1996 Ford Taurus Air Conditioning Troubleshooting
- 1). Check the fuse box to the left of the driver's foot pedals for any blown fuses. Read the instruction schematic on the cover of the fuse box to locate the fuse corresponding to the air conditioning system. If the thin metal strip inside the glass tube is broken, replace it with another of the same amperage rating.
- 2). Switch on the electric blower fan and the AC with the engine running to see if any of the dials are malfunctioning, loose or hard to move. If you do not hear the fan start up, it could be that a fuse has blown, or the fan itself may be faulty.
- 3). Start the engine and turn the AC up to the highest setting. Open the hood and check to see if the magnetic clutch connected to the AC compressor turns over. If the clutch does not engage, it may mean that the system is low on refrigerant. Have a mechanic refill the system for you. Look for any leaks on the compressor. Ensure that the drive belt attached to the compressor is secure. If the compressor is excessively noisy, it may need to be replaced.
- 4). Inspect the AC hoses for any leaks or kinks. If you notice oily residue on the AC components, they may need to be replaced. However, a very small amount of refrigerant leakage is normal.
- 5). Check the air conditioning system for sufficient pressure. Turn the engine off and attach an AC compression gauge. Connect the blue hose to the low-side service port, and the red hose to the high-side service port. The reading should be between 50 and 80 PSI. If the reading is below this, have a qualified mechanic investigate it for you.
- 6). Feel the two hoses near the firewall to see if they are warm. One needs to be slightly cooler than the other. If it is not, the valve control may need to be replaced. Have a qualified mechanic do this for you.
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