FIXED! Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air Out of Vents - Ford Econoline E250 AC Repaired Recharged

We have cold air now! I fixed a common problem that air doesn't blow out of the dashboard vents in the E150, E250, E350 Ford Econoline Vans and I recharged the air conditioner with r134a refrigerant. The van now produces nice cold air!
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My name is Dave and I travel with my dog Bella in a 1990 Fleetwood Bounder Class A Motorhome. This is our tour across America. So join us if you’re open to travel, fun, excitement, hiking & exploring. Wish us luck on this adventure! Maybe we’ll see you down the road sometime. Happy trails!
My channel is about full time RV Living in an older RV while keeping the wheels rolling on a budget. I do the repairs, updates and upgrades myself. I’ve become my own RV Mechanic/Medic! I seek boondocking opportunities every chance I can and power the RV with 500 watts of solar and approximately 500 amp hours of batteries. RV Resorts are just not our style!
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[@jackiecomer1850]

*Works great **Fastly.Cool** compact and Easy to install*

[@celticbart]

I most enjoy your process of figuring out a repair plan and then its execution with explanations. Thanks!

[@carlh-thehermitwithwi-fi679]

it's always fun, isn't it..always learn something

[@ramsterrod]

Jack of all trades; Master of many - Your `can do’ attitude is admirable 👍😉

[@cherriemckinstry131]

Yes! He shines when he does it himself..

[@tomjourneysadventures7021]

Just do what makes you happy my friend, that's the whole goal of life.

[@jackiegardner7483]

Yep many years no AC. love it the evenings windows down fanstatic☺️

[@allenmaner6616]

Bumper looks good Dave, 2 steps forward 1 step back. I like to watch someone who likes to diy.

[@angelambca]

I saw a van build on video where the AC was in an upper cabinet. The outside of the van had a grill and that is where the air blew. It was also screened inside. Looked cool but took up a whole cabinet.

[@davidmurling4252]

Most dash ACS blow out colder air when the vehicle is in motion so it ought to be nice and cool in there for your drives

[@nancyhoward7575]

My how you amaze. Saving money all the while. Great video!

[@georgiapeach7832]

You are just brilliant! You always manage to figure out everything. So glad you will be cool now. Here in the south there is no life without AC. 😊

[@snickelp]

Dave I did HVAC work for 38 years, You dont charge the ac at idle you need to rev the engine up like your on the highway.With the engine running faster the compressor will move more refrigerant and could start cycling on and off again

[@ericd2791]

true he did not do it right. but then he did not look how much it takes.

[@JohnnyJitsu11]

Ahhh thanks!

[@one2869]

Just as you were looking for the keys I told Suzy that i know there's going to be a bunch of dust blow out of them vents when Dave turns them on. Soon as the dust came out Suzy said "well, you tried to warn him!" LoL. Done that same bypass myself before. Got blasted in the face with years of dust. Apparently had my mouth open too because my reaction was the same. Trying to spit out all the dust. As for the air conditioner deal. It may be ghetto looking but it will be functional and not taking up space in the van. I think it's probably the best option since any space saved is space that can be better used for something else. Great video and awesome how-to on that bypass! Looking forward to see what you do with it next. It's really looking like things are starting to come together.

[@bernadettepeterson8291]

Thanks dave!! This video couldn't have come out at a better time. We've got a 2018 Dodge ProMaster and I think we might just need some freon. We're going to go to the auto store and pick one up, hopefully that'll be our fix for it...

[@bostonterriermomakasandy9722]

Dave you can fix anything, good job.

[@carracoleman1988]

Dave, you can fix anything! Its so much fun to watch you. Can't wait to see what's next. HELLO beautiful Bella. Such a smart girl.

