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  #1  
Old 07-13-2020, 10:50 AM
dcw dcw is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 303
Default Air Conditioner works intermittently

The old ‘96er has 374,290 miles on it now. Upon startup the air blows good and cold. 5-10 minutes later the air starts warming up. If I continue with it on, it never gets cold again but if I turn the ac off for a few minutes, then back on again, it blows cold again probably 50% of the time. While the ac is on I notice a fairly frequent clicking -which I assume is the compressor- and with the clicking comes increased or decreased idle speed.

I’ve delt with this for a few years but it’s finally getting on my nerves enough to do something about it. A few years ago my mechanic (for the things I can’t do myself) tested the system for leaks and it was all good. I bought a freon kit last summer and the included gauge read the correct poundage.

I have to confess that I haven’t checked the pressure this summer, mostly because it’s the same old scenario I’ve been dealing with so I don’t expect a different result.

Any leads would be appreciated.
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1996 Ford Ranger Reg Cab XLT | 4cyl 2.3L w/Manual Transmission | 353,000 miles and counting... Running Mobile1 High Mileage Synthetic

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  #2  
Old 07-15-2020, 09:41 AM
tomw0 tomw0 is offline
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Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,086
Default Re: Air Conditioner works intermittently

I would check the clutch on the front of the compressor with the engine running at idle, and the A/C turned on. If you have sufficient refrigerant, the compressor will be engaged, and the clutch on the front will be spinning driven by the belt. If the clutch grabs and runs for a short while, and then lets go, and comes to a stop, then grabs again, you LIKELY are low on refrigerant. There is a pressure switch that releases the clutch when the pressure drops too low in the evaporator, mostly caused by low refrigerant.
If the clutch turns continuously, the you may have a blockage. Cannot diagnose that from 1k miles away.
tom
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  #3  
Old 07-15-2020, 05:24 PM
wpginterceptor wpginterceptor is offline
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Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 188
Default Re: Air Conditioner works intermittently

low on freeon
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  #4  
Old 07-21-2020, 08:52 AM
dvrich dvrich is offline
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,181
Default Re: Air Conditioner works intermittently

Next time the a/c stops cooling, pull over and check the pressures. If the low side is over 30 psi and the compressor is not running check for 12 volts at the compressor, if there is 12v the clutch and solenoid is bad.


I guess we aren't going to know how what happened.
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Last edited by dvrich; 08-07-2020 at 04:57 PM.
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  #5  
Old 08-16-2020, 11:31 AM
CP30 CP30 is offline
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Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 101
Default Re: Air Conditioner works intermittently

It’s sound like it’s low on refrigerant. Could be your AC relay going bad in the fuse box under the hood also. My AC clutch was acting flakey recently and then just stopped working altogether so I got a new relay from the dealership for $4.00 and the clutch turned on instantly when I turned on the AC. Maybe you have 2-3 problems going on atthe same time. Flakey relay and low refrigerant. Me psersonally, to fix your situation, i would put in a new relay, relieve and vacuum the system down to 30Hg, turn the vacuum pump off and let it sit like for an entire hour with your manifold gauge attached and see if tge vacuum holds and there’s no leaks. If you got a leak, cheapest thing to do first is replace both the schrader valves in the high and low pressure ports then re-vacuum and see if it holds. If it holds add the amount of refrigerant according to tge sticker specs under the hood, no more and no less, no matter what your gauge reading say then see how she runs.

BEST detailed AC instructions out there right here:

https://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.co...auge-readings/

Other easily dooable things after you determine that: 1. There are no leaks 2. You have have the exact correct amount of refrigerant in the system and you still have a problem.

Replace orifice tube or expansion valve (whichever one you have)

Replace the accumulator and high pressure switch.

Also, you can check for blockages in the system via STATIC GAUGE READINGS. Go to that link and it will explain.

Harbor Freight manifold gauges and HF vacuum pump that will pull to 30Hg. Very good investment.

Last edited by CP30; 08-16-2020 at 11:50 AM.
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  #6  
Old 05-30-2023, 10:51 AM
Taterman Taterman is offline
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Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 52
Default Re: Air Conditioner works intermittently

Sorry to revive an old thread (I'll start a new one if the mods prefer).
I have a similar issue, but my truck is an '07. Would the replies also apply to a '07 as well? Mine runs for about 5-10 minutes or so and then just stats blowing out warm air. It only works again if the truck sits for at least an hour.
Edit: Mine is a 6 cylinder 4.0
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Last edited by Taterman; 05-30-2023 at 11:07 AM.
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