Air con problem

Mc Love

2008 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI Zetec

When I switch AC on, you can only hear faint sound that something has kicked into action (when AC is switched off, this noise also stops)

I recharged it yesterday as there was little or no gas in it. It is now filled to an acceptable level, yet the AC isnt throwing out cold air when on the highest power setting. Dial is set to coldest also.

Any suggestions on how to fix it? Bear in mind, I went to Ford yesterday and they said to try re-charging it, they had a brief look at the pipes and in the engine bay and didnt see anything amiss.

Will probably have to bring it in unless anyone on here has any suggestions?

Hal1

You need this thread, same problem with a ford ka recently. It's common enough on fords.

Solution:

shamwari wrote:

OP, you might want to look at this a little more closely. Usually a failed heater solenoid valve leaves you with no heat. The heater temp control inside the car itself is a potentiometer (like a volume control on a radio) and this regulates the state of the solenoid valve outside to control the amout of heat inside. When this potentiometer fails, it usually leaves you with heat full on like you are experiencing.

To test, warm the engine and set the temp control to min and confirm air is hot.

Then disconnect the electrical connector to the heater solenoid valve outside and the temp should shut off. If temp stays high, the valve is faulty.

If temp shuts off then reconnect and you get full heat. If so, the temp control inside the car is likely culprit.

Mc Love

Thanks but it might be different in terms of AC as opposed to just the blower

alo1587

The noise you're hearing is the clutch on the AC compressor engaging/disengaging.The only real way to check for leaks in the system is to use a uv light like the air con recharging places have.The refrigerant will show up as yellow on the pipes if there's a leak.System might need to be bled also

foreman

Can anyone recommend me an air con specialist in midlands...