Ford A/C Quick Tips #8: Poor Cooling at Idle- Diagnostics and Repair

In this video we walk you through some easy diagnostics to find out if the refrigerant control valve is sticking causing poor cooling at idle.
These are the Parts and Tools I Recommend:
Basic R-134A Gauge Set-
amzn.to/3efy9qz
Dial Thermometer-
amzn.to/3ehnUlp
Replacement Refrigerant Control valve-
amzn.to/2YQXC30
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My Automotive Repair Shop BSG Automotive-
www.bsgautomotive.com
Catch up with us on-
Facebook: / fordtechmakuloco
Twitter: / fordtechmak
Instagram: / fordtechmakuloco
Disclaimer:
The information, demonstration and any content contained in this video is for informational purposes only. The user and BSG Automotive (hereinafter “FordTechMakuloco”) makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the effectiveness or safety of the contents of this video. In no way should the contents of the video, including the tools used, be repeated or tried by anyone. Viewers should only seek the help of a trained professional located at a licensed auto repair shop for any fix, modification, alteration, or any change to their vehicle. FordTechMakuloco shall not be liable for any injury, damage, or loss to any person or property that may result from use of the tools, equipment, or any content contained in this video. In addition, there is no way to guarantee that the video is not altered or modified or is not in the final form submitted by FordTechMakuloco and therefore, FordTechMakuloco does not warrant that the video is unaltered or not modified. The links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are an endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product. Viewers understand that anything contained in this video or linked to or from this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and in no way provides an express or implied warranty as to the safety or effectiveness of any linked tool, product, or video. Therefore, viewer agrees to release, waive, and discharge FordTechMakuloco or anyone affiliated with FordTechMakuloco, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the viewer, or to any property belonging to viewer, regardless of whether the loss is linked to the use of the contents of this video, or otherwise and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

These are the Parts and Tools I Recommend: Basic R-134A Gauge Set- amzn.to/3efy9qz Dial Thermometer- amzn.to/3ehnUlp Replacement Refrigerant Control valve- amzn.to/2YQXC30 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@stoverj09]

Hey my wife has a 2013 ford flex limited ecoboost awd. And she is having the same issue. Is there anything I need to look for or check? Its been to the dealership multiple times and they never find anything.

[@Itsa_Mea]

Makes you wonder how many A/C compressors have been replaced when this repair would of done it. Great info as usual.

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

MANY!

[@jeanrandom4720]

I'm one of them. Even tho i didn't want to bother by wasting time or explaining this to my mech. (I drove a Jaguar S type)

[@jasonhannsz]

I’ve replaced 2 in my escape hybrid because I didn’t know this part was serviceable

[@web1ece]

I did this repair on my wife's 2006 Ford Freestyle. It had 260k miles and was already on its second compressor. Did this repair in my driveway and then a power company truck backed into her as she was driving down our street and totalled it. Worked really well for those two weeks.

[@ReclusiveMountainMan]

Great to add more info to the library regarding the 05-07 Mercury Montego, Five Hundred, and Freestyle. These are enigmas for me.

[@CubasAutomotive]

I truly appreciate the added tidbit about functional AC and Hybrids. Definitely something to keep in mind. Thanks Bri!

[@jkylegilbert]

Oh man my wife's escape hybrid is doing this I actually have it at the shop now. I imagine they will just swap the whole compressor..... I thought about DIYing it but have no way to capture the refregerant. And the thought of having a mechanic drain refregerant then driving the battery home with no AC in Texas to fix sounded just as bad Update 7/3/20. Bought the part for $30 and paid Firestone $99 to evac freon then recharge it after I fixed it. Was able to do it in driveway and really only needed a 10mm wrench. Don't even need to jack up the car altho it's a tight fit under there. Sent a PayPal donation for saving me at least $1k+. Thanks fordtechmakuloco!

[@billburkart9087]

Nice to see a young person that is a professional. I would trust you with my car or truck.

[@billyr9840]

Brian, my friend has a 05 Montego and it has had the exact same symptoms for a few years now. I'm sure that is his problem too. Great info !

[@PaulysAuto]

Excellent video Brian, thanks for sharing this detailed A/C system description, checks, and diagnostic procedures with us! You are one hell of great teacher! Always appreciate your devotion to teaching Ford fun!

[@krak-kingkrak3n943]

Great vid. Would be a lot easier if you would just move your shop closer to me 😂

[@lyza8006]

Right! Hes 3-4 hrs from me but it'd be worth the drive to the Ford whisperer imo 🤓

[@klatoo14]

My Expy needs about 5 things done to it....

