Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting A/C Pressure up and down

I just bought a used 1999 Ford contour Sport and the a/c is so so. I purchased a recharge kit and when I hooked up the meter I noticed the pressure would go from low to high then low to high again.. Also on another note but might be related the Air control valve issue seems to be a little bit present on idle with a/c on.. the rpm doesn't seem 100% stable in this situation (but not stalling yet or anything like that). Could this be causing the a/c problem, also should I have ask my mechanic to:
A.) clean it
B.) replace it
c.) wait till it gets worse to replace it

? Thanks for all the help guys.

Welcome. Don't worry about the A/C. Clean the Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve, Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and change the air filter.

Edit

IAC cleaning
from Ray's UIM/LIM how to in Duratec Maintenance how to.

"Replacing the IAC gasket:
(From IAC faq)
Over time, the IAC (Idle Air Control) valve becomes sticky due to buildup from the EGR and PCV systems. It can stick partially open such that idle quality is adversely affected, and engine RPM's will not drop below 1500. For a while, blipping the throttle will restore normal idle, but this only works for so long.

The fix is to remove the IAC valve by unbolting the two 8mm bolts that hold it on and disconnected the wiring plug. If you are careful enough, replacement of the gasket will not be necessary. The gasket costs less than US $1.00, so it is no tragedy if you destroy it. Once the valve is off, spray it out with some carb/intake cleaner and make sure any gunky residue is gone. Reattach, and you are done. It is a lot cheaper than a new IAC, which runs around US $70. Note: Ford claims the IAC cannot be cleaned, but this is not true in my experience." Ray.

MAF cleaning
http://www.contour.org/mods/mods.php?s=howto&displayid=36

I am not to worried about the IAC. Every Car I have owned has not had a/c or had broken a/c and I am sick of getting in other peoples cars and I freeze my ass off! I want to freeze someone else that goes into my car (lol) ... anyway to add to my previous post it is somewhat cold on the right vent and warm on the drivers side (left)... a dealer wanted 39.99 to check the a/c system for leaks etc.. and 150.00 to flush it and refill I think.... I guess what I am getting at is do you guys think this is a major issue or a minor one that a flush and recharge should fix... I would fill it myself but like I said before the gauge was going from low to the yellow area which is above the blue (normal level) on the gauge.

The pressure will rise and fall as the a/c operates. You should have very effective a/c, mine is, after finding the leak and fixing it! You might have a system leak, check for that. I had the service valve (where you put in the R134) fail to seat, you could see bubbles in the valve hole. The compressor should not cycle on an 80 degree day. Clean the IAC, for sure, if the rpms fluctuate too much when a/c is on or quick steering is done.

I had that temperature problem, with all vents open, because the sun heated up the driver side of the car. I find reducing the center vent thumbwheel a little balances the air flow. (If you bought the car with a guarantee, make sure the a/c repairs are done.)

wow you guys are quick on the responses. I appreciate that. a couple of things. It has not been too warm here in mass the last couple of days below 80 so maybe thats it. when I picked up the car in NJ I can't remember if it was warm or not. I think it was around 80 and the a/c was again just blowing cool air .. really just below warm. I will prob just have to wait till a really hot day and see how it goes. I was thinking maybe the clutch is stuck in a cycle of engage disengage engage disengage engage (i hope you are picking up the pattern by now). would this create a so so a/c..??... Oh and by the way : you guys think this was a deal? my car

You have a low refrigerant problem, mine was cycling on a 90 degree day! Nice car, many miles to go, most have twice or more mileage. The interior is just like my Mystique LS. The a/c is not ice cold (says it is), but I note: as-is unless you get extended warranty. Did you? Still, a/c repair may be less than the cost of the warranty anyhow. There is also some one-month "STSA short term service agreement", that has a $500 deductible. See if the dealer will stand behind the a/c. Enjoy driving the Contour, it's a nimble car. They just need fixing sometimes!

Engine oil half quart above max (to prevent oil starvation issues) and coolant half inch above max (to prevent the fickle coolant light from coming on).

In addition, to download an owner's manual (free),
www.fleet.ford.com

Check the ATF and see if it is closer to clear pink/red. Buy a quart of Mercon to compare. Change the ATF if necessary. We have a how-to.

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=tranny&Number=992476&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=7&fpart=1

And might be a good idea to change the fuel filter too.

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=v6maint&Number=958655&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=186&fpart=1