99 Escort With No AC Need Help

[Rebel Racing 3]

We have a 99 escort and we replaced the ac compressor and it had ac for a few days and now nothing, the dealer said that it took three cans of r 134 to fill but after we replaced the compressor we could only get it to take 1 1/2 well no the compressor wont kick on at all need help please!!

[GTP Dad]

Have the AC checked for a leak. This sounds like there is a leak in the system and the compressor is not coming on due to the low pressure cutoff switch. The other item is that they may not have put enough in the system so that it will work properly. Check the underhood decal. It will tell you how much the system will need to work properly.

[Rebel Racing 3]

We have it full of r 134 and the compressor still wont kick on, it did work for like three days does anyone know where the low press switch is on this car?? so i can try and by pass it

[hflyboy]

The low pressure switch is located on the suction accumulator/dryer mounted on the passenger side firewall. The contacts will close and allow compressor operation (assuming everything else is OK) at suction pressures above about 25 - 28 psi. If it's bad, you can change it without losing the R134A; the switch is mounted on a Scraeder type valve.

If the system is grossly overcharged, there is a high side cut out located on the driver's side, in the high pressure plumbing just prior to the condensor. If the high side pressures go above some value above 400 psi, compressor operation will be interrupted until the pressure falls below about 250 psi.

For more trouble shooting, search this forum for CCRM problems with Escorts.

Good luck!

[Rebel Racing 3]

Ok i have found out that i can jump the ac compressor and make the ac system work, now i have since called around and asked people for included about the ccrm and no one seems to have any idea what it is????? Help please

[hflyboy]

The CCRM (Constant Control Relay Module) is located under the air filter box. The air filter box must be removed to see it. It contains relays for control of the PCM, AC Comperessor relay, engine cooling fan and fuel pump. It allows the PCM to decide when to allow AC compressor operation. There is a known weak solder joint in the CCRM which prevents AC clutch operation. If you are handy with a soldering iron, you can open up the CCRM and fix it yourself, or get the Ford Engineering number off of it and get one off E-bay or at the local wrecking yard for about $40 to $50. Search the Escort forum and you'll find a gold mine of info; or e-mail me and I'll send pictures of the solder joint fix.

[hflyboy]

Check out this link posted by another Escort forum member:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=594914

[mightymoose_22]

By what you have stated here I would suspect you have the system overcharged.... have you any idea what the pressure in the system is or did you just hook up the r134 and let it go?

[Rebel Racing 3]

I am sure that the system is not over charged i had it hooked up to the gages while filling it up

[Rebel Racing 3]

Does anyone have any pictures of this ccrm if so please email them to me at [email protected]

[mightymoose_22]

I missed this before...

You say you jumped a switch and got the system to work.... so why not replace the switch?

Since it works when you jump it, that should rule out the CCRM.

[Rebel Racing 3]

I ment that i jumped the compressor and it kicked on

[mightymoose_22]

You should check the witch... it's on the passenger side firewall. I believe its called the ... cycling switch?

[Rebel Racing 3]

Is it the swtich that is located on top of the condensor? if so i already tried to hook a jumper wire up there and nothing (

[hflyboy]

Rebel Racing 3, Did you get the e-mail with pictures of the CCRM fix?

The LOW pressure switch is on the suction accumulator/dryer mounted on the passenger side firewall. It shuts off the compressor if low side pressures are below about 25 - 28 psi to prevent the compressor from operating without refrigerant which carries the oil for compressor lubrication, and to cycle the compressor to prevent evaporator icing. Bypass it with a jumper TEMPORARILY to test. No change means it isn't the problem.

The HIGH pressure cutout switch is in the high pressure plumbing to the condensor on the driver's side, near the radiator support. It shuts off the compressor if system pressures go above 400 psi. Bypass it with a jumper TEMPORARILY to test. No change means it isn't the problem.

The CCRM contains a "wide open throttle" relay controlled by the PCM to allow the PCM to interrupt the ground to the AC compressor to improve wide open throttle acceleration, and to prevent the AC compressor horsepower drain if the PCM detects a performance problem with the engine. This relay "WAC" has a bad solder joint on some Escorts and can be one of the causes of the sypmtoms you described.

Verify proper system pressures on both the low and high sides after the compressor has been operating 10 minutes or so, AC on MAX, fan on high.

Good luck!