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Hi, I’m trying to diagnose an A/C problem in my 2008 Ford Escape. When off both high and low side gauges read normal pressure for the outside temp. When the compressor is on it drew down the low side to about 20-25 psi but the high side gauge didn’t move from static pressure reading. I thought 20 psi was a little on the low side so I put in about 6oz of refrigerant hoping it was just a low charge. Now it draws down to a normal 30-35 psi on the low side, but again high side doesn’t move. Vent temp shows no decrease at all (it’s maybe even a degree or two above ambient). The TXV does get a little cooler but not frosty.
I’m thinking bad compressor but the fact that it draws down the low side makes me not sure. Any ideas or should I just take it in somewhere?
Also, if I was to do it myself I would need to recover the refrigerant… is there any way to do that without spending $500+ on a machine designed for it? I do already have a vacuum pump and manifold gauges available. Thanks!
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Thanks for the reply. When I first turn the A/C on after it being off for a while the high side pressure will bump a little to like 30 psi over static then within 20 seconds fall back to static. When the compressor cycles off or I turn the car off the low side does quickly climb from 25-30 when running to about 40 then slowly climbs the rest of the way to 50. The high side doesn’t move after I turn it off because it sticks around the static pressure all the time.
It is a chilly day today (49F) so not optimal for testing A/C.
Here’s a bunch of gauge pictures. See the image descriptions for what was going on when I took it.
https://goo.gl/photos/S7FyBdeZAb1fEeHWA
Thanks for your help.It does seem like a compressor issue, or perhaps too much oil in the system. I would say expansion valve but I think Ford uses an orifice tube. It’s hard to say. More info here.
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-hvac-problems
As for recovery, you might consider taking it to a shop to have the system evacuated. They’ll charge you for it, but not $500. 😉
Please keep us updated on your progress and good luck.
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