replaced, along with front drivers seat heating/cooling electronics, and A/C and sunroof drains had to be replaced and/or unclogged. All under our extended warranty, thank goodness we have one. Along with a front wheel bearing, and repair of oil leak due to valve cover (or something like that). I always wonder what's going to break next...hopefully this is it. Though, I hope the transmission grinds itself to powder before our warranty expires, so we get a properly built one.

FYI - The transmission on my 2020 Ford Expedition went out right before the powertrain warranty expired. The dealership rebuilt it with all of Ford's latest parts and calibrations. It took about 3 months for it to stop shifting like total crap, but even now it still shifts harshly into 6th and 10th gears when the transmission oil is hot.

And I found out that if the transmission oil is below 0° on a cold start, the first couple shifts are still really terrible! I have a video of it shifting from first to third and then fourth immediately, then when I stop, it downshifts from 4th to 3rd, then up to fourth, then it sat there for a while, and then it finally shifted into first. The day before I took the video, it actually ground gears when I tried driving with cold oil (-6F)! Not sure if it shifted into park while I was still rolling or what, but it was bad!

Even with all of the updates, I think Ford's valve body is a piece of garbage, with plenty of cross leakage and / or solenoids that don't work correctly in cold temperatures. Anyway, I guess when this rebuild ***** the bed, I'll have to get one rebuilt with (hopefully) better quality aftermarket parts. Good luck!