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2012 a/c problem

209K views 340 replies 135 participants last post by  CTdb81 
#1 ·
Has any one had issues with their 2012 Focus in stop and go traffic with the a/c stops blowing cold air?When my Wife first got the car a/c would not work took it back and they said a fuse had dislodged and reinserted it no problems after that until this problem and of coarse Ford can not locate this issue has to become more of problem for them to locate this issue.
 
#163 ·
Yours must be defective. Many days over 110 here and I do not have an issue with my A/C. Could be colder but more than adequate. I do not have it on high all the time. Hopefully yours can be resolved.
 
#166 ·
I've noticed that the AC compressor cuts out after extended idling now. Mine did not do this before the recall engine/trans/abs update. My engine also idles lower now than it did before the update. I'm thinking the lower idle ends up being low enough that the compressor cuts out and that's why we are having this problem. The compressor/idle interface needs resolved. That can't happen at the dealer, it'll take Ford to fix that.

Chris
 
#167 ·
2012 focus AC problem

Im trying to buy a 2012 ford focus manual transmission. I found the one I like - a black SE. I was ready to pay cash but decided to try the AC. It blew hot air for 5 minutes. The salesman claimed all the cars on the lot would do the same. I don't want to buy a new car that I know has a problem. Why hasn't ford dealt with this?
I am retiring my 2002 ford escape. It has 518,000 miles. Both of my sons learned to drive a manual and the clutch held up! I love that car and wanted to stay with ford after havin such a great experience with my Escape. Oh well.
I am going to test drive a manual transmission Elantra.
 
#168 ·
Im trying to buy a 2012 ford focus manual transmission. I found the one I like - a black SE. I was ready to pay cash but decided to try the AC. It blew hot air for 5 minutes. The salesman claimed all the cars on the lot would do the same. I don't want to buy a new car that I know has a problem. Why hasn't ford dealt with this?
I am retiring my 2002 ford escape. It has 518,000 miles. Both of my sons learned to drive a manual and the clutch held up! I love that car and wanted to stay with ford after havin such a great experience with my Escape. Oh well.
I am going to test drive a manual transmission Elantra.
I can tell you as an owner of a Focus manual the A/C isn't as good as I'd hoped. That said, it really seems to be overwhelmed with anything above about 90 degrees. Once you're driving it improves and I wonder if the air flow through the grill is an issue for the condenser. As for blowing "hot air" the air isn't really hot but isn't as cool as it should be either (in times of high heat, I mean). The last few days we've had milder (mid to high 80's) weather here in the South and it's been cooling as good as anything I've owned.
 
#169 ·
Add me to the list of the random no A/C. Latest one was while I was idling with a light...no cold air coming out the entire time the light was red. It's so intermittent, I hesitate bringing it to the dealer for this.

I do think the a/c always has a slightly musty odor, something you'd expect on a car with 100K that's been around the block.
 
#170 ·
I think your compressor is faulty if it blows warm. The smell could be based on not properly draining the condensation from the evaporator core, though that could be from user error, but this might be less likely than a clogged drain. Idk.
 
#173 ·
I read a few pages of people have a/c problems with the 2012 Focus. I am one of the ones that have the musty, moldy smells and now I am also noticing a cigarette smoke smell (car has never been smoked in nor have someone that smelt like smoke in it) I had to remove my front passenger floor mat cause it smelt so bad and COULD NOT remove odor from it (washed with soap and water, Vinegar, sun bath for hours, still smells) I know the dealer will say there is nothing wrong but after seeing all of these post I will make sure they find the source of the problem.. Ford family and this does not put a smile on my face
 
#174 ·
Not the same type of warm air issues some people are having, but I've been driving with my climate control off and at LEAST 4-5 times now it has turned itself on - everytime it shows the LO - LO setting and the fans on full blast with the A/C on.

I feel like it might happen when I hit a bump? I'm wondering if it's a button clearance issue or something. Anyone else ever have this issue? (May 2011 build)
 
#175 ·
2012 Ford Focus Air Conditioning Issues

I have now had our ford focus that we bought this spring in for it's 4th trip to the dealer for air conditioning issues. Like all of the other posts I have seen here, the ac stops blowing cold air and smells terrible randomly. I dropped my car off on Aug 9th am. It is now Aug 28th. The dealer had the problem happen once while they were driving it but couldn't get it to do it while they had it hooked up to the computer. They drove my car over 300 miles, did nothing and just called me up and told me to get the car, it's fine. The dealer agreed that it did the problem once for them so... am I just supposed to accept that an occasional problem is ok? I don't think so. Then, they actually argued with my husband when he told them it better come back with a full tank of gas since that is what we dropped it off with. Like a moron, I agreed to let them drive the car as much as they needed to. They would not even give us a loaner to drive because we didn't buy the extended warranty. What that has to do with it I don't know.[mecry]
 
#176 ·
It's probably time to call Ford directly. Bypass the dealer. The problem with car dealers is that they're run by car dealer people. Somewhere between people who torture animals and lawyers who defend them are car dealers.

