2000 ranger a/c and....

[lospalos]

Hi All,

Just bought a 2000 ranger, 3.0 v6. So far so good but for the ac. The compressor clutch engages and disengages frequentely, every minute or so, regardless of engine speed or outside conditions. The ac cools very well; I can only tell about the problem due to the noise when the compressor kicks in and out...plus I opened the hood and saw it going on.

Also, I got a mild engine knock/ping when getting on the gas hard.

suggestions??

thanks

[Psychopete]

Originally Posted by lospalos

Also, I got a mild engine knock/ping when getting on the gas hard.

suggestions??

Not sure about the A/C.

Ha, you're not the first, and you're not the last. A lot of people have issues with the 3.0L and pinging. Also, look under the truck at the oil pan gasket. Is it working itself self out from the pan and the block? I was reading something the other day about people having issues with that on some of the newer models. I never was a fan of the 3.0L, but other people seem to like it.

1) Your MAF might need cleaned.

2) I've heard of some people using a 180 degree thermostat. I wouldn't reccomend anything lower, or else your computer may not function correctly and you'll get bad fuel mileage.

That truck will last, just keep up on the maintience. Mainly oil. That's just not Ford specific, for generally any make/model. The oil will start sluging up and cause catastrophic premature failure over the period of years. My Ranger engine lasted 98,000 and when I rebuilt it you could tell it wasn't taken care of. On the other hand, people with the same engine claim to have over 350k. Do not let the tranission fluid slip by either. Big $$$ to replace.

Pete

[Shatteredsoul]

If its cycling that much it might need freon you can get a dye light fairly cheap at a parts store and check for dyes leaks yourself because one good thing alot of people dont know about fords is that in I think in 98 they started puting dye in the a/c systems factory so if its leaking it shows up very easy if you go that route make sure to wear the yellow glasses at all times the light is on the uv rays the light gives off is not good on your eyes.hope that helps.

[lospalos]

Thank you both. The mechanic check the freon pressure and found it to be good. The ac is also cooling very well. I got a repair manual and see there are some relays where the computer can disengage the clutch on the compressor if it feels the engine is under load/wot. but this is happening at any speed, even in park. ???????????

[Shatteredsoul]

I wouldnt worry about it then.It is supposed to cycle on and off like that if the compressor clutch stays on all the time it will build up too much pressure.Id say its fine as long as its cooling that good.Depending on ambient weather it should put out somewhere around 50 deg. and below from the middle vent.