How can I fix my 1996 Ford Escort airconditioning?

For those reading this I would like to point out that it has taken me almost a year to sort my Aircon out and spent a small fortune into the bargain. However if you want a job doing do it yourself because sure as eggs are eggs the so called experts haven't a clue but will charge and o'h boy do they!
See my comments regarding my Galaxy below and I hope the info is of some use.

william.hunter1@tiscali.co.uk
July 2006

My Galaxy had aircon problems and I spent over £600 with getting so called experts to find the fault. The aircon was intermittant like yours and worked from cold straight away but ceased after the car warmed up anything fom 5 to 20 minutes. The fault was the de-icing switch which consists of a probe which is inserted in the evaporator core and a small block containing the switch this will be located somewhere near the interior aircon/heater unit. I have a method of checking this unit to prove if it is faulty, please Email me if you want the info.
The de-icer switch and attached probe is £60 so before you go and get one do the test which will cost £6 approx it's worth it.
Hope this is of some use. Regards.

william.hunter1@tiscali.co.uk
July 2006

I just found out my A/C relay connection isn't good, If you install it correctly the compressor won't kick in and if you install it 3/4 of the way it works perfectly and cold. The pins aren't reaching the right area in the connector.

j
June 2006

I do not have an answer yet but will keep you informed if I find out. I have a 1999 Ford galaxy with the same problem and called in Aircon direct assuming they fixed aircon faults as their website led me to beleive that. Not true they were only a re-gassing service and I was left with a bill for £70+ just for a re-gas and was informed the problem was electrical. I checked all fuses and wiring then decided to contact another company first checking that they did repair A/C systems 2 days later the car came back with a bill for £400+ and was advised it's better only in the respect tat it runs a bit longer from cold and packs up. Great I thought does nobody in the UK know anything about aircon in cars the only thought I have at the moment is airCONNED.The last repairer said it had been re-gassed twice and that the Drier/Accumlator was replaced also Expansion unit.
So you can possibly rule these out on yours. I do have a suspicion that the problem may lie in the Evaporator wihich is part of the A/C aqnd heater unit mounted behind the dash on mine it is accessed via the removal of heater /Aicon controls fascia and removal of radio. I shall attempt to look at this but cannot be sure if I will see or find any fault. if you suspect the gas level Halfords are now selling a pressure guage to check this not sure of cost as it wasn't priced but it should be a lot cheaper than a visit from a useless re-gassing company.
Hope this info may help you avoid the cash traps that I have fallen into and should I find out what the cause is I will be the first to share this with you. Good hunting.

william.hunter1@tiscali.co.uk
August 2005

check gas pressure first

mike mahony
January 2005