Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Need opinions on HVAC issue

Late last summer I was having issues w/ my A/C system and eventually found a rubber strip of hose that had a cut. I couldn't tell you which hose it is - only that it's on the passenger side (Hi pressure). I kind of put it off during the winter because I didn't need my A/C and there's no need to run the defroster here in Phoenix.

Yesterday, I decided to turn on the A/C just to see how bad the engine load would be when it cycled. Well, it never did! It used to cycle on/off every ten seconds or so but the compressor never cycled yesterday. I even got under the car and watched the pulley and nothing.

Here's my question: If the compressor cycles over and over when the system is low, is it possible that after evacuating the system over a period of months the compressor won't come on because of the complete absence of freon? Or do you think it's hosed? I've heard compressors can fail when ran w/ little or no freon in the system, but mine wasn't ran at all over the winter period.

I talked to Ford last year when I noticed the line was cut because it was about a month after they replaced the waterpump (same side of the engine bay). I wondered if it was damaged during that repair. They told me it wouldn't be covered under warranty, so I put it off until I could have it fixed, but never got around to it.

I haven't checked all the fuses yet, either. I just wanted to gather opinions and see how many people think I'll end up eating a compressor because I waited too long to repair this darn hose.

If all the freon is out...Compressor should not run. But, if you used your DEfroster, the A/C was called on to run. As long as there was some freon in there, it would cycle. It cuyles when the freon is low because the suction side of the compressor pressure drops below the cutoff. The pressure normally is about 30-40 PSI on the suction side when running. Not sure when the low pressure cutout works, but usually around 20 PSI. This is because the evaporator coil would be at 20 degree F. or so and would freeze the moisture collecting on it. Once you drop below 20 PSI when not running, the compressor shouldn't come on.

If you leave the A/C system "open" to atmosphere, moisture is absorbed into it. There is a Filter/Drier on it that has dessicant (moisture absorber) in it to keep the system dry. You should of repaired the hose even if you did not intend to use it. I would recommend replacing the filter/drier after repairing/replacing the hose. In addition, hte repair shop should put a dehydrating vacuum on the system to remove moisture in the system.

I have a similar problem. When I turn on my A/C my compressor does come one but only for about 1.5 seconds, then goes off for about 5 seconds. It will run through that same cycle continuously obviously never cooling the car. I did top off the refrigerant but that did nothing to help the problem.

Mike
'95 SE, ATX