ford focus (05) air con question

alirob12

hi, i put my aircon today and it didnt seem to work properly. It worked perfectly fine before, there are no leaks or anything. I also havent charged since when i bought it 3 years ago. The light comes on when i turn it on, but it doesnt get cold?

Any idea anyone?

thank you

gaming_guy

.............

fwor

In all probability it just needs a re-charge. The refrigerant gas often slowly leaks past the seals on the compressor - or more quickly if left unused during the winter.

It eventually reaches a point where a pressure sensor detects that the pressure is too low, and the controller stops engaging the compressor - so it no longer works.

Alternatively it could be a leak caused by road stone damage to the heat exchanger, which is often sited in front of the car's main radiator.

LeeSouthEast

My 03 Focus still gets pretty chilly after a couple of minutes, and to my knowledge (unless Ford have done it as part of a routine service schedule) it's never been recharged. I'd whip it in and get someone to look at it.

S0litaire

There's porobably an exchange needing checked and coolent needing topped up.
It's usually done at every major service.

LeeSouthEast

S0litaire wrote: »

It's usually done at every major service.

That explains mine then Thanks.

Mr_Oink

Although it's a sealed system refrigerant tends to be able to escape through rubber - (seals and hoses) - R134a in particular. When the pressure drops due to a shortage of refrigerant the compressor clutch should drop out on a low pressure protector. You may get a dashboard light to suggest the system is 'on' but after an initial burst of cold air it will quickly warm to ambient. As pointed out a common area of failure is also the condenser (in front of the radiator as a rule).

Quickfit offer a recharge service for around £40 - but they have, in my opinion, a tendency to b/s customers at some branches to up the cost of the job. Don't know if they are target driven or something?

stef73

When was the cabin filter last changed ? , i change mine in my old C-Max air con worked better after that and it only costs £5.

moonrakerz

Air con units are not usually included in "normal" services.
I have a Ford, it is recommended that the a/c is fully serviced every 3 years. I paid £70, to have the system drained, leak tested and refilled with new refrigerant.
I would suggest either a dealer or an a/c specialist rather than KF or the like !

(A problem at the moment is that there is a shortage of refrigerant !!!)

Mr_Oink

There is *always* a shortage of refrigerant when the summer comes. They trot that out every year and have done so since the days of R12. I'd give the main dealer my vote - they tend to have a better idea about known failure components on a given system, and are (usually) not out to rape you for every last penny they can find. KF are fine as long as you don't get dragged into the 'you need to have this done' type b/s that goes with them.