[@austenhatch3285]

Thank you I have an 09 5.4 and your videos have helped a lot.

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

That was a very informative video. Well presented. Thank you.

[@kirkhullinger1934]

Literally about to change a relay hopeing to fix this problem video couldnt have came at a better time thanks

[@derekzmoto1604]

I just bought a 2007 ford freestyle last week. Everything you said is spot on my low side is high. High is low. Hot at idle and perfect if I’m moving a bit. I Ordered a valve and stuff trying this Friday!

[@derekzmoto1604]

Worked perfect! I got one of those vent temp gauge things also. It’s in the green at idle. I added three 12oz cans though. Alittle bit more than what it says 1 lb 13 oz. the pressures where less than 40 and in the 225-250 range at 85 degrees in my garage. Seems all good. Even my fan kicked in like it should now.

[@keithbenson9968]

I did this on my '05 Five Hundred...worked great.

[@rontiemens2553]

Always top quality content here at FTM. Thank you!

[@martyb4815]

What an awesome tip and learned something new. TY

[@brucebratschi4300]

As usual. Great info from a great source. 👍

[@oakleyjack7600]

01 F-150 lariat; Why would my AC work fine and then when Days hit 90* or above the cooling drops considerably. Higher humidity at over 90* could be a determining factor.?.? Your channel rocks, a big help as I’m 63 and have to watch my $$s these days.

[@robbyrabit]

I replaced my compressor a few months back and it was working ok. Now its crap and its exactly what you were explaining here. Nothing but reving or dribing will make it colder. 05 f150.

[@j.d.martinez153]

Good info, 80% of valve work can be done with compressor in vehicle. Another home run, man. 👍

[@JustinLaNoue]

What a pretty engine bay, thanks for the video!

[@MasterChief-sl9ro]

What a life saver. I just got one with the same issue on a hybrid...It cools great while driving. But at idle it looked like a clogged condenser.

[@austinhamann704]

Great video- I would add that many ford models (many years of F-150) with a failing fan clutch will also cause low-speed poor-A/C performance (that and the stupid hvac blend door actuators)

[@Mill-on-da-track]

This is exactly what my 2010 4.6 f150 is doing

[@Thunderroad8517]

Thanks again for your videos and time. Thanks for the truth about the symptoms and repair. I’m sure lots of compressors were miss diagnosed.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good diagnostics and tips 👌

[@breikowski]

Love the new intro!

[@rugbyladice574]

great video and explanations

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

Interesting point about the hybrid packs needing to be cooled. Many European diesel cars need to AC to load the engine during a regen of the DPF. The more modern the car the more interaction between systems and the more important it is to fix everything that is broken on the vehicle.

[@bluesky9753]

Thank you for the INFO👍🏻

[@iissac22]

July 1st 2019! How did you go back into the past man! Wow

[@angielover100]

About 7-8 years late posting about this repair. I remember replacing these back in 2011-2012 as an “alternative” to the high dollar repair, giving the customer the option for this repair, or the whole shebang on high mileage cars. It was usually 50/50. Good post none the less....for the “newbies” out there.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I have videos dating back to april of 2014 on this concern and this valve.

[@angielover100]

FordTechMakuloco got cha. That makes sense then. I left Ford a couple of years ago but made gobs of money on this one. 👍🏻

[@jasontice7830]

Great video. I have a 2006 F150 with same symptoms. Poor cooling at low idle/speed and gets better at high speeds. Could this also be the same issue ? Refrigerant Control Valve?

[@annierenard5954]

very good video thank you

[@bydeanmontague7479]

Glad for the information I have a 2007 Ford e350 passenger van 5.4 liter engine driving down the road and when I step on the gas it's making a winning noise not sure why hope you have an idea what is the problem.

[@johncasor9698]

Another great video... hey on my 1996 F-150 2 wheel drive 4.9L the A/C will change to defrost vent from vent blowing from dash to my face when i go up a big hill or i WOT... is that a vacuum pod not holding vacuum ???

[@joseguzman1621]

Great video thanks!!!

[@TheGrimmis420]

I've been a long time subscriber all your videos are informative thanks. Quick question I got a 2002 f150 with the 4.2 what is the bolt screws size on motor oil pan not the drain plug thanks

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good video

[@billrimmer5596]

It helped a lot!! I think some Toyotas use that system too.

[@Thunderroad8517]

Yes they do. Went to hybrid seminar and that was mentioned.

[@carsonlomax7053]

Would this system also be used on 2010 Taurus? Bought my SHO in Nov of '09 and it has the same symptoms.

[@ErikRocha_cnvr]

Any thoughts on a 2008 f150. It does this more now as it’s getting hotter in Houston. I only get as low as 50 degrees.