Customer Relationship Center
United States
800-392-3673
800-232-5952 (TDD for the Hearing Impaired)
Available 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Local Time
Monday-Friday

BY TWITTER
Customer Relationship Center
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#177 ·
So.... We opened a case with Ford two weeks ago. Still no help. Since I picked up the car I purchased a thermomer that I stuck in the vent. I have been tracking and noting the problem. It's happened 4 more times since I brought it home. This morning I had the bright idea to videotape the thermometer as I drove. Surprise, surprise, the problem happened while I drove back to work from lunch today. The temperature rose 10 degrees in seconds and the humidity changed significantly so that I had to wipe off the thermometer to read it. I then called the dealer and the Ford rep and told them if it's not fixed and we are not given a rental car to drive while it's being fixed we are filing lemon law. We'll see..........

By the way, the dealer continued to say that they could not replicate it and without being able to replicate it they couldn't do anything. It's amazing that I have driven it less than 50 miles since I picked it up and it's happened 4 times and they have driven it for over 300 miles and can't replicate the problem.[?|]
 
#178 ·
I can't figure out any sort of pattern. The definite AC cutouts that I recall are either sitting at a red traffic light or else using cruise control. Tabby's response is why I'm reluctant to take my car to the dealer.

I'm not a mechanical engineer by any means, but I'd think if it was a bad lot of compressors, the problems would be getting worse over time.
 
#180 ·
2012 Focus Air Conditioner

I just want to add my name to the list of 2012 Focus owners who have the air conditioner problem of it cutting off & blowing warm air mainly during stop & go traffic but also on the longer interstate trips. We took ours to the local Ford dealer, explained the problem, but since they could not "re-create" it while they had it in the shop they did not have any answers for us. Said maybe if enough people complained there may be a recall. My car has 26,895 miles and is just a little over 2 years old. Can someone offer any suggestions as to how to get this fixed??
 
#181 ·
I am also experiencing the same problems with a/c. It doesn't blow cold intermittantly and when it starts to work there is an awful smell associated with it.

Thankfully my dealer has told me they were able to replicate the problem and are keeping it overnight to work on it. I will update this thread as they let me know whats going on. I too do not have the extended warranty and therefore get no rental unless it is a more serious problem.
 
#182 ·
After the first dealer was useless, and ford factory got involved, the second dealer replaced two valves in the firewall that leads to the ac unit, and the condensor. My only problem now...is that I find myself turning the air down cause its too cold..lol
You have to be persistant. The second dealers first thing was to measure the temperature comming out of the vent. Even though it felt cool, it showed it was above the acceptable temp.....a clear indication there was a problem...by the way..have had no repeat of the smell...that i was told by the first dealer was normal

would love to hear how it turns out.
 
#183 ·
I have a 2012 Ford Focus and I love it! I drive it a lot for work and have over 53K miles on it since I purchased it in July 2011. This week my A/c started blowing warm air and I was told by my mechanic today that after inspection the A/C compressor has gone out. I wish I had taken it in under warranty as I've always had the same problems as everyone else with it blowing hot air at idle and blowing colder air as I accelerated. I even have experienced the "foul" smell problem before too. I just dismissed it as an underpowered A/c unit for the hot Texas summers and didn't really have the time to deal with the dealership run around. I suggest to everyone else that they get it checked out/replaced under warranty
 
#184 ·
ac problem



I would suggest you post again specificly asking that one of the ford monitors who oversee this sight, perhaps put you in contact with ford customer service. Even though its out of warranty, perhaps they can be of some assistance.... I would say that someone who has put on 53K in a year, deserves it. My car was under warranty, however even then, dealer service was unresponsive 3 different times, until the site monitor took my info, forwarded it to Ford/Lincoln customer service, who finally found a dealer who knew what they were doing... Good luck.
 
#187 ·
2012 Focus AC does not put out

I have had my 2012 Focus SE for 4 months and it has been in the shop three time for lack of AC. I have been told it puts out 39 degree air by the dealer. They said they have tried another car and it does the same. The last time they told me this I found all but one vent closed and they were forcing all the air out that one vent and is was closed enough to hold the meter in place during the test. They say there is nothing wrong with it. I have to drive a mile or more to get cold air to start flowing on max AC. Then I have to run it on high just to keep the car cool. This is when the temp is 80 degrees or more out side. I have learned to take my other car when it's hot out. Not what I bought it for!
 
#192 ·
I have had my 2012 Focus SE for 4 months and it has been in the shop three time for lack of AC. I have been told it puts out 39 degree air by the dealer. They said they have tried another car and it does the same...
Today, while I was driving I have noticed that the air condition is blowing hot air all of a sudden. I thought it was just the city driving, but when I was on the highway, hot air was still blowing out...
I finally had my dealer look at this issue when I brought my car in for an oil change. 20 miles on the odometer and the conclusion was, "cannot duplicate".

