How would you rate our Air Conditioners?

[SIZEMOREMK]

What do ya'll think of the A/C in these cars?

I had a 2003 Crown Vic "Sport" prior to my MM, and I always thought the A/C was substandard in it. It was that way form day one when I bough it used with less than 20K miles. I assumed it was just not the best design. I did have to replace the blower speed control in it at one point, seemed the same before and after replacement.

I feel the same way about the A/C in my MM, seems to perform about the same as my CV did. I have not had it checked out yet, so maybe I should...

Was talking to Jeff a MO's and he said that he has always thought that the MMs had great A/C.

Since the greatness of an A/C is subjective, I thought I'd ask for some opinions on what I should expect out of a well functioning A/C in this particular car.

My opinion on mine is that the temp at the vent seems about cold enough, but the fan don't blow quite hard enough. But I'd assume if the fan blew harder, the temp might not be cold enough. It also seems like it takes too long for it to get cold.

So how would you rate yours?

[cat in the hat]

IME, Fords have the best A/C of any cars I have ever owned, by far. I have never owned a Ford that you couldn't hang meat in on the 4th of July in Hell.

[whitey]

If its not cold enough, get some of that super zub zero 134a they sell at walmart.....that stuff is so much better!;)

My civic had colder air, but the mm does its job. Seems a little slow to start doing the job, but once its there, its golden.

[larryo340]

I think the air-conditioning in my Marquis is colder, but then again it has light gray velour seats, tinted windows, and remote start.

I've only had the Marauder a year and a half and was not thrilled about the air conditioning which surprised me as I've had alot of Fords all with icy a/c...I checked it a few weeks ago at work to find it was down eight ounces of refrigerant, and after checking for leaks..finding none I vacuumed it down and charged it to spec (40 oz) and now it's where I'm very happy with it.

[fastblackmerc]

Mine has been awesome since day one.

[justbob]

Mine has been awesome since day one.


Agreed. Even with headers.


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[marauderthis]

Dont get me started on the Panthers AC


Ask a Ford technician to be open and candid. You will likely hear...
The EATC is a piece of... and so is the blend door actuator.

[marauderthis]

FB really your EATC and Blend door actuator in your MM never failed?









Mine has been awesome since day one.

[Joe Walsh]

Mine has been awesome since day one.


Agreed. Even with headers.


Mine has always run nice and chilly cold!

I only wish that we had A/C built into the seats like Lincolns!

[justbob]

Mine has never once failed.


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[Bigdogjim]

A/C has worked with no issues since '02. Been in the hot Texas sun with no issues:)

[fastblackmerc]

FB really your EATC and Blend door actuator in your MM never failed?

No it hasn't..... yet. I have a brand new Motorcraft one to install if or when it does.

I still have the original BCM too.

Upgraded the EATC o-rings.

[marauderthis]

FB you upgraded the EATC O rings - did the original ones fail?
You and I have the ability and skills to do this sort of work others can not.
For those lacking the ability fear not Ford will sell you a new EATC unit and install it for you too. Anyone want to guess how much the inexperienced, uninitiated individual will fork over to Ford?

If your actuator fails Ford will be more than happy to take care of that too just handover $1300.

Ford is doing the right thing with the LCM. They need the cut the crap
and take responsibility for their poorly designed failure prone EATC and Blend Door Actuator BS.







No it hasn't..... yet. I have a brand new Motorcraft one to install if or when it does.

I still have the original BCM too.

Upgraded the EATC o-rings.

[justbob]

All cars cost ridiculous money for upkeep. EATC here, cylinder heads on a GM, frozen locking axle actuators on a jeep... There is no perfect car. Either learn how to read a forum and willing to learn how to repair, or pay the piper. No different than owning a house, motorcycle, or a boat.


