2000 Ford Taurus Troubleshoot Air Conditioning
From WikituneUp - The Free Service Manual
Turning on your a/c in the middle of summer and receiving a blast of hot air in the face is no fun. Troubleshooting is usually fairly simple, whether the problem be a blower fan that needs replacing or a blown fuse. Before taking your 2000 Ford Taurus in for an expensive shop visit, there are a few basic steps you can run through.
[edit] Tools Used
| Tools |
|---|
| A/C gauge |
[edit] Troubleshoot Air Conditioning
- Check the dials on the a/c control panel for resistance or damage. Ensure that both the a/c and the blower fan are switched on. If you do not hear the electric blower fan running, it may need to be replaced, or it could also be that a fuse has blown.
- Look beneath the steering wheel for the fuse panel and check for blown fuses. Follow the schematic on the fuse panel cover for instructions on how to locate the a/c fuse. Replace the fuse with another of the same rating, if necessary.
- Start the vehicle and check the two hoses near the firewall under the hood. Touch the hoses to check the temperature. One should be a little cooler than the other. If both of them are hot, there could be a problem with the valve control. Have a qualified mechanic replace the valve control.
- Check to see if there is enough pressure in the a/c system by connecting an a/c gauge with the engine turned off. The pressure should read between 50 PSI and 80 PSI.
- Turn up the a/c and switch on the engine. Open the hood and wait for the a/c compressor clutch to engage. You will see and hear the compressor begin to turn. Add coolant to the system if the clutch does not engage. Check that the drive belt is secure. If the clutch still does not engage, have a mechanic check the compressor for leaks.
[edit] Tips & Warnings
- If there is excessive noise coming from the a/c compressor, it could mean that it is about to fail.
- Run your a/c system periodically, even during the winter. This will keep the components lubricated.
- If you notice a green, oily residue on any of the a/c components, this could point toward a leak.
