2006 Ford F150 intermittent A/C issue (Easy Fix) Compressor Air Gap

Problem Summary: My A/C was working but would suddenly stop (usually after running for 15-30 minutes) and only blow hot air. Pop the hood, and see the compressor NOT spinning. Check the refrigerant and fuses... still no solution. Out of desperation, I pushed the A/C clutch plate and it started spinning. It would work for a while but eventually, stop again.

3500 miles later not one issue with the A/C.

[rayadropofgoldenfun]

This is exactly the fix I needed. I spent way too much time suffering in the heat, and having mechanics shrug at me and charge for it. This took me less than ten minutes, and it WORKS!

[shawnvandervort]

Your a genius bro! Ty! You solved my issue in my mother's pickup! I am also very cheap so I've been trying to solve this issue for as cheap as possible. And hers was doing the same thing, it'd work for 2 hours or so then stop. I replaced the relay, and the diode and still having the issue so I did exactly what you did and just started giving it a good whack and it would start working again but it was temporary. But I did like you said and it's been working great ever since!! THANK YOU!

[zanesnyder]

Thank you so much for making this video, now my truck FINALLY has ac back, you are a life saver and earned yourself a subscriber!

[lakerspud]

Truck a/c has only been working part of the time. When working, cold air, then suddenly warm air. Watched this video looking for potential answers. Looked at my compressor and saw a large gap as described here. Took to my mechanic who did a complete system check for operation and leaks. He found this gap issue to be the problem. Removed front plate and cleaned it, and set proper gap. Runs like a charm. Thank you so much for this video. Compressor sits below oil fill pipe. 20 y/o vehicle had some past drips fouling it up.

[thephillyoffensive]

I did what you said. Ill be carrying around an old broom handle until I get it fixed! ty!

[paulwise]

You my friend are a freaking genius. This might be the most American rig it video of all time. I have a cold truck again. Thank you!

[tomspy]

Thanks A-Aron! I did this and it fixed my issue, I was about to spend big money on a new compressor. There was only 1 spacer, so I removed it, cleaned up the gunk between the plates, and woohoo! it has been working ever since

[gildorealdo]

This was an excellent video describing the symptoms and how to see if yours has the same issue (ie 1 credit card gap vs multiple). I could see it in my head as you showed the top/bottom view and sure enough was able to do it. The spacer i pulled out looked like a little washer. Pulled it out, reinstalled plate, and now 1 credit card gap between the clutch plate and compressor. Awesome! I’m sure one day you have to replace this clutch… but not today! Thanks dude. Holding the plate still with a screw driver while you loosen/tighten the bolt is the hardest part due to little space but on my back under it, got it done.

PS - you could see there was blue locktite on the middle bolt that comes out. For the thorough, you should put blue-tite back on. I forgot LOL. Also, its an 8 mm bolt head.

[ezriot]

Good info and video. My 05 F150 started this recently, now that it is super hot here. I did the broom handle thing to verify. Used a 8mm with a couple extensions and a pry bar wedged in there to hold it still while loosening the nut. Lots of brake pad type gunk in there was cleaned out and the spacer put back in. Kudos as this fixed the issue.

[dr.dougmiller]

You’re the man. Thank you so much for doing this video. That’s exactly what the issue it was with my truck.

[HungarianVizsla]

I genuinely appreciate this air conditioning fix video for the 04-08 F150. Now if I could just figure out where my engine oil leak is coming from. Darn thing throws oil on the alternator, the belt, top & bottom of the engine. Its everywhere. Gotta add a quart every 30 days. Has 190k on it. Can’t find the source of the leak.

[marshallscott]

CAUTION: WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING YOU CAN BE SEVERELY INJURED IF YOU REACH INTO THE AREA WHERE THERE ARE COMPONENTS SPINNING AT HIGH SPEED!!! Had the very same issue with my 2004 F150, sometimes the AC system worked great, sometimes it would stop working while driving. For those of you that don’t fully comprehend what he’s showing you in this your vehicle is running and AC is on, when you watch the front plate of the compressor it should cycle on and off, (spinning and not spinning). The serpentine belt is continually spinning/driving the outer pulley, but the solenoid/clutch mechanism inside the compressor cycles on and off during normal operation, so the front plate spins and stops intermittently. When you hear the compressor solenoid activate (loud click), the clutch should pull the front plate in toward the compressor and start spinning, which moves Freon through the system. While the engine is running with AC on, if you hear the compressor solenoid “loud click” but the front plate doesn’t start spinning, the air gap may be too wide, or there is wear/dirt/gunk preventing the front plate moving in toward the compressor far enough to spin, or the solenoid is not being activated. CAUTION: DO NOT REACH YOUR HAND/ARM INTO THIS AREA WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING!!! Like him, after watching the compressor plate and seeing that it was never spinning when the solenoid cycled on and off (loud click), I also proved it by taking a long wooden handle and barely tapping front of the plate, and it started spinning. CAUTION: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE FRONT PLATE WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING!!! The air gap is adjusted by removing the center nut, removing the front plate and changing the shim thickness behind the front plate. CAUTION: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE FRONT PLATE WHILE THE ENGINE IS There may be other issues with your system, but if you don’t ever see the front plate spinning it will never move Freon through the system.

[Elwood]

I just tried this with a broom stick and it started spinning again and I have AC! I’m going to try your remedy. Thank you for posting this video!

[mikelewis]

Have watched 100s of video on you tube....this one saved me this most 💰... Thank u sir!!

[Taintedwisdomaz]

You my man are the real MVP. Saving the little man big money. Thank you for your contribution.

[MRUIZPELAYO]

I have a 2005 F-150. Having same issue.
Going to try to fix it same way u did. Hope that solves the problem.
Thank u for making the video, just got yourself a new subscriber

[James-mkqj]

I’ve been having the same problem as for 5 years a/c work fine you get into a lot of traffic and At slow speeds it will shut off I want to drive while it will come back on again I’m gonna check to see if I have the same issue you did worse come to worse can always change the compressor but easy to check the small things first thanks great video and try to figure this out for a long time

[richardsmith]

I had the same problem did take the spacer out and have been driving for 8 months works great thanks

[ogres]

Wow I have the same problem. I did what you did your short video have save me from broken knuckles, couple of days of aggravation and 600$ bucks if I could, I would shake your hand but anyway, thank you very much

[jonathanvaughn]

Did this yesterday, 100% fixed! Thanks a ton!