If you have a Ford Explorer, you already have AC that is ready to keep your car cool and ventilated. However, your AC may not always work as it is supposed to when you try to use it.
If your Ford Explorer AC is not working, you may want to learn how you can fix it. We looked up the facts, and here is what we discovered about the matter!
Ford Explorer AC Not Working (Try These 9 Fixes)
1. Noisy AC
A Ford Explorer’s AC system should be fairly quiet when turned on, so hearing loud noises from your AC could mean there are various issues.
For instance, a rattling noise whenever you use your AC could mean that you have a failing compressor clutch, so you need to replace the compressor clutch.
Additionally, squealing or grinding noises coming from your AC likely means that there is a worn-out bearing, and you would have to fix it by getting a new bearing.
2. Clogged Or Broken Condenser
Your car’s AC system will include a condenser, which works like a heat exchanger to cool the refrigerant and turn the refrigerant into a liquid.
But, if your condenser has a blockage, your car will likely overheat, so you just need to clear the blockage to solve your issue.
However, the condenser can break from wear and tear, a collision, etc., so you would have to replace the condenser entirely.
3. Leaking Refrigerant
A common reason your Ford Explorer’s AC would not work is that you have a refrigerant leak.
That said, refrigerant is what makes your car blow cool air, so if there is a leak, there will not be enough refrigerant to make your AC release cold air.
Fortunately, you can check the AC’s hoses and hose joints to see if there is a small leak, which will appear like an oily substance.
Normally, this means you will have to replace the hose, joints, or sealants where the leak appeared to solve your issue and then add more refrigerant to your car.
4. Short Circuits
Another common cause of your AC not functioning is that your AC’s wiring system got a short circuit, which often makes it hard for you to turn on your AC.
To fix this, you have to locate where the short circuit occurred. For instance, if it happens at a fuse, you just need to replace the damaged fuse with a new one.
Alternately, you may be able to use electricity-resistant tape to repair shorted wires, but it may be best to replace the wires altogether.
5. Compressor Failure
The compressor is considered the heart of your AC system, and when it fails, the rest of your AC system will not work.
With that, compressor failure can occur for various reasons, including not using your AC enough, a collision, etc.
No matter what caused your compressor to fail, the only way to fix it is to get a new compressor, as you cannot repair a damaged compressor.
However, if you ignore a failing compressor for a long period, metal chips can break off the compressor and enter the AC system.
When this occurs, you would likely have to replace your entire AC system since the metal chips will cause damage and clog your AC system’s components.
6. Clogged Evaporator
Most of the dirt entering your car’s cabin would be blocked by your cabin air filters, but some of the dirt can fall and get stuck in your car’s evaporator.
As time passes, more dirt will build up in the evaporator, leading to poor cooling in your AC system because no air will pass through the evaporator.
Normally, you will know that you have a clogged evaporator when the air smells like mold while the AC is on and if the vent’s airflow is choppy.
To solve this issue, you need to ask a mechanic to clean your evaporator since you would need to disconnect the entire car’s dashboard to access the evaporator.
7. Faulty Blower Motor
Your AC’s fan speed and temperature often depend on the blower motor, so you could have a faulty blower motor if you have reduced or no air coming from your air vents.
Usually, you will know you have a bad blower motor if you can hear sounds coming from the air vents when you turn on your AC.
Generally, you need to get a new blower motor since mechanics will not try to replace a blower motor.
8. Weak Compressor Belt
As stated earlier, your AC relies on a compressor, but your compressor also relies on the compressor belt for power.
Over time, the compressor belt can lose tension and become weaker, so it can keep your car from starting and your AC from working.
Therefore, most people highly recommend that you see a mechanic to replace a compressor belt since it is a technical process.
9. Your Engine Is Overheating
You may not realize it, but the heat coming from your car may not be your AC system because it is coming from your engine.
When an engine overheats, you need to see a mechanic right away to prevent extreme engine damage.
To know more, you can also read our posts on Ford remote start not working, Ford Focus key fob not working, and Ford CarPlay not working.
Conclusion
When a Ford Explorer’s AC does not work, it is usually due to a failing component in the AC system, such as the compressor or condenser.
Additionally, leaking refrigerant, a weak compressor belt, or a wiring problem can make ACs stop working.