How to Service a Ford Focus Air Conditioner
- 1). Turn the ignition off. Turn the air conditioner on and set the thermostat to the coolest setting. Turn on the ignition and allow the car to idle. Open the hood to examine the clutch (located near the front of the compressor). If the clutch will not turn, the air conditioner needs more refrigerant. Purchase an air conditioner recharge kit to recharge the system and follow the manufacturer's directions on the kit.
- 2). Check the drive belt. The drive belt supplies power to make the compressor rotate. The compressor serves as a refrigerant pump. If the drive belt will not turn the compressor, the compressor cannot pump the refrigerant into the air conditioner. If the drive belt isn't functioning properly, replace it by following the directions in your Ford Focus Owner's Manual.
- 3). Inspect the air conditioner for refrigerant leaks with a refrigerant leak detector (available at most automotive stores). Follow the manufacturer's directions for use. If a leak is large enough, you'll lose all refrigerant, and the air conditioner won't operate. Look for oily residue on the outside of the unit to determine if you have a leak.
- 4). Examine the fuses and replace malfunctioning fuses as necessary. Take any failed fuses to the automobile shop with you to ensure you purchase the correct replacement fuse. Consult your Ford Focus Owner's Manual for instructions on how to correctly install the new fuse. If the new fuse won't work, you probably have a short circuit. Consult your owner's manual on repairing a short circuit.
- 5). Check the temperature control vents. If warm air is coming out of the vents when the temperature is set to "Cool," the temperature blend door is malfunctioning. To repair this, you must replace the blower motor. Consult your Ford Focus Owner's Manual on how to correctly replace this part.
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