[@cherriemckinstry131]

Yeah.. Pa. finally got warm here..but the rain... it's a love hate thing.. even with gardeners.. I noticed because of your gentle and easy going manner some may be fooled into you not being as competent as some others who usually show confidently how someone else fixed their vehicle or give some insight. Where as you get right in there and look and just get determined to see if it's fixable and understand tolerances or specs for parts.. That gives you insight in limits or strengths or weaknesses.. . You may take some time deciding on how you want it to finally look without too many redos..for functionality as well as comfort. I think you really shine at DIY.. and I'm so happy seeing you at work. You have so many interests and your more than just a hiker or nomad in the woods. because you were sometimes in other groups trying to offer help you didn't stand out but you really do have some good capable skills..

[@BubbaWarbucks]

I was just thinking that maybe I had missed a video, it's been awhile since your last posting. Having cold A/C can really be a blessing on a hot, humid day!

[@maebellaakamaegirl190]

Dave Bella I just have to say I love the way you work on vehicles and you know what you're doing. Explain everything to us. I enjoy your Channel your content. And I'm praying that you can get this fixed, but actually I know you can. 💕👍♥️🐕

[@catemitten5857]

Just LOVE to watch a master at work!💙

[@19639747]

Having AC in your vehicle is a must. Very nice instructional video, Dave!

[@louparry7721]

Hey Dave! You are absolutely getting there! It's really amazing to see how far you've come. You'll be a lot cooler anyway! See you on the next one. Keep the faith! God bless.

[@TomHeid1]

I don't think that A/C is going to look ghetto at all sticking out the back when it is 105 degrees out. :-)

[@enriquelaroche5370]

I have a Ford. The Mechanics charged the system then I found the real problem It was the AC clutch. which expanded when it warmed up. Replaced the Pulley and clutch used the correct spacing washers and it's fixed.(for real)

[@pattiwhite9575]

Some of these videos take ya right back to shop class. Thanks Dave My father taught an a/c auto class at local college for 4 years.

[@randybullard2318]

Thank YOU so much for the quick fix. I was told the vacuum reservoir part was on the van ONLY to make the vacuum work a bit faster and that it's not needed, so I went through the fire wall from the engine side and hooked directly to the tube under the dash. I didn't even need extra tubing....AND IT WORKS GREAT. Thanks again for the idea of going through the fire wall. GENIUS !!

[@pamhutzell8268]

You do a great job! Bella loves you for it.

[@ronbarnett5596]

Dave, I am so happy you are going with the window unit A/C. It keeps outside air circulating outside, and inside air circulating inside. It will be ten times more efficient than the portable unit, and a thousand times safer from generator fumes. Also you can take a small fan and direct the air anywhere you want it and A/C want kick on and off so much because of getting to cool next to the unit. Love your videos 😎👍

[@bruceheft6898]

I just finished doing the work around on my 1999 E-150 van. Took about an hour to complete inclucing putting tools away! Now it works as it should! Thank you for posting!! BTW the dealer wanted $1,100.00 to fix the vacuum reservoir, I paid $50 bucks to Amazon for the parts!!

[@barnettbilly85]

great fixes,i learn something today.thanks

[@robertjean659]

Great that you fixed it yourself and saved $$$. I was quoted $250 aud to reset my oil change light. Googled it and it took 30 sec. to do it. Now clean that dash thanks, lol.

[@jany2549]

I'm impressed on how clean your hands and nails were while working on the engine. I always seem to get dirty. Your van is starting to come together.

[@BubbaWarbucks]

I would have been bleeding from unwanted encounters with those bare metal panels inside the van!

[@ritaosborne9449]

Glad your air is working, you will have it organized soon, safe building and safe travels🤗💕

[@pamelag2223]

Good job plowing ahead with the video even in the face of getting blasted by dust! You made me jump! Haha! I have a slow leak in mine somewhere that a charge takes care of for at least two summer seasons, far cheaper for me than fixing it. Besides, it's an old vehicle, I won't have it forever. Happy travels!

[@cheneybros]

thank you for the detailed install!!!

[@larryseroter]

As usual another job well done. Thanks Dave.

[@cherriemckinstry131]

I agree..

[@setht.1181]

Good job Dave. Thanks for the video.

[@skytechbits]

OMG! Now THAT'S a can a freon 18:52 Dave close the back door. lol Put a bug screen/spider screen on the floor air window vent too.

