A/C just recharged, not cold

[SWOOSH]

The other day I had my air conditioning recharged. At first it was cold, now, its just cool, never cold anymore, but that's after minutes of driving, what gives?!!!

[thathotrodlincn]

perhaps significant refrigerant leak?

[RF Overlord]

A/C systems should never be simply "recharged" without being leak-tested...if it needs recharging, it has a leak. Have a competent shop fix it correctly this time.

[fastblackmerc]

A/C systems should never be simply "recharged" without being leak-tested...if it needs recharging, it has a leak. Have a competent shop fix it correctly this time.

+1.... The A/C system is a closed system. If it needed a "recharge" there is a leak.

[SWOOSH]

Tested for leaks the same day as it was recharged, guess I need a sompetent shop to fix it then.

[Black_Noise]

several things could be going on here...
was it not cold because of low freon, so you took it somewhere to charge it?

Define cold... with a thermometer in the center vent, in max ac full blast with RPMs at 1500... thats how you test,

also, is it really hot there, or humid? It takes time to remove the heat energy from your vehicle's cabin.

[SWOOSH]

several things could be going on here...
was it not cold because of low freon, so you took it somewhere to charge it?

Define cold... with a thermometer in the center vent, in max ac full blast with RPMs at 1500... thats how you test,

also, is it really hot there, or humid? It takes time to remove the heat energy from your vehicle's cabin.

Initially, it wasn't cold because of low freon, so I took it to have it recharged. It hot and humid today, but normally at start up, I'd feel the difference in a minute or two, but this never becomes fully cold as it should, especially on 60 Max A/C, maybe there's another issue, I am not sure.

[MyBlackBeasts]

Initially, it wasn't cold because of low freon, so I took it to have it recharged. It hot and humid today, but normally at start up, I'd feel the difference in a minute or two, but this never becomes fully cold as it should, especially on 60 Max A/C, maybe there's another issue, I am not sure.

1st question needing an answer is: was the system actually low when it was recharged? How much freon was recovered by the shop when the evacuated the system? This info will be on your repair invoice (if you were dealing with a professional, reputable facility).

If the amount recovered was sufficient for operation you may have a mechanical issue such as a blend door not closing and allowing hot air in from heater core. This could be from obstruction or bad actuator (actuator is common with MM, search the site). Possible expansion valve - many other items besides freon can cause issue.

If charge was actually low, the shop should have located the leak and repaired prior to recharge (fed regulation). If they were unable to find the leak, hopefully they added dye as if it is low again this will allow them to locate the problem.

Good luck with finding the problem! :beer:

[SWOOSH]

Thanks, I will look into this further and see what I can come up with.

[Invader]

I agree with RF, if your refrigerant was low you have a leak. Most common leaks are found around the evaporator. I would start there first. Could be a faulty A/C switch too.

[RF Overlord]

If there's a leak, my bet is that it's the accumulator. Ford relocated it down low (near the battery) and it's common for them to rust out. Happened to Phoebe...

[Black_Noise]

overcharging can also cause problems... I think you need to get to a good service place.... probably ford would be best in case there is something that needs replaced

[SWOOSH]

1st question needing an answer is: was the system actually low when it was recharged? How much freon was recovered by the shop when the evacuated the system? This info will be on your repair invoice (if you were dealing with a professional, reputable facility).

If the amount recovered was sufficient for operation you may have a mechanical issue such as a blend door not closing and allowing hot air in from heater core. This could be from obstruction or bad actuator (actuator is common with MM, search the site). Possible expansion valve - many other items besides freon can cause issue.

If charge was actually low, the shop should have located the leak and repaired prior to recharge (fed regulation). If they were unable to find the leak, hopefully they added dye as if it is low again this will allow them to locate the problem.


Good luck with finding the problem! :beer:
Not sure how much was recovered, but it had 1.5 lbs I believe in it when it was checked. He wants me to bring it in again to check for dye leaks. They added two pounds though