[swagfocuswagon]

Hey guys!

Yesterday I tried charging my AC (using the port in the right side of the fender) and noticed its not taking the charge. My compressor doesnt seem to work.

I also appear to have a few bad relays. I found one in the fuse block behind the air box. Are there anymore? I tried one and it still wouldnt work.

Is there a way I can trick the compressor into turning on so it can suck the freon into the system? Or a way to test it?

Thanks, Patrick.

 

[bile0026]

Use a powerprobe to send direct power to the compressor harness. You also have to have the A/C on (Max A/C setting or on full blast with recirc should get compressor moving) I believe. If you don't have a power probe I would start with a multimeter and make sure you are getting power to the compressor. I'm not an A/C guru but if the compressor is not engaging it's either an electrical issue or the clutch could be stuck/seized. You could also have a leak somewhere.

Has the A/C ever worked?

Check out this link for some more info... http://www.focushacks.com/mod/Air_Conditioner_re-fill_and_service

A/C is very finicky and you may want to get someone certified to do it...

 

[swagfocuswagon]

Use a powerprobe to send direct power to the compressor harness. You also have to have the A/C on (Max A/C setting or on full blast with recirc should get compressor moving) I believe. If you don't have a power probe I would start with a multimeter and make sure you are getting power to the compressor. I'm not an A/C guru but if the compressor is not engaging it's either an electrical issue or the clutch could be stuck/seized. You could also have a leak somewhere.

Has the A/C ever worked?

Check out this link for some more info... http://www.focushacks.com/mod/Air_Conditioner_re-fill_and_service

A/C is very finicky and you may want to get someone certified to do it...

Thanks! I have had it running full blast trying to get it to turn. At one point in time yeah (before I ever owned the car, I only had it 9 months) and the clutch seems to be in good shape.

Its not leaking either.

I might just not even bother. This car is just a beater I want to honestly ditch. Its giving me alot of engine problems. Its missing horribly despite the whole 9 yards tune up. (coils and all)

 

[bile0026]

There are bearings in the clutch that can seize up. Outside might look fine but if its not turning its either seized or not getting power.

Sent from my Transformer Pad TF300T using Tapatalk HD

 

[tmittelstaedt]

The system pressure may be too low to allow the clutch to turn on.

Put the charge can in a bucket of fairly warm water and it will work

 

[whynotthinkwhynot]

You're making the typical DIY mistakes.

1) No gauges
2) Putting a can in will solve AC problems

First off, how do you know it doesn't already have a charge and is not working due to some other reason? If it doesn't have a charge, then it must have a leak. The right way to fix an AC is to find and repair the leak, check system integrity, then recharge. With even one of those cheap throwaway AC can gauges that measure the low side only, you can effectively repair your AC. Once you know how to do it correctly you can repair any AC in any car you own for the rest of your life. All AC systems have similar parts, and work on the same principles, the only differences are the physical location of those parts under the hood. I bought gauges and a deep cycle vacuum pump, and repaired ACs for my friends until I paid for the tools. Here's some reading that might help. Your whole problem might be electrical related to the switch in the dash.

General AC Troubleshooting and Repair

Also, start another thread about your engine problems- we might be able to help, but we need to know what engine you have in your car. There are 2 2.0L 4 cyls installed in that car.

 

[swagfocuswagon]

You're making the typical DIY mistakes.

1) No gauges
2) Putting a can in will solve AC problems

First off, how do you know it doesn't already have a charge and is not working due to some other reason? If it doesn't have a charge, then it must have a leak. The right way to fix an AC is to find and repair the leak, check system integrity, then recharge. With even one of those cheap throwaway AC can gauges that measure the low side only, you can effectively repair your AC. Once you know how to do it correctly you can repair any AC in any car you own for the rest of your life. All AC systems have similar parts, and work on the same principles, the only differences are the physical location of those parts under the hood. I bought gauges and a deep cycle vacuum pump, and repaired ACs for my friends until I paid for the tools. Here's some reading that might help. Your whole problem might be electrical related to the switch in the dash.

General AC Troubleshooting and Repair

Also, start another thread about your engine problems- we might be able to help, but we need to know what engine you have in your car. There are 2 2.0L 4 cyls installed in that car.

I have a separate gauge for it. NOt the shitty all in one crap they try to sell off at parts stores.

And I know that. It was just worth a try IMO.

And Thanks for the link!

Also its the Shit Port Injection valve seat munching gutless SOHC of dreams. (SPI)

 

[swagfocuswagon]

Also I dont know if it is has a charge or not. I just tried the most ovious solution (low charge) then I was gonna try other options.

 

[mikebontoft]

if you have the gauges, what do they read?

you can cycle the clutch if you can find the pressure switch. I don't know where they put it on the focus, probably the accumulator. Just unplug the connector and jumper the connection.

 

[amc49]

Like he says, what do THEY (plural) read. A single gauge is worthless.

 

[whynotthinkwhynot]

With any gauge you should be able to get a static reading- meaning AC off. That + ambient temp at the time, and whether or not the car has been driven or is in the shade will be helpful.