2007 Escape A/C temp check...

[badtlc]

I just want to check my AC and see if it is performing within specs because it seems to be getting warmer. I have a thermometer and plan to check the temps coming out of the vents. What should be the delta-T compared to the outside air for the temps? I am going to turn the A/C on high, w/ outside air (not recirc) and measure at the center supply vents. I just don't know what delta-T to expect for good operation.

Thanks for any help.

 

[JHZR2]

I'd hope for temperatures in the high 30's at 80's-90's ambient.

Sitting and doing this likely isn't the most telling.

IMO looking at high and low pressures (as well as cold soak static pressure) is the right way to determine if the system is operating correctly... And I guess a full evacuation and refill by weight to ensure that the true correct working fluid amount is right.

 

[SrDriver]

Make sure that you do not have the outside air open. Use re- circulation. Have the system on max A/C with highest fan setting.

Let it stabilize. Outlet vent reading should be in the 40 degree range.

Often when people try and add refrigerant they either don't purge the hoses and introduce moisture and air into the system or overcharge.

 

[badtlc]

I'm just checking to see if I need to get it charged. I don't have the tools to charge it.

Why use recirc? You can't maintain as many variables that way because of unknown heat gain in a given car. Is there not a specified delta-t for fresh air intake at highway speeds? The ambients right now are pushing 100 degrees.

 

[AandPDan]

You need a gauge set.

Ford uses the system pressures to test the system and publishes discharge and suction pressure charts for that purpose. This is the best way to identify any problems with the system.

It does take into consideration ambient temps but does not check outlet air temp. I do know that some manufacturers, Dodge for example, do.

In all cases, the control is set to Max A/C, recirc. All doors and windows are open, including the rear hatch. You might be surprised to know that if the ambient temp is below 100, you set the fan speed to "high." If it over 100, you set it to M1.

Hope it helps.

 

[Drew99GT]

You can use a thermometer. Take the car for a drive with the A/C one full blast with the windows open and the A/C on recirculate. You're looking for 35 to 40 degrees below ambient from what I've seen on most cars. If it's extremely hot like you say it is, you might only get 50 degree or a little higher vent temps, especially in stop and go traffic where the fans won't produce as much airflow through the condenser like highway driving will.

There are other variables as well. If you live in an area with a lot of bugs, your condenser will clog up with dead bugs and lower output with a fully charged system.

 

[badtlc]

Where can I find the pressure chart? Thanks for the info.

 

[badtlc]

Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
You can use a thermometer. Take the car for a drive with the A/C one full blast with the windows open and the A/C on recirculate. You're looking for 35 to 40 degrees below ambient from what I've seen on most cars. If it's extremely hot like you say it is, you might only get 50 degree or a little higher vent temps, especially in stop and go traffic where the fans won't produce as much airflow through the condenser like highway driving will.

There are other variables as well. If you live in an area with a lot of bugs, your condenser will clog up with dead bugs and lower output with a fully charged system.


I just got back from a highway drive with temps around 92F. I didn't know about keeping all the windows open. On max recirc, it got down to about 45F. With recirc off, and just max AC it maintained about 57F. I'd guess with windows open and recirc on max it probably maintain around 50F. I might try that this afternoon if I get bored.

 

[wander2039]

If you haven't noticed the Escape's AC does lack a bit in stop and go driving. On the highway it seems just fine. What I did on ours is get a cheap refill with gauge from OReilly's and added to the point where the gauge is still in the green(normal?)but just a little away from the blue(overcharged?).. can't remember the specifics off hand. Ours seem to work the best at that point. Not the proper method but alot better than spending a fortune at the shop. Also I got the fire proof rubber hose insulation and put on the low pressure side of the AC. The AC is x2 better than when we bought it.

 

[mechtech2]

Who cares about ambient temps with the AC on recirc?

 

[badtlc]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Who cares about ambient temps with the AC on recirc?


It affects heat gain drastically. The cars interior is not a perfectly insulated environment.

 

[Drew99GT]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Who cares about ambient temps with the AC on recirc?


The condenser.