Ford A/C Quick Tips #5: Diagnosing a Weak A/C Compressor

These are the Tools and Parts I recommend:
All New A/C Compressors are best over Reman units-
A quality R134A Gauge Set is a must for an accurate Diagnosis-
Dial Thermometer-
My Company BSG Automotive offers Auto Repair services in the greater Chicagoland area.
Website:
Facebook:
Catch up with us on-
Disclaimer:
The information, demonstration and any content contained in this video is for informational purposes only. The user and BSG Automotive (hereinafter “FordTechMakuloco”) makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the effectiveness or safety of the contents of this video. In no way should the contents of the video, including the tools used, be repeated or tried by anyone. Viewers should only seek the help of a trained professional located at a licensed auto repair shop for any fix, modification, alteration, or any change to their vehicle. FordTechMakuloco shall not be liable for any injury, damage, or loss to any person or property that may result from use of the tools, equipment, or any content contained in this video. In addition, there is no way to guarantee that the video is not altered or modified or is not in the final form submitted by FordTechMakuloco and therefore, FordTechMakuloco does not warrant that the video is unaltered or not modified. The links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are an endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product. Viewers understand that anything contained in this video or linked to or from this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and in no way provides an express or implied warranty as to the safety or effectiveness of any linked tool, product, or video. Therefore, viewer agrees to release, waive, and discharge FordTechMakuloco or anyone affiliated with FordTechMakuloco, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the viewer, or to any property belonging to viewer, regardless of whether the loss is linked to the use of the contents of this video, or otherwise and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

[rustynuckles]

You are the ONLY person on here to describe how to confirm a worn out compressor !
You da man !

[tedpatriot]

You should start a tech school! I've learned so much from your vids! The world needs more good honest mechanics!

[aaronbrown]

I do all of my own repairs unless there is a special tool needed that i can't get my hands on. Your videos are the best i have come across. I just purchased a '07 Lariat with the 5.4L 3v and have been educating myself on what issues to expect/keep an eye out for. Keep it up man, I'm learning a lot. Thanks.

[merqury]

Every mechanic should see this video. Great run through.

[joserosas]

Thank you very much for sharing this video. I was speculating weather my pressure readings indicated a worn compressor or if I had a possible restriction in one of my ac hoses. The ambient temperature at the time was 89 degrees with 49% humidity. According to the manufactures specifications at the time of testing the low side should be between 28-41 psi and 193-261 psi for the high side. I had the engine running at 2000 RPM's and the center vent temperature wouldn't go lower than 60 degrees on MAX AC. My pressure readings were 60 psi for the lo side and 205 for the Hi side. I'll check to see how much resistance it takes to turn the clutch by hand.

[hawaiianf]

I'm sitting here drooling tapping my fingers on the desk in anticipation for the rest of the video series...   Awesome Knowledge  Your videos really do make it a whole lot easier to figure things out. Kinda glad too, I been scratching my head trying to learn auto repair for so long I think I have a new bald spot.

[clubadv]

watched like 20 videos, and this was by far the best. thank you.

[d.dickey]

All of your videos are 1000% informative

[jeffflowers]

4:18 the clutch was turning by itself. I'd say that's pretty worn out lol. I just picked up an 05 Town Car two months ago. Just now realizing the AC wasn't blowing cold. Didn't need it. Clutch engages and gauge shows full charge. Never new this little trick of turning the clutch with no resistance. Sure enough, I can turn it as easily as the one you're showing. Which also solves my AC issue on my 01 F150 that wouldn't take a charge. I had to jump the relay to engage the clutch but still wouldn't take a charge. I can turn the clutch on that compressor too. Looks like I've got two compressor replacement jobs in my future. Great video as always

[ozzstars_cars]

nice explanation. i know a lot of places say pretty much all components need to be replaced to honor the new ac compressor warranty. I'm sure you will discuss this topic eventually

[bolatdinc]

Checking compressor clutch resistance with hand. It is very useful tip for me to diagnose compressor issues....Thanks!

[aeyb]

My mechanic referred me to a well regarded local independent rad/cooling business for my crown Vic Ac dysfunction: more specialized, familiar with all popular brands and fast. Costly but I think done right.

[freakfiveoh]

Thanks for the video, I'm definitely going to be diagnosing my F150 before I break down and take it to someone. I've been suspecting the A/C wasn't working well for a while, but when I went to add more refrigerant the gauge said it was full. Now I suspect something else isn't working properly, and it's also started to sound like there's a leaf in the blower, so perhaps there will be multiple issues to work through.

[alex]

Thank you for responding. that is what my gut was telling me. I went ahead and replace the accumulator and that didn't fix it. I'm going to replace the expansion valve and see if that fix it. I appreciate your response.

[KSMike]

My experience has always been that replacing the compressor causes other components in the system to fail within months (or sooner), supposedly because they're no longer up to the task of handling full pressures. Thoughts?

[servicioelectromecanicocue]

Thanks men, youre videos are full instructional. Greetings from Mexico

[DavidMessina]

Hey thanks for making the video! I have used a few of these to resolve issues with my own 2011 Escape. I do have a question for you regarding the AC. Basic symptoms ... AC blows very cold, but only when it wants to. I find that the closer it gets to 30Celcius, the less likely it is to work. When it stops working the fan is still blowing but all I get is hot air. Every once in a while it may or may not get cold for a minute of two and then stops again. Any ideas? From what I have found online with this issue, it involves replacing the whole system which I am hoping is not true. Thanks again!

[motecalevol]

I have a 2002 Sport Trac which has a FS-10 Compressor. Air blows cold (40 deg) at speed, but it warms up (60 deg) when I stop. I have checked my charge and topped it off a couple of times over the years. 3-4 years ago, I replaced the orifice screen. I also replaced the fan clutch (my truck has a belt driven fan). And I also removed a shim from the compressor clutch because my air would sometimes just start blowing out hot even at speed. I am suspicious that maybe the compressor just isn't pumping as much refrigerant thru the system as it used to. If I rev up the engine to 2000 rpm or so, it gets better, but not great. 2 minutes after I take off, it will cool down to 40 degrees and stay there as long as I'm moving. Seems to do the same if the AC is on max or regular. The truck does have 300, 000 miles on it and I am still running the original compressor.

[patrickpeterman]

what should I look for when purchasing a remanufactured or new ac/compressor for ford triton v-10 415 6.8ltr 2valve gas naturally aspirated engine; appreciate your videos and your advice I am learning a lot please continue producing your videos people like me really need them, PATRICK.P

[TheBobbalu]

Thank you for getting back to me did some more work on tonight just added some more freon got it to blow at 55 degrees but that's about as cold as it gets at RPMs under $2, 000 blows around 60 more like 65 sorry