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[fastblackmerc]

FB you upgraded the EATC O rings - did the original ones fail?
You and I have the ability and skills to do this sort of work others can not.
For those lacking the ability fear not Ford will sell you a new EATC unit and install it for you too. Anyone want to guess how much the inexperienced, uninitiated individual will fork over to Ford?

If your actuator fails Ford will be more than happy to take care of that too just handover $1300.

Ford is doing the right thing with the LCM. They need the cut the crap
and take responsibility for their poorly designed failure prone EATC and Blend Door Actuator BS.

I replaced as preventative maintenance.

I repair LCM's (heavy duty external relay for the headlights and upgraded relays for the other 3 relays), EATC's (I can also repair / upgraded the EATC button & fan wheel lghts to LEDs), BCM's, windows switch lights, etc.

I can replace your lend door actuator for $475.00 just drive to my house.

I can't agree with you on the failures with the Marauder. There are failures with ALL other cars on the road. It is nice to have this forum to ask questions and offer services to help others out.

[Mr. Man]

When they are working they're great but lately they all seem to be losing the refrigerant. Even dyed the SB last year and see no dye anywhere so I'm miffed.

[fastblackmerc]

When they are working they're great but lately they all seem to be losing the refrigerant. Even dyed the SB last year and see no dye anywhere so I'm miffed.

Check the receiver dryer. It just to the left of the battery and behind the radiator. They have a tendency to rust out. Replace with an aluminum one.

[Mr. Man]

Check the receiver dryer. It just to the left of the battery and behind the radiator. They have a tendency to rust out. Replace with an aluminum one.
Thanks I'll check that out.

I seem to remember reading there is a better replacement than factory but can't recall the name of said company. Do you or anyone remember the name of the company that makes the aluminum one? :)

[guspech750]

Cold.


Sent from The White House on taxpayers dimes.

DTR + 4.10's + Eaton swap = Wreeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom

[fastblackmerc]

Thanks I'll check that out.

I seem to remember reading there is a better replacement than factory but can't recall the name of said company. Do you or anyone remember the name of the company that makes the aluminum one? :)


Four Seasons: 83148 (Aluminum)

Rock Auto carries them.

[marauderthis]

Thanks FB but if ether part fails again prematurely I will fix it myself -again- I will be cursing each spin of the ratchet.

Since 1990 I have owned three new Ford vehicles.
They were all maintained to a T.
I piled on a lot of mileage the only thing that failed in each vehicle was the alternator. No big deal.
None of the the cars had issues with the AC control unit or blend doors.
Why? Because they did not have the unreliable poorly designed EATC system. Once again I will repeat comment made by Ford Technician(s) "THE EATC system is a piece of ***** "
Not my words!

FB Other vehicles having failure is not the issue
The issue I am zeroed in on is the unreliable EATC system and blend door actuator.
I almost forgot the other ingenious disaster is the COT design. This one is very scary. One little slip, miscalculation and if not caught in time the engine is TOAST! Done!
If your lucky you only cooked cylinder number 8.






I replaced as preventative maintenance.

I repair LCM's (heavy duty external relay for the headlights and upgraded relays for the other 3 relays), EATC's (I can also repair / upgraded the EATC button & fan wheel lghts to LEDs), BCM's, windows switch lights, etc.

I can replace your lend door actuator for $475.00 just drive to my house.

I can't agree with you on the failures with the Marauder. There are failures with ALL other cars on the road. It is nice to have this forum to ask questions and offer services to help others out.

[BAD MERC]

I gotta say - I was vocal about this while mine was a year old and under warranty. I bought two cars 3 months apart and my 2006 Taurus has much better A/C by far. Not a sensation, a flat-out verifiable number tested with a thermostat. Both cars in the garage, A/C on full and the Taurus makes your knees ache within 15 minutes. The Marauder got comfortable but far from chilly. Both cars tinted the same and the Taurus is a dark color with dark interior. The Marauder is silver/light flint.