[@kirkhullinger1934]

I'm having this problem with my 05 500 hopefully this fixes it

[@Mrmel64]

So am I. New compressor didn't fix this issue.

[@rays7437]

In Arizona, we always said a vent temp of 40 degrees below ambient was about as good as you could get.

[@PhillyDee215]

Cool video😎

[@acemobile9806]

Brian do you know if any of the E-series or Transits have this problem? I do mobile repair & towing for U-Haul & have worked on a few of those scroll compressors on E450s that exhibit the same symptoms. Unexplained excessive low-side pressure, high side that never really gets high like it should. And I'm in southern Florida so you know quick if the A/C isn't working right. It would sure help me to know if this is something I can look for in the future. I never knew about this valve...I'm more of an old-school FS10/FX15 fan.

[@louislawrence4227]

I have a similar problem with my 2010 f-150. Any advice on what to check first?

[@chrisverzosa4081]

i have same issue on my 09 Escape but not the hybrid one. could it be the same issue, or do they have the same compressor type? any inputs will be greatly appreciated. thank you

[@bigozo1981]

Cool videos🤙

[@jbj198840]

I’m having this issue with my 2018 Ford Fusion 1.5 Ecoboost..any tips on what to look for..air is warm at idle unless I keep giving it throttle and idles extremely rough with the AC on

[@danman9017]

thank for the info

[@HK-hj5vz]

Hi Brain, I have 2011 and 2012 E350 vans and I’m having the same issue, is it going to be the same repair as you stated in the video, does the compressor on the e350 have refrigerant control valve? Thanks

[@brussell639]

Bless you, sir.

[@thomasrossi31]

Awesome video.. I have a 2006 escape hybrid that has similar symptoms. I’ll look into this.

[@plumber77mjr]

Great video, was hoping it would apply to my '04 Excursion with a 5.4 gas that has the cooling issue on idle

[@916lilrich]

Dirt Diver try checking you fan clutch. sometimes they are weak and wont cool properly at idle but cool well when moving

[@plumber77mjr]

@@916lilrich Will do thanks!

[@chrisrouse8464]

Question on transmission s.which sensor would make a 2005 mercury montego downshift extremely rough only after it reaches operating temperature. Thanks.

[@rrmech11]

Awesome Neighbor 👍👍

[@marks6072]

Any possibility of a video on Ranger 2.3Ecoboost and 10speed auto reliability????

[@marth6271]

Another informative,well made video. Thank you. And you can always tell a former U.S. Marine. "And of course the oil in the BORE " not "in the hole" .

[@byxnplanes]

I'd say most people with a mechanical engineering background would use that term as well. Perhaps not a military-specific term...

[@tomdemarest5084]

What is the Scan Tool device you use to do the tests you show in this video. They are very helpful but I don't think the average Scan Tool can do them? TD

[@62ejo]

Thxs very good video from hot too cool...

[@miketeeveedub5779]

Everyone: "Dorman parts? Ewww!" Me chillin' in my Five Hundred: "My A/C disagrees with your opinion!" Ford Five-Hundred owner here - can confirm this repair with the Dorman part works 100%! Had the exact same issue Brian described here. Did a bit of fact checking on some Ford forums and the control valve was the culprit. Changed it myself and got it recharged. Handles hot weather like a CHAMP now! Cheap easy repair - do it today!

[@kirkhullinger1934]

How did you get the system (drained

[@kirkhullinger1934]

Need to fix this on my 500

[@rugbyladice574]

How can I as you a specific question? Is there a way to contact you for advice?

[@romoguy91]

Tackling this tomorrow. The heat in california is getting unbearable.

[@RobertKohut]

Nice!!

[@m.n.3490]

I removed my old valve and replaced with a new one, and the car is only blowing real cold when the engine is around 2500 rpm, but not at idle. I am wondering if the new valve is not working properly. Is there some kind of 'bench test' for this valve? Also, the old valve had a substance on it that was 'blackish' and a bit tacky. Should I have wiped out the valve port on the compressor, or oiled the new valve? What would that substance be, and does it affect the valve, or the compressor's functioning?

[@sector2796]

Hey))) One question. Why Mustang 2005 4.6L, ​​3v engine, at idle, when warm! with turned on A/С on full, enters to the "Failsafe engine mode"? No check engine light, no codes. After car restart everything is ok. It happens only when A/C on max (cold or hot). A/C work's fine.

[@jamesbruno5896]

Great fix thank you Brian! If it works it's not made by Dorman!

[@ronaldhickman9953]

James Bruno .... that's funny , we just had a talk in the shop about Doorman.....they used to be dangerously low quality , they have improved slightly...but it can't be trusted because of quality control.

