Hi, I have a '97 Cobra, 41,000 miles, 2 old owners. This spring the windows fogged up quickly, now blows warm air when on a/c. Ford dealer wants $112 per hour to mess with. Any cheaper tips would be great. Thanks
Most likely, you have a leak. The first thing you have to do is identify where the leak is occurring - mine, unfortunately, was from the front seal area of the compressor. Most of the big box auto stores offer a leak detection kit - you inject a dye into your system, run it, and use an ultraviolet light and these goofy yellow glasses to see where the dye is apparent. Second, you have to repair the leak (if it's a line seal, that's pretty easy). Then, you have to vacuum the system and recharge it.
One particular persistent problem is the low pressure switch, which is located on the side of the dryer assembly (next to the firewall). To check this out, take the connector off and us a paper clip to connect the two terminals in the connector together. If your clutch engages and it blows cold - there's your problem.
Tools are not cheap - the vacuum pump is $100+, the A/C charge manifold is $50-$70 and you better know what you are doing - you can do damage your AC system and/or injure yourself if you don't have the necessary knowledge.
Rather than take it to the stealership, take it to a repair outfit that specializes in AC work - it will probably be cheaper and they'll figure it out pretty quickly.
Hi, Thanks for your help. That will help. Is there any chance if the low pressure switch was bad, would that cause the clutch not to spin with engine on, a/c on. Also the clutch spins very freely with engine off. Thanks
Hi, I took it to a local garage with does a/c. $24 to test, $30 for the low presure switch, $24 to install. In and out in an hour. Needless to say I bought lunch. Good call on the switch. THANKS