I have a 2008 Expedition Limited and just in the last few days the a/c will blow hot after idling for 5-10 minutes in the Texas heat. I've also seen the engine temp gauge get up close to the red then cool back down then other times stay high. I shut the car off as soon as the temp gauge got up and then immediately restarted the car and the temp showed to be perfectly normal?? As for the a/c the clutch is not engaging when its blowing hot if I hold RPM's at 2k it kicks back on. Any help is really appreciated!
A/C blowing hot at idle
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Hamfisted
Full Access Members
What are your AC system pressures at idle ? Low & High side pressures.
07navi
Full Access Members
If you don't have those 2 gauges to check high and low pressures you will need them to diagnose anything for starters. They don't cost much, tell a lot, and are easy to use.
I do not have to gauges going to check with some friends and will let you know
I first made sure if was full with the a/c in a can so my low side psi was in the green about 40 psi dont have the equipment to get the high side but i will go by harbor freight tomorrow. Also any idea about engine getting hot all at the same time do these two things share the same issue? I've read up on a bad fan clutch and was thinking that could be it.
Hamfisted
Full Access Members
Check your fan clutch, and that your fan is turning, matching RPM increases. You should only be able to spin it about a half turn by hand with the engine off. If you have a garden hose, spray a mist of water in the front grill to cool the condenser and radiator and see if your AC compressor kicks on and stays on.
Motorcity muscle
Full Access Members
Mine did a similar thing on the freeway, pulled into a rest area and left it running on a hot day. A/C cut out and would not turn on, after driving for a while stopped and shut off truck. After five minutes I restarted it and all was fine. After this happened I rinsed out the condenser coil and did not happen again, 130,000 or so miles then.
Mash4077
New Member
I have had the same issues with my 2007 EB Edition. Local shop changed the fan clutch. it made it much better, but it still has trouble cooling after idling for 10 minutes or more in 90+ degree heat. I only encounter that issue when caught in traffic on vacation. The engine never reads hotter than normal.
07navi
Full Access Members
These trucks without the electric fans need to get moving to push some air through the condenser before the AC can cool well.
07navi
Full Access Members
Your temp gauge might not be working right, if it gets too hot it will go into limp mode.
This morning I went out and spun the fan it had some drag but would go around and around now the engine was cool from sitting all night so I'm thinking the engine needs to be at normal temp then you shut it off and see if the fan will spin or not. While I was inspecting the fan I noticed some build up on the left side of the radiator looking through the grill something is leaking going to dig more into it tonight and see whats up may have found my issue though
after taking apart the front of the vehicle yesterday i could defiantly tell had been leaking there was black sludge from dirt and whatever is mixing with it built up on about 1/5th of the condenser I washed it all off but could not pin point a leak. I also noticed coolant being low at cold fill yesterday morning so going to top off the coolant tank. Obviously thinking i have a coolant leak going to monitor the area over the next few days to see if i can pin point it. Also while vehicle was running yesterday and A/C blasting put the a/c in a can on it and it was perfect in the green.
jkayca
Full Access Members
Some AC dye and a ultraviolet light will help pinpoint the leak
Motorcity muscle
Full Access Members
Low side gauge only shows half systems pressures. High side pressure readings will help with figuring it out, along with actual pressure readings and ambient temps.
rbrtsmith01
Member
might consider replacing the thermostat, if engine is getting hot.
10Expedition
Member
I had my AC charged and checked out. It's still not terribly cold, especially if it draws outside air. And yes, it gets worse when in traffic. Not sure it's because of the large cabin or it's just undersized. I am not sure the rear AC helps much. It's the same air getting siphoned off, I think.
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