air conditioner warm at idle

[fsverde]

03 with 4.6L v8 with 220,000. When first started blows cold like it always has air stays cold while driving. However, on idle at a light or in slow traffic the air gradually warms up. When parked can keep the air cold by keeping rpm up over 1500. Recently had a vacuum leak repaired that was causing very rough idle

 

[alaskanexpy]

same issue i had with my explorer, i added a can of refrigerant and all is good.

 

[toms89]

Since you mentioned it occurs at idle and slow speeds it may be due to airflow across the condensor or lack thereof. I would check the operation of your fan clutch. At speed the ram air is sufficient to cool the condensor.

You can try spinning the fan by hand after you shut down hot motor. It should not spin freely as the clutch is engaged.

 

[edadmartin]

dont cold enough

Im have warmer temp than I should, it cools but its not frosty as before. It seems the shrader low pressure maybe leaking as there is tell tale stuff on the tubing around the valve. Can I fix it by adding Freon and a can of sealer? or does my mechanic need to fix it ?

 

[Jb14]

These vehicles are very susceptible to clutch fan issues. A faulty clutch fan will result in the incorrect amount of pressure communication between parts of you AC system and cause your system to limit its effectiveness so as not to damage other parts.

 

[stamp11127]

One correct fix is to replace the schrader valve in the port. There are a few sizes of low and high pressure valves, so a trip to the shop would be in order. Another option is to replace the accumulator which has new valve in the port.

On the ThermoKing units at work, they recommend replacing the accumulator - receiver/drier every two years. Since it absorbs moisture in the system it is cheap insurance vs the more expensive parts.

 

[buildingdoc]

I would never ever put sealant into a closed system. This is just a restriction waiting to happen. If you put sealant in, it will react with any moisture in the system and harden inside. That cheap fix may result in a full system replacement. Compressor, condenser, evap , and lines can be pretty expensive. Try taking a large fan and put it in front on the grille and see if it cools. Ensure youre air dams are properly secured as well. You may have a compressor letting go and peices are clogging the condenser. Need pressures and subcooling temps to really figure out whats happening in the system

 

[mindgame]

These vehicles are very susceptible to clutch fan issues. A faulty clutch fan will result in the incorrect amount of pressure communication between parts of you AC system and cause your system to limit its effectiveness so as not to damage other parts.

I concur.. Which is why I converted to electric fans, and no more AC issues during idle..

 

[Stoned06]

I had my AC recharged this summer, and the technician said that he could stop my fan at idle with his fingers once the vehicle warmed up. He said the clutch was going out, and I should keep an eye on my temp gauge in the meantime. He also mentioned that at a stop/idle, my AC would be a little warmer due to lack of airflow over the radiator/condenser.

 

[1ATony]

We carry new AC fan clutches for the Ford Expedition if anyone needs one. Here's a link to them on our website. Ford Expedition Fan Clutch