[@pennylee6569]

Great job see ya Dave and Bella hugs always

[@carlahead5072]

Good morning Dave and Bella!!! You’re so knowledgeable and a well thought out plan for figuring out the reason the air conditioning was failing to cool but happy that you got the necessary coolant which seemed to fix the problem with the air conditioner in the van. Glad you fixed the problem with the a/c now instead of later when you were on the road. Glad you were able to get the a/c to where it would keep cooling and Bella looked like she was quite happy!! Take care and look forward to seeing future videos of the progress of the van. Great 👍 job 🙂🙂🙂🙂👍👍👍👍

[@DavesRVLife]

Thank you Carla! I am very happy to have gotten the AC fixed!

[@everintransit4240]

No wonder that the OEM fix is expensive since the work-around is so much work. Extra points for ingenuity Dave!

[@kytran5884]

Thank you so much for sharing Dave! I had this problem and this video was the most helpful source I found!

[@douglasthiel5969]

So Glad I found your video. My 2014 E 350 was exhibiting the same issue although the vent would occasionally work but nothing reliable. The only difference in my mod was that there is a glovebox were the kick panel on Daves was. After removing that there was room to mount the vacuum part fascind with velcro to the blow motor housing and re attach the glovebox. I have A/C from the dash vents just in time for the summer heat.Thanks again Dave.

[@alberteller7286]

I think you made a good Choice I have seen a lot of ACs on van through the back window and they really don’t look that bad it’s just how careful you put them in and how you paint it great video see you down the road may God be with you🙏🏻

[@bobnorris905]

This worked on a 2013! Had to mount the new box a bit differently and drilled a hole instead of the procedure here, but it worked! Thanks!

[@RVSimpleLife]

Another wonderful video! 👍🏼 Thanks for the great info...😊 Happy trails to you! ⛺️

[@ddrose06]

Daaaaaamn Dave! That's one clean engine bay! Ya know, I've been living on wheels for 20 years, in Arizona, at 5300'. I've never had heat in the winter, or ac in the summer. I've got up in the morning and my dog's big water bowl, is frozen solid.

[@jackiegardner7483]

Great job

[@rvingsooz]

Congrats on the AC!

[@russellhancock9765]

I miss the days when they had a sight glass. If it looked milky, You knew it needed freon.

[@thinkinoutloud.1]

Good work! 🙂👍

[@cherriemckinstry131]

It looks Dave has another win under his belt.. something bread to have as a Nomad or anytime. Congratulations.

[@larrywhitesell4139]

Thanks so much for this video. This info should save me a huge amount of time!

[@josephganzler61]

Dave - I just wanted to give you 5 Stars & 2 Thumbs Up for this Clear, Totally Concise, and downright BRILLIANT Fix for getting the air to blow back through the dash vents - Bully! Like you, I LQQKED at all the other .youtube vids to "fix" this problem; after watching them all ~5 times, I settled in on THIS video as being "the way to go" - it WAS! My 1998 Coachmen Starflyte is now nicknamed "The Ice Box", LOL. Again, MANY thanks for your taking the time & effort to put this video together; I'm erecting a shrine in your likeness in my backyard now to pay daily homage to...

[@c.victoriaritchie3466]

I had a air. Conditioner in my Chevy van years ago and put a vent cover over the window you couldn't tell it was there! Wish I still had that van🤦‍♀️

[@wideawaketotruth5301]

Great video, thanks.

[@ftkinsella]

Those were the good old days when you could work on your vehicles. Nice work Dave, as usual. Hi Bella! Stay safe my friend. ❤️🇨🇦❤️ Cheers!!!

[@mickichikwinya5519]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@lori5142]

You are so smart, not many these days learn these kind of skills.....YEA COLD AIR !

[@DavesRVLife]

Thank you Lori! :)

[@DWDinAtlanta]

I like to hear your thought process. I think a small roof mount with heat & air may be your best bet. You're going to need heat come fall and the propane heaters scare me when you have a pet. You are close to having her done! Oh! I just saw the van Randy the Mobile Traveler just did a cheap build out on. I loved the lady's 2 burner & oven. Didn't take up much space at all! HUGS~Donna

[@robwright5940]

Yay!

