A/C Problem...trying to isolate the PROBLEM
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10
A/C Problem...trying to isolate the PROBLEM
Well, I have a 2000 3.8L V6 mustang. The other day, i got in my car. When I turned my air on, it wouldn't get cold at all. Once I made it home, i let the air run for 20+ minutes, and it still didnt get cool at all. My first thought was that it may be low on refrigerant. I took it to a place called Expert Tire that does just normal diagnostic work, nothing complicated. They told me that it was full of freon.
Now, keep in mind im wording this the best way possible. He told me that they checked it as far as they could. From what he could tell, it seemed like my compressor and clutch were good. he said something like the sensors on both sides of my compressor were "good" and that he thought the problem had something to do with my ECM (???) not sending the signal, or something of that sort.
My questions are...
1) Has anyone have a similar problem? If so, what was wrong?
2) The guy also says he thinks it is something electrical. What is the worst case scenario? If it is my ecm, how much am I looking at?
3) Is there a surefire way I can check it at home to rule out the compressor and the clutch? Well, any help is greatly appreciated.
Now, keep in mind im wording this the best way possible. He told me that they checked it as far as they could. From what he could tell, it seemed like my compressor and clutch were good. he said something like the sensors on both sides of my compressor were "good" and that he thought the problem had something to do with my ECM (???) not sending the signal, or something of that sort.
My questions are...
1) Has anyone have a similar problem? If so, what was wrong?
2) The guy also says he thinks it is something electrical. What is the worst case scenario? If it is my ecm, how much am I looking at?
3) Is there a surefire way I can check it at home to rule out the compressor and the clutch? Well, any help is greatly appreciated.
6th Gear Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,445
From:
RE: A/C Problem...trying to isolate the PROBLEM
ORIGINAL: bramma_99
Well, I have a 2000 3.8L V6 mustang. The other day, i got in my car. When I turned my air on, it wouldn't get cold at all. Once I made it home, i let the air run for 20+ minutes, and it still didnt get cool at all. My first thought was that it may be low on refrigerant. I took it to a place called Expert Tire that does just normal diagnostic work, nothing complicated. They told me that it was full of freon.
Now, keep in mind im wording this the best way possible. He told me that they checked it as far as they could. From what he could tell, it seemed like my compressor and clutch were good. he said something like the sensors on both sides of my compressor were "good" and that he thought the problem had something to do with my ECM (???) not sending the signal, or something of that sort.
My questions are...
1) Has anyone have a similar problem? If so, what was wrong?
2) The guy also says he thinks it is something electrical. What is the worst case scenario? If it is my ecm, how much am I looking at?
3) Is there a surefire way I can check it at home to rule out the compressor and the clutch? Well, any help is greatly appreciated.
Well, I have a 2000 3.8L V6 mustang. The other day, i got in my car. When I turned my air on, it wouldn't get cold at all. Once I made it home, i let the air run for 20+ minutes, and it still didnt get cool at all. My first thought was that it may be low on refrigerant. I took it to a place called Expert Tire that does just normal diagnostic work, nothing complicated. They told me that it was full of freon.
Now, keep in mind im wording this the best way possible. He told me that they checked it as far as they could. From what he could tell, it seemed like my compressor and clutch were good. he said something like the sensors on both sides of my compressor were "good" and that he thought the problem had something to do with my ECM (???) not sending the signal, or something of that sort.
My questions are...
1) Has anyone have a similar problem? If so, what was wrong?
2) The guy also says he thinks it is something electrical. What is the worst case scenario? If it is my ecm, how much am I looking at?
3) Is there a surefire way I can check it at home to rule out the compressor and the clutch? Well, any help is greatly appreciated.
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10
RE: A/C Problem...trying to isolate the PROBLEM
Ok. If it is an electrical problem, what are the possible causes? Also, how much am I looking at for repairs? i know this may be hard to guess, but I'm just trying to get a ballpark figure...
6th Gear Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,445
From:
RE: A/C Problem...trying to isolate the PROBLEM
ORIGINAL: bramma_99
Ok. If it is an electrical problem, what are the possible causes? Also, how much am I looking at for repairs? i know this may be hard to guess, but I'm just trying to get a ballpark figure...
Ok. If it is an electrical problem, what are the possible causes? Also, how much am I looking at for repairs? i know this may be hard to guess, but I'm just trying to get a ballpark figure...
6th Gear Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,445
From:
RE: A/C Problem...trying to isolate the PROBLEM
ORIGINAL: bramma_99
This may sound retarded but....how do i run a ground strap? Can you go into detail if possible?
This may sound retarded but....how do i run a ground strap? Can you go into detail if possible?
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 165
From:
RE: A/C Problem...trying to isolate the PROBLEM
first you have to get a multimeter and electrical diagram for your car. then use a multimeter and trace your whole a/c electrical system to where there is no power or no "signal" including to the ecm. i recommend getting a certified hvac technician (like me) to trace your system. if it is an electrical problem, like 99% percent of a/c failures, it could be anything from a tdr (time delay relay), fuse, switch, transistor, etc. also check the condenser and evaporator. thats assuming you have sufficent refrigerant. or you can go ghetto and roll down your windows, its up to you.
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10
RE: A/C Problem...trying to isolate the PROBLEM
Do most ford dealerships have an hvac technician? I have an appointment with the svc ctr at my local Ford dealership, and I was just wondering was this the best place to take it...
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 165
From:
RE: A/C Problem...trying to isolate the PROBLEM
ford dealerships are good to get something done for free if it's still under warranty but it's going to take a long time because the people they have working there are dopeheads. they don't know what they're doing. it's best to pay and go to an a/c auto technician who can do it right and fast.
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