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Automotive/2001 Ford Tuarus air condition

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Expert: - 1/23/2008


Question
In my 2001 Ford Tuarus, The A/C only comes on if I have it on high blast. Could this be a sign that the Blower moter is going out.

Answer
This would more likely be a sign of some anomaly in the control interface between the A/C system and the fan.  

It  certainly is true that most (all) systems are designed so as to prevent evapourator operation unless there is air flow, in order to prevent freezing of the evapourator core.  However, full flow (meaning the condition of highest fan speed) should not necessarily be a requirement, as it is desirable to be able to modulate by air flow as well as by cycling the compressor.  If it IS a requirement, there then could be a control issue.

Alternatively, it could be an air flow issue.  However, that could be the case only if your Taurus uses an air vane in the duct to verify sufficient air flow.  If there is a vane, is it possible that there is some blockage - leaves from last autumn, for example - that is impeding the air flow and thus necessitating the highest setting so as to get the flow necessary to satisfy the vane?

Probably not - air flow detection systems are much more common in commercial building applications than in automotive systems, however.  I doubt that there is an air vane in this application, as most auto systems use a thermostatic cutout in contact with the evapourator to provide anti-freeze protection.

You question whether there may be a problem with the fan motor, but do not indicate whether fan speeds other than "high blast" are available.  However, your context suggests that they ARE available, and the issue is that of what fan speed is necessary in order for the A/C to work.  If the fan is working in all its available speeds, there is no evidence of a fan motor problem at this time.

Hope this helps ... EGK

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Ernest (Ernie) Kenward

Expertise

The challenges I most enjoy are thoughtful technical questions of a trouble-shooting nature in both electrical, power electronic and mechanical systems, mainly automotive but also machine control and small-machine PLC applications. Please note, however, that I am NOT a walking shop manual! I DO, however, make it a point to have those manuals and other service literature for those vehicles I DO own, and highly recommend that anyone serious about maintenance or modification of their vehicles do the same; MOST of your answers WILL be found there. For that matter, I do NOT go out of my way to acquire shop manuals for any vehicle I do NOT own! That being the case, any general query to me along the lines of "What is the meaning of this code read from the ECU of my 2015 XYZ?" or "Where is the fuse for the windshield washer pump found?" (try your car's electrical distribution panel for a start!) will not go far. What I do offer is a pretty good collection of literature, insights and hands-on experience with 1950s to 1980's Ford products (plus a developing database of information and practice with the Mercedes diesel cars), along with an engineering perspective and the ability to design and implement custom control, electrical and mechanical subsystems for vehicles. For that reason, I am happy to make my thoughts and efforts available to those who are of like mind and/or are seriously making a point of learning about their vehicles. Use the Opportunity to Learn!

Experience

A key skill in my work and hobby pursuits both is STRATEGIC TROUBLESHOOTING. I am a senior instructor in Electrical Engineering Technology at a leading Canadian polytechnic, my areas being Electrical Power and Industrial Control, electrical and electronics design and manufacturing, and AutoCAD and related CAD/CAE software - plus equipment problem-solving and new equipment design and prototyping. Hobby-wise, I have 30-plus years of experience in auto restoration, mostly in electrical and mechanical systems. Ongoing projects include a 1959 Edsel Corsair, my 1978 Ford E250 class-B motorhome conversion, and the care and upkeep of my Mercedes 300CD. My vehicles become engineering test beds for electrical and mechanical upgrades as ideas present themselves. This includes the design and production of circuit boards to restore or enhance features for which no OEM replacement parts are obtainable, or where better specifications or reliability can be had via newer concepts. Regarding the E250 RV conversion, I designed and continue to revise a custom power distribution system, managed by a Programmable Controller (PLC); this has made most revisions as easy as uploading new firmware as I develop it. The "mini" PLC is a powerful device for custom automotive control systems. One good example (there are many) would be the Moeller "Easy Relay"; these offer a wealth of control, monitoring and variable-and-status display options for such projects. A good example project which has worked well is that one for my RV noted above, which has been on the job - revised in firmware only - for a decade now. It is a load management and charging control system to avoid the sulfation-induced early failure that often befalls deep-cycle batteries used in RV power applications. The battery installed in 2003 lasted long enough to more tnan pay for the PLC that contributed to its longer life ... and the PLC will be there for the next battery as well!

Organizations
IEEE - senior member ... past WCC Student Activities; SME - senior member ... past chair, greater Vancouver chapter chair 318; Edsel Owners' Club - have served in various capacities on chapter executive during seventies; have been Power and Driveline resource on the Edsel Owners' Club "E-team" for more than a decade.

Education/Credentials
Graduate of UBC

Awards and Honors
Certificates of appreciation from IEEE and SME for work in student and chapter activities

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