[Mike D Mechanic]

Mine works great same as the day I bought it new ! My 96 F 250 still work great and has never been worked on but it only 200k miles on it :D

[71cyclone]

:D
If its not cold enough, get some of that super zub zero 134a they sell at walmart.....that stuff is so much better!;)

My civic had colder air, but the mm does its job. Seems a little slow to start doing the job, but once its there, its golden.
Get your Marauder A/c Vacuumed down and replace the Freon with A/C pro .I did my Civic and My MM.. .,What happens is that the pressure gauges will read the right pressures ,but through time the Freon goes FLAT. :D

[fastblackmerc]

Thanks FB but if ether part fails again prematurely I will fix it myself -again- I will be cursing each spin of the ratchet.

Since 1990 I have owned three new Ford vehicles.
They were all maintained to a T.
I piled on a lot of mileage the only thing that failed in each vehicle was the alternator. No big deal.
None of the the cars had issues with the AC control unit or blend doors.
Why? Because they did not have the unreliable poorly designed EATC system. Once again I will repeat comment made by Ford Technician(s) "THE EATC system is a piece of ***** "
Not my words!

FB Other vehicles having failure is not the issue
The issue I am zeroed in on is the unreliable EATC system and blend door actuator.
I almost forgot the other ingenious disaster is the COT design. This one is very scary. One little slip, miscalculation and if not caught in time the engine is TOAST! Done!
If your lucky you only cooked cylinder number 8.

It is what it is.....

What are you trying to accomplish?

Ford is not going to do a recall on the HVAC system because it's not safety related.

Either live with and fix it it or sell the car.

[Roadwarrior]

Never had major A/C problems with both Ford vehicles that I own. Just recharging the freon when it runs low & it has been a while.

[fastblackmerc]

Never had major A/C problems with both Ford vehicles that I own. Just recharging the freon when it runs low & it has been a while.

FYI... if the freon is low you have a leak somewhere. The A/C is a closed system.

[Roadwarrior]

FYI... if the freon is low you have a leak somewhere. The A/C is a closed system.
What I meant to say is that it has been a while since I had the A/C system recharged after it had been vacuumed for any leaks. About more than 2 1/2 years ago since & the A/C still works to my satisfaction on the MM & the Crown Victoria. :beer:

[fastblackmerc]

What I meant to say is that it has been a while since I had the A/C system recharged after it had been vacuumed for any leaks. About more than 2 1/2 years ago since & the A/C still works to my satisfaction on the MM & the Crown Victoria. :beer:

Got it........

[GreekGod]

My MM has the worst A/C of any car or truck I've ever owned, including my 1993 Grand Marquise. I bought the MM with 13K miles on it (it was a loaner at the dealer).

It finally quit working last year. Before it died, I would usually drive with the temp set to 60, and the blower on high. I now suspect the blend door wasn't sealing properly since I bought it. When I have it on "vent", the air coming out is always higher than outside air temp. Yesterday, it was about 85 outside, and my vent temp was 100+. Is this symptomatic that my blend door hasn't been sealing properly since I bought the car?

By the way, I have an 83148 Four Seasons, and it is magnetic/steel. Purchased last fall from Rock Auto.

====================?

[Vortech347]

Out of all my vehichles the worst AC is the newest one I own.

I hate the AC in my Escape.

[tylerdurden2816]

My air didn't work when I got it, but that was a previous accidents fault. However, after replacing said part, the a/c still refuses to come out the vents. Only the defrosters and floor vents. That is not the previous owners accident's fault, that's Ford's. But I gotta say, when it's working, I'm quite satisfied with the temperature and fan strength.

[fastblackmerc]

My air didn't work when I got it, but that was a previous accidents fault. However, after replacing said part, the a/c still refuses to come out the vents. Only the defrosters and floor vents. That is not the previous owners accident's fault, that's Ford's. But I gotta say, when it's working, I'm quite satisfied with the temperature and fan strength.

PM sent.

