ford focus a/c

can some one please help. how easy is it to recharge the a/c with the refrigerant or do i have to take it to a garage to get it done. also can i tell when the cluch is engaged. i am a newbie to a/c . it is a uk ford focus

Reply to
andrew21
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The a/c is controlled via the engine ecu. When you hit the dash switch, it calls to the ecu to engage the compressor, which it will do it conditions allow- engine temp, throttle position etc. The twin condensor fans are also controlled by the ecu, and when a/c is called for, these will start about 3 seconds after pressing the button, followed by the compressor clutch 2-3 seconds after that. You'll probably hear a click as it does.

Looking at the a/c compressor with the engine running, you'll see the pulley spinning with the belt, and if the clutch is engaged the hub of the pulley will also be spinning. The low pressure (larger) line coming from the evaporator at the bulkhead will be covered in moisture and be cold.

There are two safety switches in the system, which disable it if there is insufficent gas or if the pressure rises too high.

If your a/c is dead altogether first check the fuse in the engine bay fuse box, and then suspect its low on gas.

Recharging is normal practice on a healthy system about every 3 years, through natural loss. If it needs more than this, you have a leak. Properly and regularly exercising the a/c all year round is the key to keeping the gas in it- 5-10 mins per week, every week. Without use, the seals dry up. This is potentially costly to fix due to finding the source of the leak.

The evap anti-freeze thermostat cuts the system out at around 4 deg c, which is why the compressor cycles. Exercising it when the ambient temp is around

4 deg requires heating the cabin and using the recirc button.

If you have no experience of a/c then i strongly recommend you entrust regassing to a specialist, - shop around and go more on good reports from other people than price.

On a poorly working system when re-gassing, its far better to vacuum the system entirely and re charge with dye and the sticker recommended weight.

If its not working at all- vacuum, charge with nitrogen and check for leaks, which they'll surely be, before vacuuming again, adding oil and gas.

Hope this helps abit.

Tim..

Reply to
Tim..

i turn on a/c light comes on the dash. clutch doesnt engage and fans dont start. could that be low gas problem or something else thanks

Reply to
andrew21

If fuses are ok, then you are out of gas. (low pressure switch is open, protecting the system).

Some history on when and how well the a/c worked last time it did would help.

Tim..

Reply to
Tim..

Hay, also need to give my A/C a quick recharge. I have always recharged my systems in most of my cars. No biggie. Just make sure you do not over charge. Though, on the Focus I cannot find the A/C ports. Found one on rear left, but cannot find the second. Can someone point me in the right direction. Only place I have not looked is under the wheel well passenger side.

Reply to
kwstang

"kwstang" wrote: > Hay, also need to give my A/C a quick recharge. I have always > recharged my systems in most of my cars. No biggie. Just make > sure you do not over charge. Though, on the Focus I cannot > find the A/C ports. Found one on rear left, but cannot find > the second. Can someone point me in the right direction. > Only place I have not looked is under the wheel well passenger > side.

Never mind..found it. Why does ford always put things in places where they are hard to get to!

Reply to
kwstang

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