Climate Control System

Obstructed air passages, broken drive belts, disconnected or broken wires, damaged A/C clutch, or loose or broken mounting brackets, and certain refrigerant leaks may be located by visual inspection of the parts.

A refrigerant leak will usually appear as an oily residue at the leakage point in the system. The oily residue soon picks up dust or dirt particles from the surrounding air and appears greasy. Through time, this will build up and appear to be a heavy dirt-impregnated grease.

Most common leaks are caused by damaged or missing O-ring seals at the various hose and component connections. When these O-rings are replaced, lubricate the new O-rings with refrigerant oil. Be careful to prevent shop towel lint from contaminating the internal surfaces of the connection. Leakage may occur at a spring lock coupling if the wrong O-rings are used. Use only the O-rings listed in the Ford Master Parts Catalog for the spring lock coupling being serviced.

Another type of leak may appear at the internal Schrader-type air conditioner charging valve core in the service gauge port valve fittings. If tightening the valve core does not stop the leak. replace it with a new air conditioner charging valve core or equivalent

Missing A/C charging valve caps can also cause a refrigerant leak, If this important primary seal is missing. dirt will enter the area of the air conditioner charging valve core. When the service hose is attached, the valve compressor in the end of the service hose forces the dirt into the valve seat area and the dirt will destroy the sealing surface of the air conditioner charging valve core. When a A/C charging valve cap is missing, clean the protected area of the air conditioner charging valve core and install a new A/C charging valve cap.

CAUTION: A/C charging valve caps must be installed finger-tight. If tightened with pliers, the sealing surface of the service gauge port valve may be damaged.

If vehicle passes the visual inspection, proceed to the Symptom Chart. Climate Control System