[@futureforcaster8576]

get a small roof mount thats what i got on my van. it,ll even heat i love it. may be a little more pricey but you,ll never regret it! and it looks good.

[@crespino1492]

thank you

[@nohomenomad1427]

Bella likes it :)

[@skeeterhennen9274]

wow dave, you just helped me so much. im gonna have air, yay yay yay. kool dude. much love

[@DavesRVLife]

Glad I could help! :)

[@chiliman321]

yay...now the AC out the back window! No Dave it won't be ghetto, your going to make it look completely awesome!

[@ponderthealbatross8334]

I didn't know Jack Black did van repairs! Awesome video, thanks so much!

[@DavesRVLife]

lol..

[@richardpalmanteer9798]

Even though you are making some changes it will all come together for you. Glad to see you got the cab A/C working again and fixing your vents too. I understand to on drilling holes for the portable A/C would be a hassle too. I'd just do what you plan to do with putting the 110V A/C in the back window, I think that will look ok when you get it in. Good work!!! Ok, Well Later and as always Enjoy The Adventure, travel on :)

[@astrovantony9551]

Gotta have both ACs working for Bella. You might need to Vacuum the system to get the air out. Air in the window is the effecient way. I live mine in the window

[@rmcnasty7319]

Good fix dave. If u want cold AC , change the stock Expansion valve ; rated for under 100 *F to a Heavy duty tube 102*F + Vacum down & charge to full. I recomend using a hi side gauge also when filling. They sell a AC with a 2 hose in one, intake /exhaust. Camp Safe

[@sheryl420]

Hey Dave, My AC Compressor is doing the same thing, clicks on then clicks off! I live in AZ,I need AC, Im going to get a free Inspection here, hoping it just needs more Freon. I need them to use a Sniffer to check out any leaks. Ive never went in bought a can and did that myself. I do watch how you do things on your channel, both channels! Great work n explaining " How Too,s" Thanks! Hugs to you n Bella!

[@stevenarndt8072]

Dave, that was a good how to bypass the original and git er done.

[@coastalkev3776]

Hanging out with shore power to my rear window unit while watching your video. Painted plywood is ghetto. I have 1/4" white plastic. Seals good and looks good. My cord runs out under the door through a gap in the weather striping. I added a breaker 15 amp. Any shorts in my appliances trip my breaker not the breaker in the house or garage I'm tapped into.

[@barackmycat9448]

I have a 2010 Merc. Marquis with the same vent problem, I wonder if that could work for me. I agree with your A/C decision. Perfect for the big guy........

[@Blackopsmechanic338]

Hey you didn’t answer my call!! 😂😂😂. I need to do that refrigeration fill to my suburban. Peace

[@lastsinner1738]

We take things for granted a/c is a lifestyle changer.

[@bstreetjr]

Well I have no idea if you've already done the window unit in the back door, but to help make it look less ghetto, one suggestion I'd make is to put a very thin skin of aluminum or plastic over the plywood and then paint that to match the van. This will serve to one, make it look better and two, protect the plywood even more from rain.

[@TexCynRVLife]

Yay, success!!! A/C is good to have. ::thought:: what if you run your outlet cord through the floor by the back door & put the outlet on the step part of the rear bumper? I'd have to go out to my van to see how that works...1998 Ford Econoline.

[@JoseRodriguez-ko6zx]

Thanks for this video 💯✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️

[@Chefsantatravels]

i use the same stuff in two of my Cars it worked great ❄❄❄❄❄❄👍✌💖💪👨‍🍳🎅🚌👍

[@rebelm1133]

We didn’t need air conditioning with side wing windows - the best cross breeze you would need. Bring ‘em back! I saw where a guy cut a hole for a window air unit - put it on a slide to push out when parked, slide in when driving. He used a boat hull cover to seal up when pushed in.

