2009-2012 Ford Escape condenser replacement

How to replace a condenser, find the leak, add dye oil, and charge the air conditioning on a Ford Escape. This is also the same condenser for 2009-2011 Mercury Mariner, and Mazda Tribute. 2010 09 10 11 12.
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Rust Belt Auto, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Rust Belt Auto assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this video at your own risk. Rust Belt Auto recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Rust Belt Auto, No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[@raubsoulth9583]

Saved me $550... thanks bro!

[@gregpierro5565]

This guy is awesome. Pumped to replace my compressor tomorrow. Think I may say oof to the receiver dryer as well.

[@dailygrindproductions]

Digging the primus in the backround

[@ELCADAROSA]

@1:08 - 7mm @1:20 - Yes, there should be two 10mm nuts. But they are on plastic threaded stems attached to the grill. Old plastic dries out and can break easily. ---------- Successfully replaced the condenser (and drier) on my 2011 Ford Escape. Thanks to this video, the job was much easier than anticipated. One additional step I would recommend is to remove the metal mount above where the transmission cooling lines are to prevent injury when removing the lines from the condenser unit. I initially didn't, and my thumb is paying the price for it. Also, those spring clips are a pain to deal with. Recommend replacing them with marine grade, 316 stainless steel worm gear hose clamps.

[@kipmiller7703]

What a great yankee. Love your tutorial instructions. Thank you.

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

That was easy. Thanks for the video

[@smoothboyzemp.2218]

Keep making videos. You’re good

[@Dassick89]

Honestly the repair manual says you dont need to replace the accumulator drier when replacing the condenser. Just a little FYI. I with you didnt have to remove the entire dash and steering column to get to the evap coil...

[@sammyat56]

Thanks you for this excellent video. What year is the escape you are working on? What do you suggest about purchasing the proper size condenser with proper size lines? The mechanic told me he has to also replace the accumulator and to remove it in the 2012 escape is a pain. Any input would be great.

[@speakfreesaveamericanow7734]

😂love this guy he's funny & knows exactly what he's doing❤!!! definitely share his site he's great!!!

[@sammyat56]

In trying to place an order, I was offered different variations, like " built in oil cooler" and Transmission oil cooler" How can I find out what type? I have a 2012 Ford escape Limited, 6 cylinders automatic.

[@RustBeltAuto]

There are 2 extra lines for a transmission cooler on some of those. You need to look for that, and see if you have that.

[@jaggedsleepy1229]

Back when I was poor as a church mouse I'm screaming

[@mediaguy4037]

Can you find aliens with that thing?

[@speakfreesaveamericanow7734]

share share share his videos he's good & makes it fun to watch!! Great guy give it up for China😂❤

[@woahhobble_]

I just want to make sure since I’m doing this job soon, it looks like you just used a 10mm and a 13mm sockets and wrenches, correct?

[@RustBeltAuto]

I should have said whatever I used throughout the video. Sounds about right.

[@trappistachel]

Where did you buy the r134a from? Do you need some special license to buy it?

[@RustBeltAuto]

You are supposed to be MACS certified, which I am. Parts stores cost a ton, but wholesale warehouse is the best price.

[@ChristopherTradeshow]

other than needing a vacuum this seems like a diy job

[@RustBeltAuto]

You can use engine vacuum, with a little creativity.

[@guadalupecorral84]

Does anybody know which is the send & return hose to the trans cooling lines ?

[@RustBeltAuto]

It doesn't really matter on that thing.

[@guadalupecorral84]

@@RustBeltAuto ahhh okay it’s bcuz im planning on adding a better trans cooler with the thermostat for send/return to keep it more cooled in my mountains driving. Thanks for the help!

[@RustBeltAuto]

@@guadalupecorral84 ooh. If that is the case, and have not figured it out yet, just start the thing real quick, and shut it off right away, and see what line spits out fluid.

[@pieface5910]

THOSE SCREWS ON BOTH ENDS THAT ARE MISSING, SOME GUY SAID THEY ARE 7 1/2 MM, I USED A 7MM ON MY 2008, JUST AN IDEA FROM EXPERIENCE OF DOING JOBS THAT HAVE ALREADY BEN DONE ONCE OR TWICE ALREADY, THAT PARTICULAR AREA THAT SEEMS TO BE THE SPOT THAT ALL THE ESCAPES CONDENSERS HAVE THEIR BLOW OUT, THAT'S THE SPOT WHERE MINE BLEW OUT, AND THE VIDEO I WATCHED BEFORE YOU, SAME, I'M THINKING WHEN I REASSEMBLE MINE, IM GOING TO TRY APPLYING SOME MOLLY LUBE ON THAT CONTACT SPOT WHERE IT SEEMS TO BE RUBBING A HOLE, MAY BE REDUCE FRICTION, THAT NEVER HURTS

[@pieface5910]

ANYWAY HE WAS SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT IT BEING THE HOSE CLAMPS HOLDING THOSE TWO HOSES ON RUBBING THE CONDENSER THIN, IS THE SAME STUFF IN MY GOLD WING DIFFERENTIAL , SUPPOSEDLY CAN'T FLING IT LOOSE AND IS SLICK

[@NotAvailable_na]

Hi. Aren't you supposed to open that big knob on the vacuum pump? I think I recalled that's supposed to be removed before you run the pump, otherwise you can actually burn it out. Please reply.