[@martyb4815]

Lol

[@stevenfuchs2548]

Great explanation and video thank you!

[@genostevens2151]

I have a question about my 2007 f150 4x4 4.6L ive watched all of your videos and many others and haven't found the answer so here we go while I'm shifting from 2x4 to 4x4 it sounds and feels like my gears are grinding it will not go into 4x4 while the grinding is happening my truck has the shifter lever not the little switch on the dash ive replaced the solenoid on the firewall and checked for vaccum leaks what could be causing this it'll go into 4x4 if I shut the truck off and shift it but not while its running I know it's just about impossible to diagnose this way just looking for things to look at or try

[@nationalwheel1]

Speaking of register temps I'm seeing only 57 - 59 with outside temps of at least 90F into low 90's. 57F is very unusual. Mostly around 59F. These are from my 2010 Fusion with a ac system that has no known issues. Was told by a Ford mechanic when original compressor was changed in 2012 that these systems are too small to cool effectively. Compressor was just changed again late spring 2019. Evap temp sensor between 35 - 41 cycling. Any comments welcomed, thanks

[@JoeJalopy]

Thanks for the help. A technicality I wonder about is that there are several PAG oil types. Do you use only one PAG type?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

We use PAG46 oil.

[@richardcranium5839]

if a person understands the pressure /temperature correlation of the refrigerant being used there is no need to run back and forth checking the outside and inside temperatures. its also a good idea to leave all the doors open so return air isnt affecting your internal temp. not sure what the ford manual on this topic says though. generally speaking the heat exchange values on the condenser and evaporators is 15 degrees.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Oh you want to check internal temps, there are way too many variables inside the vehicle that can affect the comfort of the customer. I am guessing you are coming from a residential a/c side of thing which is much much different.

[@dandrewb]

I watched this whole video. I think it was excellently done. My truck just started doing this exact thing and yet it is not one that fits the type you specified. I have a 2007 Ford F-350 Lariat. Do they not have a device like this on that model?

[@robbyrabit]

Did you see if it worked for your truck?

[@chipete1]

Which SUV should I buy 2013 explore or 2013 Edge?

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

My 2005 Mercury Montego was visibly leaking refrigerant and oil between the case halves of the compressor. Replaced it in 2014.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yup another common concern with these vehicles.

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

@@FordTechMakuloco Well worth the repair, fixed the problem immediately and it didn't leak out. Sold the car about a year and a half after that.

[@itsnotfar]

The trick is never go below 50 mph. Hehehe

[@austenhatch3285]

My ac works fine when driving but struggles when parked and keeps cycling on and off. 09 5.4 XLT. Low side was high when I checked it. So should I get this part and take it to pep boys have them recover Freon and then install part and recharge with can? What’s the deal with the oil?

[@mojunk19]

Before this video I would have Road off the compressor. Great video.

[@debrajohnson4871]

Sweet tks

[@markperez6195]

Hi Brian, is there something similar on the 06 Ford Explorer? Our 05 Explorer has this cooling issue when vehicle is idling for a while.

[@austinhamann704]

Confirm the engines fan-clutch is working properly- it probably isn't spinning the fan fast enough for proper air flow- or check hvac controls and blend door if it has one

[@kevincurtis5750]

My 2008 F-150 Lariat does the same thing. No mechanic ever seems to correctly fix the problem of warm air coming through the vents at idle.

[@sergiomoya8546]

👋👋Hello, I hope you can read my message, have a great unanswered question Replace the 2005 Ford engine 5.4 The problem I have the oil cup and dipstick have vacuum when I remove the main line of the vacuum hose from the top of the valve towards the intake. replace valve cover because pcv is assembled together both valve cover are dorman .valve covers are made in china, engine was rebuilt from oreallys . If I get the original, do u think that will solve the problem. Great videos ... thanks 4 u times ...

[@enjoylifeyolo73]

How about an 08 Ford Expedition? Cooling is only good when moving not at a stop. I live in Az.

[@ejcsds]

I wish you could figure out the issue with the 13 model year F150 that prevents the evap coil from cycling at the correct interval of 36-38, instead of 44-48!

[@MikeBeast007]

Yes did you ever find the fix

[@ejcsds]

@@MikeBeast007 nope

[@bryanesparza99]

Is this also a fix for a 2018 f150? My compressor won’t turn at idle

[@ronrandall7118]

I have a 2000 Ford F-150 XLT Extended, 4.6L, 2 valve engine. Upon turning on A/C, I get a strong mildew smell. After A/C running a few minutes the smell dissipates. Is this mildew smell coming from the evaporator core box? If yes, can I remover a cover to access the evaporator and the inside of the box to clean it? Besides spraying Lysol disinfectant in the vent cowling, how can I clean it first?

