Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum

Hi. I'm new to this forum and to auto a/c. The system on my '97 Explorer has stopped working. At first the compressor would not engage. When I jumped the low pressure switch the compressor started short cycling: on for a second or two then off for about 4 seconds; on and on. I charged the low side to about 25 psi and when the compressor engaged the high side went to about 125. The compressor will stay engaged if I keep the engine at high rpm but as soon as it goes to idle the cycling return and the car practically stalls. The compressor is making a noise sort of like a swishing/grinding.

I'm wondering if I need a new compressor or if it's something else. I'd really appreciate any advice.

Thanks

If it loads the engine to the point of stalling, it is trashed.

The debris from a compressor failure in that vehicle contaminates the condenser too - it is a piccolo type, and flushing is not cost effective.

A firewall forward replacement would be the best option.

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Thanks for the quick reply. This may be a "duh" question but firewall forward includes evaporator, lines, the lot?

The condenser is likely full of debris. The evaporator is in the cabin, and is usually clean.

The hose set is a maybe. The high pressure lines are subject to contamination, but if they have no mufflers they can be cleaned out - just make sure any solvent used is completely removed. Bare & dry on anything you clean.

The accumulator should be replaced, they become saturated over time & it is a normal service item.

The orifice tube is a throw away filter. The chunks of compressor on the filter made it all the way through the condenser.

In a shop environment the "firewall forward" repair is something that can be done more cost effectively, and with a much better chance of long term customer satisfaction. New hoses (they are 20 years old) new condenser, new accumulator. No labor on flushing 20 year old parts.

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It does make sense to do firewall forward; it's not something I want to do twice. Thanks guys.