[@RustBeltAuto]

You mean the "oil plug" thingy? It's vented.

[@NotAvailable_na]

@@RustBeltAuto Yes, the big screw on plug where you put the oil in, but it also acts as a vent or intake I think. But I don't know for sure. It's an old memory and foggy. Do you know?

[@RustBeltAuto]

In the beginning stages of vacuum, it will separate the moisture coming out of the thing, and you will see a cool steam come out. you can also unscrew the thing, and see if it is vented.

[@NotAvailable_na]

@@RustBeltAuto So when operating the vacuum, does that big knob need to be removed or not? That's what I'm trying to determine. Because I'm getting the same exact vacuum.

[@speakfreesaveamericanow7734]

I read it's real bad not to replace a broken ac unit in this yr of Ford Escapes is that true? Hope to hear back from ya!!HELP😢

[@turntableman33]

Was wondering if you know if there is an orafice tube filter in a 2012 escape? And if so….any idea where it’s located? Thanks in advance! Thanks for the vids!

[@RustBeltAuto]

Look for a TXV on the firewall. That should be what this system is.

[@turntableman33]

There is a txv on the firewall! That is in place of the orafice tube then right? Also…thanks for the response my friend! I appreciate it!

[@RustBeltAuto]

@@turntableman33 no. There may be a filter someplace else in the line. Txv, and fot's are designed to regulate pressure. Fot's are screened so they don't get plugged up. Most of the time, if there is not a filter in the line, it will be in the reciever drier/accumulator.

[@turntableman33]

@@RustBeltAuto thanks again for the good fun videos and the help. You da man!

[@mustansarhaidat5964]

👍 👍👍👍

[@docrobertc8129]

ANYONE THAT READING THIS, THIS CONDENSER WILL NOT FIT HYBRID MODEL, THEY ARE DEFINITELY HAVE DIFFERENT, IF YOUR MODEL HAS AN AUXILIARY WATER PUMP, YOUR CONDENSER WON'T LOOK LIKE THIS ONE, FOR ONE, IT WON'T HAVE THE COOLING LINES THAT ONE DOES, TWO, THE A/C LINE CONNECTIONS ARE DIFFERENT AS WELL

[@RustBeltAuto]

YOU ARE ALSO GOING TO WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE USING THE RIGHT REFRIGERANT OIL. MOST HYBRIDS ARE DIFFERENT. THANKS FOR YELLING!!!!!

[@shredding51]

Should always add oil? I’m replacing the compressor too and it has new oil

[@RustBeltAuto]

You do not know how much, or what kind is in there, do you? I usually dump it out. Put one or two ounces less than what is recommended, as a good guess for all that work.

[@shredding51]

@@RustBeltAuto the new compressor comes with it already pre filled. I’m talking about the condenser. Should i add oil to it with the compressor already having oil?

[@RustBeltAuto]

@@shredding51 yes. About 3 oz. For a condenser change. With reciever dryer.

[@CarSharingJho]

Loved the commentary!

[@pduarte2025]

what happens if i accidentally poured pag oil into both of the a/c connections

[@RustBeltAuto]

It works?

[@JAI45624]

THE EXHAUST WILL START TO RATTLE

[@jonathanphillips-yakym3646]

Hey so I got into an accident in the winter and in the summer the a/c wouldn’t work is it possible I leaked the unit out with a busted condenser even if the tranny fluid is still normal?

[@RustBeltAuto]

I just replaced 2 of these in the last week. Anything is possible.

[@realdeal7893]

Will this work on a 2009 Mazda tribute my Ac gets hot when I stop at stop lights or idle in the drive thru any tips on that issue ?

[@RustBeltAuto]

I would get a garden hose after your condenser, and make sure your cabin filter is clean first. Low charge might be the culprit. You will know if your compressor is cycling a lot.

[@realdeal7893]

@@RustBeltAuto thank you so much for the reply my Guy , when I try to recharge the ac the gauge moves up and down so now I have to locate the leak ,

[@realdeal7893]

@@RustBeltAuto lol I wish I could pay you to fix it man lol but my buddies know about cars we’ll study this video and tips to get it done

[@kipmiller7703]

I hate commercials

[@RustBeltAuto]

Me too.

[@speakfreesaveamericanow7734]

Can you tell me how much the condenser cost? I have the same exact Escape ac don't work was charged & filled with no luck it still only blows cool/Luke warm air the mechanic wanted 2k to fix it!!! who these days have 2k to replace something so simple mechanic said it's a super hard job & said labor costs 342$ per hour 😢😂 GET REAL where does this guy live!! I'd pay you to fix it❤

[@RustBeltAuto]

You can mail order a condenser on the cheap.