AC problems

[steveb919]

I read with interest the other post on AC problems, but mine is a little differant. I can be driving along and the AC goes to hot air. After I have shut off the car for a few minutes it works just like advertised. This has only happened three times in the last year. Any ideas?

[George]

Steve, Not sure what you read but here's some info on one that sounds similar:
My 2005 Tbird has problems. When using the heat & air only hot air comes out. Whether using a/c or heat...only hot air. Temp adj. has no effect on temp of air coming out.
Here’s his resolution:
I took my car to the local Ford dealer for diagnosis. As they explained to me it seems the problem lies in the Heater control valve, aka the Dual coolant control valve. This valve is located attached to the radiator shroud and has three hoses running out of it, two of them are the heater core hoses. They wanted $150 for the part and another $325 to install it (4 hrs. labor). Well, I've ordered the part from Direct Ford Parts for $102.61 total cost incl. shipping and I will be installing it myself within the next week or so. Depends on when I can get a day off. I'll let you all know how it went, how long it took...I'm thinking I can do it within a couple hours, and if it resolved the problem. I'm glad I purchased via Ebay a CD with the complete Thunderbird Service Manual a couple weeks ago. Comes in very handy.
Update:
Well, I replaced the coolant control valve Saturday without any problems at all....except for a broken radiator hose clamp. The dealer quoted it as a 4 hour job, which I finished in approx. 3 hrs. And that was taking my time, along with a side trip to Autozone for coolant. Total cost for parts and coolant...$115.00. 3 hrs. of my free labor. I would rate the difficulty level on a scale of 1-10 as a 4. If you can use a wrench and remove hose clamps, you're ready.

BTW:The coolant control valve has two electronic actuators that divert the coolant in the appropriate manner. When they malfunction you will get only HOT air blowing from your vents regardless of which temp you set, whether A/C is on, or where you direct the air to come from.

[George]

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Another owner, A Do It Yourselfer:
This is the procedure and info for repairing a heat-a/c problem on your Bird.
The symptoms were : Only hot air coming from any vents regardless of heat or a/c setting.
The diagnosis is : Defective Dual Coolant Flow Valve
The part number is : YG378 --Order through : directfordparts.com List Price : $155.54 Their price : $91.61 w/shipping & handling $102.56

The Procedure :
1. You will need to get the vehicle up on ramps in order to drain the coolant.
2. You will need to remove the plastic shielding under the vehicle using a 5.5 mm socket.
3. You will find a coolant draincock on the bottom passenger side of the radiator. Take an adjustable wrench or pliers along to loosen the draincock. Make sure you have a good sized drain pan to catch the coolant in as it will deflect off a few item on the way into the pan.
4. Remove the engine air cleaner outlet tube. I found it easier to remove the total air box system. Using an 11mm socket for the nut on the far left side of the air system. You will need to loosen the screw bracket for the air tube attached at the throttle body. Remove the top of the air cleaner box and then pull the clean air system out.
5. Release the clamp and disconnect the upper radiator hose.
6. Release the hose clamp and disconnect the hose that runs from the control valve to the upper radiator hose, where it attachs to the upper radiator hose. It is easier to remove this hose from the control valve after you remove it from the vehicle, then attach to the new control valve. You can then rotate the upper radiator hose backwards out of your way.
7. Release the LH heater hose clamp and disconnect the hose. Make sure you move the drip pan under this location to catch coolant running out from the hose.
8. Release the RH heater hose clamp and disconnect the hose. Position bothe heater core hoses backwards to prevent further leaking of coolant and to get them out of your way.
9. Remove the dual coolant control valve bolt with an 8 mm socket. It will be easier if you have a very long extension.
10. Remove the dual coolant control valve.
11. Remove the electrical connector, pushing the red clip upwards then using a screw driver to remove from the control valve.
12. To install reverse the removal procedure.
13. Fill the engine cooling system.