[@lfilson]

I think everyone who's ever bought a tool owns that clear-handled Craftsman screwdriver.

[@Nomadiccamping]

I need to do this to our 2014 Winnebago

[@astrovantony9551]

Amazon sells a nice black cover for your AC which like mine for 12.00 I have had mine for a year it still looks like new.

[@Samhain2323]

The dog house comes apart into two sections !!!

[@lindagolden9892]

🚙 Open windows and a water filled squirt bottle did the job back in the day and still does whenever needed. 💦 I greatly admire your mechanically motivated, make it work, mindset along with your how-to videos.👨🏻‍🔧 In my humble opinion I seriously doubt a white window a/c unit will be that noticeable out the rear because of the additional generator/bike rack that’ll be holding items below it. You’ll still be able to open the door and attach a rolled up doorway magnetic bug screen for those days of simply wanting fresh air flow etc. 🦟

[@DavesRVLife]

I keep forgetting to search for bug screens! I'll look into it!

[@wtbm123]

Cool

[@gerredstallings465]

On hot days it's good to have cold air working right

[@darrylvohs5526]

I always put a dab of grease on those metal clips that hold gray covers on. If not the plastic part breaks after a while.

[@toddjohnston4788]

If looks somewhat professionally done it will be ok.

[@rickymcintosh1152]

Dave i had a A/C in my back window, l dldnt care how it looked it kept me cool............

[@Ewolk89]

Your adding gas. Turn it upside down to add liquid to the system.

[@NoName-zq6ic]

This setup may have a feed tube that runs to the bottom of the bottle. I know we used to turn the 12oz. cans of R12/134 upside down.

[@waynedonaldson9980]

Where might I ask did you get the black box. The plastic black box that takes the place of the canister. I know the other smaller items can be purchased at the auto parts store but where did the Black box come from was that a dealership

[@DavesRVLife]

Amazon

[@darlenehorn8337]

Hey Dave hope it's not too late to read this. But you know how much I respect you knowledge. I noticed a stain that looks like grease spot on my ceiling inside by my ac unit. Could that mean possibly my ac leaking between my roof and ceiling. Have a man coming next week but afraid I'm going to get ripped off. Sorry my explanation is sketchy. Just wondering if that's how the beginning of a leak starts. Thanks Traveling Grandma

[@DavesRVLife]

That could be just dirt that accumulated over time that got past the air filter. I have two spots on y ceiling that are due to be cleaned.

[@darlenehorn8337]

@@DavesRVLife thank you

[@boxerfan2]

Would this be the same as a 2011 e250 model? I have the same symptoms.

[@tbirdracefan]

get a piece of thin Lexan or plexiglass with some window tint on it and apply it to the outside of your plywood. Paint never seems to hold up well on plywood. The grain raises up and starts looking bad pretty quickly. With the tinted Lexan, It will look almost like the AC is passing thru the glass.

[@curtmckinnon9773]

Dave I need the expertise okay thanks

[@enriquelaroche5370]

Did you ever leak check the system before you decided it was a problem? Diesels don't have manifold vacuum so we have an electric vacuum pump.

[@jimc5624]

For the ac to be considered good is a 30 degree drop between outside air and vent temp.

[@curtmckinnon9773]

Good evening Dave . I have been watching your channel quite some time . Hi Dave I have a 1987 Ford Econoline E350 cargo van I bought the van brand new in 1987 I have a hundred and forty thousand miles on it . I was wondering if you have any time extra time to work on the van doing some mechanical work I need a new carburetor I would like to make it a camper van Could you help me please .Thanks

[@DavesRVLife]

Hi Curt. I really wish I had extra time on my hands, but I don't right now. I hope to have a little sometime soon. Where are you located?

[@jimc5624]

Had i known i went through and stuck a coat hanger through the grommet up the fender then pull the vacuum tube back and connect to line inside. No need to open doghouse or anything i didn't do the reservoir so when going uphill I went back to defrost. The people I bought it from just zip tied it to vent( the pop out piece on the dash

[@jimc5624]

Where you cut the black line just poke the coat hanger there.