A/C Problem

[Lyndsey]

Have just discovered an A/C problem...not good for Phoenix. The AC in my ford taurus is not blowing out cold air. Any suggestions or ideas of what may be the problem?

[Dave_s]

You may want to start by checking the freon level. You can but a tester at any auto parts store.

[shorod]

What year is your Taurus? If it is pre-1994, you probably have the R-12 system, unless it's been converted to R-134a. If you have R-12, you won't be able to just run to the local auto parts store and purchase the guage kit or a recharge kit.

It's a different story with R-134a. You can technically buy the R-134a and guage kit, unfortunately if you don't have the proper training and equipment, you LEGALLY can't recharge or repair the system. I have yet to hear of someone actually getting arrested because of this legal loophole though.

So, when you have the engine running and the A/C turned on, do you hear the A/C compressor under the hood clicking on and off? If so, approximately how long does the compressor stay engaged and how long does it stay off? Is the cooling fan behind the radiator (not the blower motor for circulating air in the cabin) run when the A/C is on?

If the cooling fan is not working, the pressure could be getting too high in your A/C system and the pressure switch, doing its job, is shutting off the compressor. This could give the indication of a low refridgerant charge, when that is not the case. If the cooling fan is running properly and the compressor is cycling rapidly, chances are pretty good the problem is due to a low refridgerant charge.

-Rod