97 Windstar Air Conditioning Unit is not spinning

tleeburks · #1 06-10-2007, 09:58 PM

I have a problem and may not know the correct words I want I am talking about. I put freon in my 97 Windstar today. Did it the correct way, turned the air up on high, filled it up. Its kind of cool, could use another can. Anyway. I didn't know exactly how things work with the belts and everything. I understanding that the air conditioning unit (the bottom spinner, if you will) does not spin until you turn the air on. So anyway, I turned the air on and it immediately spins, then it looks like it has difficulty and stops for about a second, then starts again, but then stops and doesn't start again. This then creates a burning of I believe the surpentine belt. Of course I have to turn the air off to avoid damage. I hope I explained it right. What seems to be the problem and what is the solution? I appreciate your immediate response. Cost? can I fix it? etc. I again appreciate it. Thanks.

goldslaugh · #2 06-10-2007, 10:30 PM

i just had the same problem, i replaced the compressor, i got a used one from a junk yard, i probably should have gotten a remanufactured one for 100 more. It's not that hard to do, and i don't know alot about cars. you would have to discharge the freon remove the belt, empty the radiator it comes out from the bottom,and you have to remove the radiator hose at the bottom to remove it. do a search for a/c compressor on here and you will find better directions for doing so. also you could check the sensor it just unscrews and it's near the same place where you charge it with freon, but since you are getting smoking of the belt it's probably the compressor, you probably should change the compressor and the sensor

busboy4 · #3 06-10-2007, 11:05 PM

Hi Guys

I would think tleeburks' problem is a failing compressor clutch. It sounds like it is slipping when engaged. Of course it could be due to a semi-seized compressor, but I doubt it if it turns at all. When the engine is off, you should be able to turn the compressor by hand - the pulley will stay stationary due to the belt, but the "middle" of the A/C pulley should turn freely. A failed clutch really has only one solution - change it which requires pulling the compressor. Most refurbed compressors come with the clutch installed so that is probably easier than just replacing the clutch. Of course if you have the system opened long you should ultimately change out the accumulator/dryer.......A/C unfortunately means $$.

Hope that helps somewhat.

tleeburks · #4 06-11-2007, 04:55 PM

I appreciate the advice that both of you are providing. I had another question. Last spring instead of filling it with freon which was my first this year. I took it in to a local shop that I have dealt with in the past. Told them to recharge the system. I walked over to the store to wait. About 45 minutes later they called me on cell and said to come back and discuss the situation. I arrived and the surpentine belt looked like it had been through the shredder. It obviously burnt up and shredded. Anyway, I was thinking today that if the mechanic encountered the same situation as I did yesterday and wasn't watching the belt when he was adding freon, perhaps walked away for a bit, the belt burnt up and shredded and then to cover it up he told me that it was an old belt that needed replaced. If that is the case I was wondering how he got the compressor to run consistently because after he replaced the belt and filled it up, we had a/c all summer. Just wondering........ input? thanks

96wWindstar180K · #5 06-12-2007, 09:44 PM

tleeburks
Probabley just a coincedence. How long had the old belt been on? If the compressor was seizing up back then it would have failed before the season was out. You obviousley have a small leak or it would not have needed a charge. My Windstar is a 96 and has never been charged. You should take the advise busboy gave you and see if the clutch in the center of the compressor is turning by hand. (Make sure the engine is not running.) The clutch is engaged electrically through a number of safe guards. A high pressure cutoff switch a low pressure cutoff switch and a clutch cycling switch. The one that fails more often is the clutch cycling switch and cost about $12.00 fom an Auto Parts store. If you didnt have a problem with the belt burning I would guess it was that. If you are real low on freon the low pressure switch will prevent it from starting. Let us no about the clutch and we can guide you from there.

tleeburks · #6 06-13-2007, 04:34 PM

the center thing does turn by hand when the engine is off. also, i only put one can of freon in it before i discovered the problem. i hate to go buy two more at 15.00 dollars a wack. But if you think that might be it too then i will. if it is what you said then they have a place called pick and pull here in kansas city where u can pull a used part. i can go get the a/c compressor and clutch and i have a friend to help. what do u guys think? thanks for the input.

terry

goldslaugh · #7 06-13-2007, 10:35 PM

like 96wWindstar180K said i'd change the cycling switch first it's cheap and just screws in, worth a try. here in michigan a used compressor cost 85 bucks, and a reman one is 160, if i could do it over i would have gotten the reman. with a used one you could be gettin a compressor that is about to go out or is bad to begin with.

96wWindstar180K · #8 06-13-2007, 11:52 PM

goldslaugh
A simple test for the cycling switch which is located on the passenger side of the engine compartment. In an aluminum colored or possibly black cylindrical device with hose coming out of it connected to the evaporator coil. It has a wired connector. If you unplug that connector and connect a piece of wire between the two little female holes in the connector of the wiring harness you will bypass the cycling switch. If the clutch on the compressor engages you know the cycling switch is bad. Dont assume just because it doesnt run that its good, because you still might not have enough freon in the system to make the clutch engage. The low cutoff switch may be preventing it. Post back.

96wWindstar180K · #9 06-13-2007, 11:59 PM

goldslaugh
I think I paid like 8 dollars for freon. Check WalMart orsome cheap place that sounds high. Is that a 16 oz can? How many ounces does yours take? There should be a sticker next to the evaporator box. 1 can might be enough to check but it depends on the size of the can. Another thought. You could buy a can of freon with uv dye in it so you could check for leaks at the same time as charging. If its a small leak you might not see it for ahwile. Check at night with a black light.

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