Any Ford Mechanics out there?

davidjsouth · #1 06-04-2010, 06:47 AM

I have 2001 Ford Focus SE. My A/C is not blowing cold air, and just yesterday on my way home from picking up my daughter at pre-K it started to over heat.

It's done this before, overheat. Any of you mechanics have any suggestions?

If so is this a costly repair. If it is I'm considering selling the car and going down to two vehicles.

Thanks

mickblock · #2 06-04-2010, 07:46 AM

I'm not a mechanic. But the basic diagnostic rundown would be something like:

Verify the sufficient amount of coolant. Then verify the correct ratio of water to coolant [50/50] using a hygrometer. [don't overlook this as insignificant or too basic]

Verify the accessory belt is not worn, has no oil spilled on it and properly tensioned.

On to the thermostat check. With the engine at operating temperature touch the upper radiator hose. If it's not hot, then it's worth assuming you need to replace your thermostat. Find your part # yourself. Then grab one. If the hose is hot but seems to be collapsing, then replace it.

If the car only begins overheating when stopped and idling but seems to cool of a bit when driving then you can move to a fan malfunction.

I'm inclined to think that the A/C and the overheating are separate issues. Unless your belt needs replacement. But then you'd have other accessory related issues as well.

nvr_done · #3 06-04-2010, 02:09 PM

Make sure your a/c fan is coming on with the a/c, the extra draw on the motor with no additional cooling might have caused it to overheat and not blow cold air. Easy check is drive the car and see if the a/c gets cold or not. If not you prolly are out of refrigerent(sp?). Otherwise like the other guy said, check thermostat and coolant levels etc.

rangerhippie · #4 06-04-2010, 03:43 PM

I am Ford mechanic, most likely your A/C and overheating issue are non-correlating problems.

as far as you A/C is concerned, the HVAC system should be checked for leaks, and recharged. Most likely this will cure your problem. Another common problem is that the fan does not come on with the A/C.

The overheating issue could be a number of things. most likely culprits are either low coolant or thermostat. Check coolant first. As far as the thermostat is concerned the easiest way to check it is as mickblock said, check the upper hose to the radiator to see if it hot.

obviously without taking a look at the car its hard to say for sure. but these are the problems that I most commonly see with the Focus's.

davidjsouth · #5 06-04-2010, 08:20 PM

Thanks.

davidjsouth · #6 06-04-2010, 08:23 PM

I think I'm going to sell it any way. Tired of having a car payment and running 3 cars is tough. Especially when you spouse is a social butterfly and goes here and there.

rangerhippie · #7 06-04-2010, 08:33 PM

not a bad idea. the focus's aren't the greatest vehicles out there. when they get up there in miles they start dropping like flies lol

joealex · #8 06-15-2010, 01:11 PM

I'm not a mechanic but ahave a 02 focus 154k miles and litle problems,I would keep it.have you check if the clutch of the A/C compressor is stok and over heating the engine? just athought Joe-

davidjsouth · #9 06-15-2010, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joealex

I'm not a mechanic but ahave a 02 focus 154k miles and litle problems,I would keep it.have you check if the clutch of the A/C compressor is stok and over heating the engine? just athought Joe-

Sold it this past weekend. It's gone! All I have now is my "good old faithful" ranger and my wife has her kid mobile.