96 Ford Windstar A/C Problems

I drive a 96 FordWindstar, and recently my A/C went out. I had 2 seprate problems. I have solved 1st problem but can't figure out the 2nd problem


My A/C wasn't blowing out of my front vents, it was blowing out of my Defrost Vents. I knew I had a vaccum leak, and didn't know where. Before I could get to fixing my vaccum leak, I started to notice that at times, my A/C would stop blowing cold air for about a 1-2mintues, and then would start back up again. So when I had time to fix it, I started to look for the vaccum leak, I found the Vaccum leak in the "A/C Control Switch for the Rear." Replaced the switch, and got the air blowing in my vents.

The 2nd Problem, After I got done fixing my Vaccum leak my A/C went out all together. I started to wonder maybe I ran out of freon. I took my gaugues and hooked them up. Freon Levels, Normal. Then I thought it was my compressor, so I decided to test it, Took the Switch off the compressor took my alligator clips hooked one side to the ground, and touched the other on the (+) of the battery, Clutch engaged and started to blow Cold Air(engine running). I checked the switch going to the clutch with my voltage tester, and got power going to the clutch, also checked voltage on A/C pressure switch, Fueses, and Relays, I also did voltage test on my CCRM. Everything seems good. This is where I hit the brick wall. Don't know what else I could do or what the problem could be. All the switches on it are good, Freon lvls are good, Compressor is good. Could it be the PCM???

Would really like the hear someones 2cents. or suggestions.

Thanks,
Driving in Hot Texas weather with No A/C.

Have you tried jumping A/C cycling pressure switch connector terminals? How'd you test relays? What was your pressure reading at?

This might not help, but I had the same problem, and my father in law got a cigarette plug off a cooler and cut it off, then spliced it into the a/c compressor, and when we wanted a/c, we would have to plug the cigarette plug in, to kick on the compressor. Im not sure if you said thats whats happening to yours.
Also the rear defrost was bypass(heater coil), and that messed up the rear a/c. We had a 97 Windstar.
Hope this helps, if not sorry.
-Milton

Hi

I believe wiswind had a similar "over-cycling" problem on his '96 too. To my knowledge he found relief with the new/improved CCRM. The part and Ford number are shown on his page.

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1349973571011220610mEzPZX

On my '96 I had some cycling with excessive compressor off time. In my case I traced it to excessive A/C clutch gap. I was able to sort of fake a repair to reduce the clutch air gap within reason. I now however wonder about excessive cycling and if I might be better off with a new CCRM. My freon readings are all normal too.

Good Luck