Escort/ZX2 AC problems? Read this

[paqman]

Well I thought I would update you on how mine went. I went to the local Pick 'N Pull and picked up an extra CCRM just in case I screwed mine up. Then I followed the nice instructions and pulled mine apart. But to my surprise, the solder was just as shiny as ever! No discoloration, but there was a slight crack in the solder, so I decided to re-solder it anyway. Put the thing back together, threw it back in the Escort, and no change. Still no AC. This is where you all are going to ban me from this forum forever. I'm ashamed to be here. Well I took it to AutoZone to borrow a guage to check the charge on the sucker. Well, I realized I still haven't been able to figure out where the compressor and all the AC related stuff is. So I asked one of the AutoZone dudes. He comes out and starts looking around, and then says, "Dude, you ain't got AC in this car man. There is no compressor." Then it hit me. When I bought the car, my friend told me it had no AC, but since the dials on the control center said AC on them, I assumed he meant that it just didn't work. Well he was being literal. No wonder the solder was still shiny.

Long story, short ending. I wasted my whole morning driving to the salvage yard and back, pulling apart that stupid CCRM, for nothing. At least it only cost me $20 bucks. Ok, you can all start laughing at me now.



Edit: So now that I know it doesn't have AC, what are the posibilities of putting an AC system in it? I don't really care, and I figure it's more trouble and money than is worth, but I thought I'd ask.

[12Ounce]

That's a good story, Thanks for sharing it!

I think it would a lot cheaper just to trade for another car that does already have the factory ac in it. I know it would be a lot easier.

[paqman]

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

That's a good story, Thanks for sharing it!

I think it would a lot cheaper just to trade for another car that does already have the factory ac in it. I know it would be a lot easier.

Yeah, that would be easier. But I'm kind of attached to this car. It's run good for 3 years straight, and the guy I bought it from was a good friend. I'll just go without the AC. All I do is drive it to work and back anyway. Done it for three years now, why not the rest of it's life? I'm running this Escort into the ground. Later!

[mightymoose_22]

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the necessary components... then go swipe them off that same car at the boneyard.

Interesting though... usually if a car does not have AC there would be no AC switch. Did it have AC at one point and someone removed the compressor? Are there any AC parts on the car?

You can install parts and keep them nonfunctional until everything is ready to go... able to drive the car in the mean time. As a last step get the new accessory belt and you are in business.

Since the switch is in the car you really shouldn't have too much extra wiring to worry about... just a matter of installing parts.

[paqman]

Originally Posted by mightymoose_22

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the necessary components... then go swipe them off that same car at the boneyard.

Interesting though... usually if a car does not have AC there would be no AC switch. Did it have AC at one point and someone removed the compressor? Are there any AC parts on the car?

You can install parts and keep them nonfunctional until everything is ready to go... able to drive the car in the mean time. As a last step get the new accessory belt and you are in business.

Since the switch is in the car you really shouldn't have too much extra wiring to worry about... just a matter of installing parts.

Maybe you're right. Now that you mention it, there very well could have been AC in the car at one time. It's a salvage title, been in a wreck before, and it has a new engine in it. Maybe when they rebuilt it, they didn't put the AC back in. (I wonder if that's because it wouldn't fit. I noticed when I was taking out the CCRM that they had to jimmy rig the CCRM to stay in. It wasn't bolted down because the spot where the bolts go in was till mashed up from the wreck. Doesn't look like they straightened the frame out there.) Yeah, I'll look into that a little more.
Thanks!

[ctanori]

98 ford escort , ac does not work.
I checked the ccrm pin 21 has 12volts, but pin22, and pin 23 no voltage.
Does anybody knows what the problem is?

[javatrooper]

My ac hasn't worked for quite a while, and since I installed a new engine I was unable to reattach one of the hoses so I understand why it doesn't work now. But this may be the answer to a problem that has bothered me for a long time. My engine idle rises and drops as if the AC is cycling on and off. Even when I unpluged the AC wires. But it sounds like this stupid relay could be the cause. Could you email me or post directions on how to open up the CCRM and point out which part is the WAC relay? Thanks

[scook3510]

after replacing the compressor I noticed that it was cycling just the opposite of how it was supposed to. Went to the salvage yard and got a relay box that someone reccomended in an article about AC problems. After taking out the old box, we could see that the seal was broken and moisture was getting to the relays. The $25.00 relay box saved the day. It has the CCRM relay in it and now the compressor works fine.

[brianjg]

I

f there is interest I will go into more detail of the CCRM repair procedure. PLEASE NOTE: There are some 'shortcut' fixes for this problem that can be found on the internet that essentially 'bypass' the CCRM/WAC relay. I do NOT recomment this approach as it prevents proper monitoring of all engine loads by the PCM. All inquiries welcome. Please post at this thread. Paul[/quote]

I am interested in attempting the CCRM solder repair. Can I get the instructions?

Thanks much.

[anazep]

Paul -
I would really appreciate details for this repair.
Thank you for the helpful post!
Ana

[g1smith]

The CCRM failed in my Mustang 5.0. Without futher advice from the author, I located the CCRM, and opened the metal case by drilling out the rivets as per directions. One then looks for "cold" solder joints and reflows them. A cold solder joint means that the silvery looking solder isn't shiny anymore due to all of the temperture cycles it has gone thorugh. On my CCRM, I noticed 2 cold solder joints, one on a diode and another on a resistor, but, the Power Transisor controling the Air Conditioner Clutch coil was burnt beyond recognition. I replaced the Power Transistor with a TIP42 a PNP Power Transistor. I was able to engage the AC Clutch once ... seems that I have a seized Air Conditioner compressor too.

[steveselden]

I just pulled the CCRM out of my escort, but I need further instructions on how to open it up and repair the solder. Please let me know how I can get this info. Thanks.

[ctwilliams99]

Originally Posted by brianjg

I

I am interested in attempting the CCRM solder repair. Can I get the instructions?

Thanks much.[/quote]

Seems a lot of people are asking for the solution you say you have. At some point will you post it? I am in the same position as others; need the repair procedure. I have even emailed asking for it??????

[jkneubauer]

I know this thread is a little old. Anyone have the procedure or a couple of pics to look at before I take this on. AC doing same, on sometimes, off others. Wifes car so it seems to fail on the hot days. Then I hear about it : )

thanks
john

[asknight]

I'm showing Paul78zephyr's last login as 05-10-2007. Does anyone have the details of the email or notes he was providing on the CCRM? I think his information will help me fix my grandfather's 2000 Escort.


Edited to add: Guys, I found the information on repairing the CCRM here. I'm completing the repair as we speak!