[@allanb3222]

Pull out the blower motor and spray evaporator foam cleaner on it.

[@rockcitymarco9186]

Hey man good morning, my 2011 Ford ranger has ice cold air conditioning when you command the control panel.. all functions workalthough it's not as hard or forceful are as it used to be could this be the blend door actuator it's taking all the commands but maybe not opening all the dhampirs completelywhat I bought the truck brand new the air-conditioning and air vents with blow your baseball cap right off your head not so much anymoreit functions but I'm a little let down that it's not as powerful as it used to be other than that all systems are go... Any input would be great... Thanks man be safe 👍

[@jcortes3930]

Or a dirty evaporator

[@rahrah8076]

Look behind the glove box and pull the blower motor out and there is a screen up there and junk gets into it then clean it out

[@shadetreetech]

Where is your shop located?

[@fedozabidi6066]

Do u think 2017 mustang gt has it?

[@josephwhite6033]

Hey man. My ford dealership down here in south Mississippi offers a fuel injector cleaning service for $189. I’m wondering if it’s actually worth it? I have a 2013 f150 5.0. 125,000 miles. Thanks man!

[@josephwhite6033]

cisa93 ok thanks man!!

[@josephwhite6033]

cisa93 update. Ran a bottle through about 18 gallons. No noticeable difference. But I appreciate it

[@m.n.3490]

So, I tried reversing the new spring, and valve, but this did not fix my problem. (Putting in the new valve, spring, and filter the correct way, did not fix it either). I still have cold air at high idle (1,500 rpm to 3,500 rpm), but no cold air at idle (800 rpm) or at low rpm (1,000) rpm. My guage set reads from 90 spi to 120 psi on the LOW SIDE, and only 120 psi to 130 psi on the HIGH SIDE (ambient outdoor temp is about 85 degrees, and humidity is about 60%). I am thinking I need a new compressor. Any feedback from you guys here?

[@thomasrossi31]

I have a 2006 escape hybrid. @ 90° ambient temps, my reading are 175 high side & 65 low side. The cabin air is cool.. not cold. Would there be anything else causing these symptoms?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Change the valve

[@thomasrossi31]

FordTechMakuloco you’re the best!

[@ismaelsalgado0326]

Does this work on 2017 f250

[@Just2362]

Could a weak compressor also have these signs and ac gauge readings?

[@shanestrains2849]

An easy way to check if your compressor is weak is to give it some RPM while watching your gauges, if your low side is dropping and it begins to cool down in the cab, it indicates your compressor is on the weaker side.

[@edyancy2805]

Why would Ford use that particular valve system on such a select few models? The issues you describe here match the problem I'm having with my '09 Milan V6. Might it use that setup? Do you just look for that plate on the back of the compressor? This one has less than 60k on it and doesnt seem to be low on refrigerant...

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yes there would be a plate on back.

[@shirleyjeanjohnson4372]

How to put valve cover gaskets for a 02 4.0 Ford Explorer Trac

[@jeremyshaw8811]

Maybe you could help me out I have a 2011 Ford Focus. The AC system works very poorly at an idol once you bring the rpm up it starts cooling better The cooling fan does work. I don't think it is a problem with air through the condenser.

[@ogarcia2672]

Have same isuue with a 2009 ford focus , when idle warm , when at 2000rpm cools better.

[@bigozo1981]

Pressures?

[@shanestrains2849]

My guess would be a weak compressor. You’d have to have a set of gauges hooked up to the vehicle to really know for sure.

[@DavidDiaz-gx7yl]

I heard you have to replace the ac dryer every time you work on the ac system, is this true??

[@ceeweedsl]

I understand that it depends on how long it was open, but yes, as I understand, it's going to see moisture and lose drying capacity. I had my system open for over a week after working on it and encountering a problem, had already changed the dryer, but I swapped in a fresh one right before charging to be sure. $20 insurance in my case.

[@markk3652]

Wow, how clean is that car under the hood?!! I thought that I was the only one that spent time doing that...

[@JustinLaNoue]

My wife's Escape looks like that too lol.

[@TexasCanuck]

so my 2009 F150 (Lariat/4x4) has this problem, I have 240K miles and after about 150K miles I could not get the AC cold enough at idle it is warm air and while driving on highway its much cooler. The part you mention does not seem to exist on my truck. I am in Texas so its hot and AC at idle is required :)

[@robbyrabit]

What did you figure out? We've got the same issue