Icing on the cake was that I had an appointment and was there for 3 hours. And have to go back for the cabin filter.
Hey folks,

I want to step in here and get each of you escalated to your regional customer service managers. Send me a PM with your VIN, dealer, mileage, full name, and daytime phone number; I'll do the rest.

Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. Please remember that the fastest way to get in touch with me is via PM.

Have a great day!
Crystal [:)]
 
#188 ·
2012 focus a/c problem

Today, while I was driving I have noticed that the air condition is blowing hot air all of a sudden. I thought it was just the city driving, but when I was on the highway, hot air was still blowing out. So I can't drive around with the air on because then I am sweating profusely. I bought this car about a little over a year ago, so a little frustrating that this car would have this problem.
 
#189 ·
MCBEENB in post #29
"They determined after tearing it all down, that the condenser was bad. Also, they found the air dampers were not set correctly, allowing hot air into the system from the heater even when the A/C was on.

When you take the car in for testing, it is critical that the car is fully warmed up. The problem is not as pronounced with a cold engine because the heater is cold as well.

We are dropping the car off again this afternoon to have all the repairs done, and should get it back tomorrow. I'll let you all know how it goes. "

It's what I'm been saying in my post "Blows heat when set to cool air"

Air dampers, blend door, flaps what ever you call them if not closing off the heater core, then when you have been driving and the engine is fully warmed up, makes it harder for A/C or just wanting cool air - no A/C or heat and my car blows heat even with turned off. Dealer says tested A/C against another focus both within range NO PROBLEM- NORMAL. A ford engineer is to have a conference call tomorrow with CSM Cassidy and me.
 
#194 ·
Crystal does my response go to you or is it posted on line?????
Hi g2g2gopheropher,

Send me a private message (PM). I won't post any of your information online. [:)] Let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks!
Crystal
 
#195 ·
My dealer has basically not contacted me again about the problem because they think its too cold out to test. Today and tomorrow here in Toronto the weather will be in the 20s and mid teens (celsius) so I could definitely use my A/C.

The dealer was not confident in their fix at all and it isn't fix anyway. They didn't seem to try and get into contact with a specialist like they stated they would do.

I will PM you my info Crystal.
 
#196 ·
I also had the same a/c issues and way more so after 8 months of getting nowhere I took matters into my own hands and did some research.
At issue is the a/c condenser its behind the shutters that cover the radiator and they open when the car engine needs to cool down.aka the thermostat opens the fan turns on the shutters open. There is more to the system but for the most part that’s the science behind how it works. There is some air flow when the shutters are closed but simply not enough for any a/c system to work properly.
The main issue is the fords design, when we had cool temps like 85 to 95 degrees,
the car did not need as much fan time so the a/c condenser gets little or no are flow. Even with the a/c on max the shutters are closed, Thus giving us a cabin temp of 75 to 80 degrees (way to hot).
The a/c temp at the dash (vents) averaged 45 to 60 degrees on max but the temps were up and down as the shutters opened and closed over and over.
We live in the Mohave Desert so it gets hot like 100 to 115 even 125 degrees when it was that hot the car is Needing more fan time so the fan runs more so the a/c seemed to work.
Why?
Because the a/c condenser was getting max air flow.
The flaw is Fords shutter system having the a/c condenser behind the shutters;thus no air flow.
After consulting an attorney I was told I could use the Lemon law because of the few months i owned the car, low miles and a multitude of required documented trips to the dealer for the same a/c issue.
He also told me the focus is selling like hot cakes and ford will never
Admit to a design flaw and or an a/c issue. so no full refund.
A factory Ford rep. also told me there was nothing wrong with the car.
So I traded my new 2012 ford focus in on a new 2012 import.
The a/c blows 29 degrees all the time.
I don't feel its fair to list the brand i now own but there truck line
did pull the space shuttle.

FORD
I have never been so let down in my life with a US made car.
 
#197 ·
You talk about how well the Focus is selling and it's true. However, it's taking a beating on Consumer Reports. So Ford has scored big with design but as people own them they're finding issues. The bad thing is the issues are relatively small. I would think an A/C issue would be relatively easy to overcome. The strut problem was easy enough, provided your dealer would fulfill the request. So far I've experienced the A/C issue, struts, and leaks. These are things that manifest themselves post-purchase. Ford really needs to get a handle on this and maybe the new report from Consumer Reports will put a fire under them.
 
#199 ·
Hi ProjectCommuter,

I want to get your regional customer service manager involved by escalating your case. All I need from you is your VIN, dealer, mileage, daytime phone number, and full name; I'll do the rest.

Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns,
Crystal [thumb]
 
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