97 escort wagon AC woes.

Hi all,

been have a bad AC year in one of the hottest summers here in Toronto. Both my escort and windstar ac are not working <sigh>. Oddly enough both vehicles have somewhat similar problems.

The escort had a bit of coolish air coming out. I went to see a friend of a friend and he tried filling the system. For some reason the system didn't want to fill and the compressor kept on cycling all the time. The low pressure would go from 25psi to 45 psi to 25 psi to 45 psi...etc. I think some valve is broken or solenoid. The person who was kind enough to try an fill the ac unit borrowed the proper gauges and coolant but is by no means a mechanins (nor am I btw I just like using fancy words like psi cause thats what the guages said hehehe).

As for the 99 windstar it was pretty much the same thing but no cool air at all was coming from the vents. When I put the guages on it pretty much indicated the system was empty. When we tried filling the windstar up the compressor activated and began cycling as well but at this point I didn't bother looking at the psi guages, turned everything off and decided it was time to read up on the issue because the problem was more then just low freon levels.

Any and all help would be appreciated. I don't mind putting some money on replacing valves and solenoids (which is what I think the problem is). But please please please if you do think that is the problem tell me where to find the said devices and how to change them. I am mechanically inclined but don't know very much about cars. If you honestly think this isn't a beginners job as well I will take it to a garage to get fixed but I would rather save the money since I don't have infinit supplies.

Thanks in advance!!!
Tim

Hi all,

been have a bad AC year in one of the hottest summers here in Toronto. Both my escort and windstar ac are not working <sigh>. Oddly enough both vehicles have somewhat similar problems.

The escort had a bit of coolish air coming out. I went to see a friend of a friend and he tried filling the system. For some reason the system didn't want to fill and the compressor kept on cycling all the time. The low pressure would go from 25psi to 45 psi to 25 psi to 45 psi...etc. I think some valve is broken or solenoid. The person who was kind enough to try an fill the ac unit borrowed the proper gauges and coolant but is by no means a mechanins (nor am I btw I just like using fancy words like psi cause thats what the guages said hehehe).

As for the 99 windstar it was pretty much the same thing but no cool air at all was coming from the vents. When I put the guages on it pretty much indicated the system was empty. When we tried filling the windstar up the compressor activated and began cycling as well but at this point I didn't bother looking at the psi guages, turned everything off and decided it was time to read up on the issue because the problem was more then just low freon levels.

Any and all help would be appreciated. I don't mind putting some money on replacing valves and solenoids (which is what I think the problem is). But please please please if you do think that is the problem tell me where to find the said devices and how to change them. I am mechanically inclined but don't know very much about cars. If you honestly think this isn't a beginners job as well I will take it to a garage to get fixed but I would rather save the money since I don't have infinit supplies.

Thanks in advance!!!
Tim

Look up some of the other recent posts seems some orifice goes wrong and gives some of the symptoms you say.

Look up some of the other recent posts seems some orifice goes wrong and gives some of the symptoms you say.

Thanks for the info. I do have a quick question concerning this. The ac is definantly cooler today after it was filled last night. I am guessing I was low on coolant and probably still am a bit since the air isn't as cold as it used to be.

This orifice that you have pointed me too, I remember looking at that tube last night and it was covered in moisture and if I remember correctly it was located on the high pressure side. When the compressor was cycling both Low pressure and High pressure guages we moving.

Low= 25-45psi
High= 125-150psi

Don't know if that indicates anything but if this orifice was blocked or broken wouldn't the pressure not change?

What does this orifice do anyways I am curious to learn as much as I can as well.

Thanks,
Tim

Orifice Tubes
The orifice tube is the dividing point between the high pressure and low pressure side of a CCOT system. Orifice tubes are probably the most commonly used refrigerant metering devices.
The orifice tubes in use today measure approximately three inches in length and consist of a small brass tube, surrounded by plastic, and covered with a filter screen at each end. The oring on the orifice tube ensures that refrigerant only passes through the small fixed orifice area. The larger surface areas of the filter screen prevents the small brass "orifice" from becoming clogged. Looking at the debris found on the screen can indicate overall system health. Large amounts of debris can indicate compressor problems and/or system contamination.

While it is not uncommon for the orifice tube filter screen to become partially clogged with small debris. They are inexpensive, and should be inspected any time the system is opened for service. A clogged orifice tube will starve a compressor of oil. An orifice tube restriction or "failure" is usually indicated by very low suction side pressures.

Source: http://www.aircondition.com/

Orifice Tubes
The orifice tube is the dividing point between the high pressure and low pressure side of a CCOT system. Orifice tubes are probably the most commonly used refrigerant metering devices.
The orifice tubes in use today measure approximately three inches in length and consist of a small brass tube, surrounded by plastic, and covered with a filter screen at each end. The oring on the orifice tube ensures that refrigerant only passes through the small fixed orifice area. The larger surface areas of the filter screen prevents the small brass "orifice" from becoming clogged. Looking at the debris found on the screen can indicate overall system health. Large amounts of debris can indicate compressor problems and/or system contamination.

While it is not uncommon for the orifice tube filter screen to become partially clogged with small debris. They are inexpensive, and should be inspected any time the system is opened for service. A clogged orifice tube will starve a compressor of oil. An orifice tube restriction or "failure" is usually indicated by very low suction side pressures.

Source: http://www.aircondition.com/

THANKS!!! That explains to me what the heck I am doing. I hate changing parts without knowing the why's. I really think this is the problem and will give is a try ASAP. Sorry for not responding sooner.

Thanks again!!!!
Tim

p.s. once I change this tube I will let you know the results.

There's a special tool you'll need to get too. It unlocks the connection where the orifice is. Doesn't cost much. Might replace the O-ring while you have it apart.