Help diagnosing intermittent A/C on 2011 EL Limited

[Mackenzie Gans]

Hey everyone, I could use your help diagnosing intermittent A/C on my 2011 EL Limited (Automatic climate control with heated/cooled seats). It's getting hot here in Vegas right now and I've been to the shop multiple times but they haven't been able to fix it. These are the repairs for far:

1. Replaced blower motor and blower motor resistor
2. Replaced wiring harness with updated WPT-688 harness
3. Replaced blower motor and blower motor resistor again
4. Replaced HVAC control module

The one question I have is about the updated wiring harness, when they replaced it they did not use the newer, thicker wires, just the connector. In the original wires I remember one being very thin and I'm wondering if it could be the culprit.

The issue is the A/C turns on for 3 seconds then turns off for 10 seconds. It's driving me nuts. Any ideas? I'm trying to avoid taking it to the dealership and paying a King's ransom.

 

[stamp11127]

If you don't have a meter that can measure dc amps you should take it to a shop. Otherwise you'll just keep tossing parts.
Your symptoms are usually from excessive current draw in that circuit.

 

[Mackenzie Gans]

Problem is, I am taking it to a shop!

 

[bobmbx]

Hey everyone, I could use your help diagnosing intermittent A/C on my 2011 EL Limited (Automatic climate control with heated/cooled seats). It's getting hot here in Vegas right now and I've been to the shop multiple times but they haven't been able to fix it. These are the repairs for far:

1. Replaced blower motor and blower motor resistor
2. Replaced wiring harness with updated WPT-688 harness
3. Replaced blower motor and blower motor resistor again
4. Replaced HVAC control module

The one question I have is about the updated wiring harness, when they replaced it they did not use the newer, thicker wires, just the connector. In the original wires I remember one being very thin and I'm wondering if it could be the culprit.

The issue is the A/C turns on for 3 seconds then turns off for 10 seconds. It's driving me nuts. Any ideas? I'm trying to avoid taking it to the dealership and paying a King's ransom.

What, exactly, is turning on/off? The compressor or blower or the whole system?

 

[Mackenzie Gans]

What, exactly, is turning on/off? The compressor or blower or the whole system?

The whole system. Blows for 3 seconds then goes silent. I can get cooled seats to run, but it's just air.

 

[bobmbx]

The whole system. Blows for 3 seconds then goes silent. I can get cooled seats to run, but it's just air.

What about the rear system? Does it work or cycle on and off also? When the system is off, do any of the controls still work (or at least light up)?

 

[stamp11127]

Let us know what the shop says the problem is.

 

[Mackenzie Gans]

Thanks for all your help and information guys. I mentioned to the shop what someone said here about the high failure rates of the aftermarket blower motor resistor, so they installed an OEM resistor. It's working now! I turned it off and on during my drive home and it never cut out. The shop didn't charge thankfully because they warrantied their work from the first repair. Hopefully have smooth sailing tomorrow, it's forecast to be 107. Thanks again for the help, you guys nailed it with the blower motor connector TSB, and again with the OEM vs aftermarket resistor.

 

[JExpedition07]

I had the same issue, I replaced the usual relay/module and had no relief. I then replaced the connector too and still had the issue. Finally I ordered a new blower motor from Ford and it solved my issue. Mine often wouldn’t run at all and I’d have to hit the glovebox or motor to get it to start however. It would turn on and off on high like you described and surge high and low at other times.

Mine is a 2007 EL Eddie Bauer with dual zone climate and heated/cooled seats....note the cooled seats can only cool 14 degrees from ambient so no air= hot seats

 

[Mackenzie Gans]

note the cooled seats can only cool 14 degrees from ambient so no air= hot seats

So if the weather is 100+ in Vegas, then no wonder it feels like the cooled seats aren't doing anything. Glad you also got your issue fixed.