9 10

[marauderthis]

C'mon safety issue my a.... Ford has done a terrible disservice to their customers. This car company could have corrected known issues ages ago but chose not too. Owners of Ford cars equipped with certain flawed components are paying dearly for it
What am I trying to accomplish? Yours truly is communicating with attorneys who specialize in product liability. So far so good - there is interest. Hopefully this issue gets some traction. Need I say more?


It is what it is..... What are you trying to accomplish?

Ford is not going to do a recall on the HVAC system because it's not safety related.

Either live with and fix it it or sell the car.[/QUOTE]

[fastblackmerc]

C'mon safety issue my a.... Ford has done a terrible disservice to their customers. This car company could have corrected known issues ages ago but chose not too. Owners of Ford cars equipped with certain flawed components are paying dearly for it
What am I trying to accomplish? Yours truly is communicating with attorneys who specialize in product liability. So far so good - there is interest. Hopefully this issue gets some traction. Need I say more?


It is what it is..... What are you trying to accomplish?

Ford is not going to do a recall on the HVAC system because it's not safety related.

Either live with and fix it it or sell the car.

Good luck..............:rolleyes:

[justbob]

Does this my owners whine over little things like this in all car categories?

All repairs done to mine whether needed or general preventive maintenance since purchased used in '04:

$75 + 1 hr labor - BCM (thanks for the new freebie Joe!)
$10 labor included - New O rings installed in the EATC.
$10 + 5 min. Labor - One tail light bulb and one fog light bulb.
$10 + 2 hr labor - Oil filter adapter gasket.
$80 + 1 hr. Labor - Fuel pump
$10 + 1 hr. Labor - LCM relay
Total = $195 and 5 hr 5 min in TEN YEARS!

That's $19.50 and 30.5 minutes a YEAR! Try and find a better built car.

My car just rolled 100,000 miles so that's 84,000 driven by me and I have never given it an easy life, but stopped at nothing to over maintain.


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[Krytin]

My eyeglasses still fog-up when I get out of my MM in the hot weather - that's how cold the A/C is after 12 years and 150k miles w/out any re-charge or repairs.
My '04 CV Sport needed a receiver/dryer and recharge as well as failed "O" rings in the EATC. Both cars are daily drivers and sit outside 24/7/355.

[Mr. Man]

My eyeglasses still fog-up when I get out of my MM in the hot weather - that's how cold the A/C is after 12 years and 150k miles w/out any re-charge or repairs.
My '04 CV Sport needed a receiver/dryer and recharge as well as failed "O" rings in the EATC. Both cars are daily drivers and sit outside 24/7/355.

Where are they the other 10 days? :dunno:

[Krytin]

Where are they the other 10 days? :dunno:
Funny Guy!

On vacation of course!!
365 OK!:tongue:

[ctrlraven]

Mine works great but on those hot summer days in stop and go traffic, I can really feel the heat coming through the side of the trans tunnel. I had to rip out that fabric heat shielding because it fell down and was laying on the rear cats.

I picked up some several packages of the Ford Insulator Packs but haven't had a change to install them. I will when the motor gets pulled.

[Bigdogjim]

I dare say some driver's (all cars/trucks) really do not know how to cool a vehicle in hot weather. I have seen many people hit the highest fan speed and ***** because it take too long to cool down? I tell ride with windows down for a mile or two and vent the hot air out then your not cooling all the hot air in the car. Simple way to cool off the car but some people just don't listen.

Marauder's air is fine. The '95 F-150 is also working very, very well:up:

[justbob]

Mine works great but on those hot summer days in stop and go traffic, I can really feel the heat coming through the side of the trans tunnel. I had to rip out that fabric heat shielding because it fell down and was laying on the rear cats.

I picked up some several packages of the Ford Insulator Packs but haven't had a change to install them. I will when the motor gets pulled.


Do you have LT's? I used cheap dynamat in mine and I get no such heat?


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"