2012 Ford Escape AC help

DirtySCREW

DirtySCREW

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My MIL's 2012 Escape 3.0 V6 AWD AC is not working.
I've have used the freon cans in the past that have the gauge on them, but also read they can OVER pressure your system.

I looked at it this evening. I can see the compressor turning when the AC button is pressed....but I'm NOT hearing the "click" that compressors normally make.

She has taken it to Ford 3 times with them saying nothing is wrong, and when she picks it up...AC is working.
Now, the car is out of warranty.

What can a shade tree mechanic like myself check?
@Mike Overlay

Also, where can you check recalls online??....heard there might be a recall on AC stuff

DS
 
You are seeing the pulley spin when running. Is the compressor clutch engageing when the ac is turned on?

 
Mike Overlay said:
You are seeing the pulley spin when running. Is the compressor clutch engageing when the ac is turned on?

Click to expand...

Yes...to the best of my knowledge....

When AC button is ON....it spins....when she turn AC button off...it stopped spinning.

I have always heard a specific "click" sound when Ac compressor kicks on...no matter what brand of vehicle....not hearing that on her Escape.

Engine also has a small "load" sound when it kicks on....so I think it's working...

You're the expert...NOT ME.

DS

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Sounds like it is engaging. Does the bigger ac line feel cold to the touch?
 
Get inexpensive dial thermometer, put it in the center vent,
record temp of the air as it cools. Should get down to 40-50F with can on medium setting as you drive.
Listen for clutch cycling, write down ohow long it turns turns compressor and off times. S/B 15-20 seconds on then 30-45 off.

System may be low, there us low cutoff switch on the accumulation tank, you can number it, only two wires used, that will make clutch engage, could be bad switch.

You need set of R134a gauges to see the actual pressure when running on liw and high side.
 
Mike Overlay said:
Sounds like it is engaging. Does the bigger ac line feel cold to the touch?
Click to expand...
The low pressure line is barely...and I mean barely cool.

Why can't you be in Wilmington??!! Lol
It already be at your shop!

DS

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DirtySCREW said:
The low pressure line is barely...and I mean barely cool.

Why can't you be in Wilmington??!! Lol
It already be at your shop!

DS

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Click to expand...
Thats more than likely low, real low on freon.

You can add some auto parts store cans. The freon will get gone again untill the leak is fixed. How fast it happens is anybodys guess.

You can follow the ac lines and look for oily/dirty spots at the service valves, metal to rubber crimps and any connections. Compressor may even be the souce of a leak at he clutch seal or body.
 
Put a can of freon in...it was low according to the gauge...took the whole can. It had stop leak in it too, so maybe it will last a bit.

Thanks guys!

DS
 
Wipe a white paper towel around the connectors and at the hose crimps,
see if the towel is wet with dye or oil from the system.
You can get a can of refrigerant with dye in it, easy to see big leaks in daylight
or with a UV flashlight the next day or at night.
Let it run a day to distribute the dye and see what happens.
Could be a bad low or high pressure switch, you can swap it out by unscrewing it,
no loss of refrigerant. This was the problem with another forum members vehicle.
 
Last edited:
Newboy said:
At least they didn’t steal my tax money to stay in business like some other companies did!


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Click to expand...
The only line a ford guy ever uses besides a tow line or a phone line to call for a tow line. GM's debts are paid Ford made loans at the same time from the tax payers that are not schedualed to be paid back till 2022. The tresury dept. Sold its last shares of ally finanial in 2014 formerly Gmac for a tidy profit of 2.4 billion for the tax payer.
 
Well, AC isn't working anymore. Ughhhhhh

DS
 
Leak at condenser...
$1000 later at the Ford dealership and it's fixed...

DS
 
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