air conditioning issues

[GdogSupertech]

2002 f-150 4.6L less than 66,000 miles. had a stale air smell with only cool air and a smoke-like mist coming out of the vents. used a air snitizers and the smell is pretty much gone. i have an interdymanic "smart-charge" that says low charge so i added 2 10oz cans (as it said low after first added can).the "smart-charge" now says warning. it blew hot air so i hooked up manifold gauges and found it over charged on low side, reduced charge to 50psi running and high side is around 235psi ("smart-charge" still says warning) and with the engine off they equal out to 95psi ... now for the questions/ issues 1. what is the proper low and high psi (running at idle i assume) 2. still getting smoke-like mist (no smell) 3. where is the cabin filter (haynes does not show it) 4, it blows cold air but it seems only on high fan ...... thanx in advance

 

[blacksnapon]

2002 f-150 4.6L less than 66,000 miles. had a stale air smell with only cool air and a smoke-like mist coming out of the vents. used a air snitizers and the smell is pretty much gone. i have an interdymanic "smart-charge" that says low charge so i added 2 10oz cans (as it said low after first added can).the "smart-charge" now says warning. it blew hot air so i hooked up manifold gauges and found it over charged on low side, reduced charge to 50psi running and high side is around 235psi ("smart-charge" still says warning) and with the engine off they equal out to 95psi ... now for the questions/ issues 1. what is the proper low and high psi (running at idle i assume) 2. still getting smoke-like mist (no smell) 3. where is the cabin filter (haynes does not show it) 4, it blows cold air but it seems only on high fan ...... thanx in advance

Make sure your condensation drain is open. If condensation is allowed to build up, moisture could be entering the cabin in the form of musty, wet smells. What the right reading on guages is depends on the outside temps. Higher ambient air temps, higher the readings will be. A good baseline is 35 low and 150/175 high. 50 and 235 is WAY too high (overcharged). Make sure your engine fan is working properly and your condenser isnt blocked from airflow.

 

[GdogSupertech]

thanx for the reply ... drain doesnt seems to be clogged in that i see water dripping ... i only used 50 /235 psi as interdymanics r134a chart shows that at 85 and 90 degree ambient the reading should be 45 to 55 low and 250 275 high , but i cou ld be reading it wrong ... i will reduce and give it a try ... so is the mist possibly freezing due to overcharge and the cabin pilter may be clogged still cant find it

 

[d-kuzmen]

IF there is a cabin filter it would most likely be located on pass side under the plastic cowl there maybe an access cover for it or you may have to remove the cowl cover on pass side. Make sure you have good air flow across the condensor, also you can evac the system and pull the orifice tube out make sure it is clean, if there are any signs of metal there is a good possibility your compressor is on it's way out.

 

[GdogSupertech]

Well thanx for the info ... today i reduced lowside to 37/38 and high equal out to 200/205 ... the mist seemed to be reduced greatly and is still blowing cold air, as it dries out may it will go away completely. the "smart-charge" now says proper charge (green light). still didnt find cabin filter and they do sale it so it must be somewhere ... oh well oneday i will find it when im not looking for it. so how to do unclog drain at the firewall? ... draining less but maybe cause it is not freezing up and less condensation ... thanks for the help ... i'll be back

 

[blacksnapon]

Theres an air filter only if it was installed by the dealer

Air Distribution
NOTE: A cabin air filter is available as a dealer installed accessory for the air distribution system of this vehicle. The instructions for installation and servicing of the cabin air filter are included with the filter when purchased.

There are two sources of air available to the air distribution system:

outside air
recirculated air
Recirculated air is only used when the climate control mode selection is set in the MAX A/C (if equipped), AUTO (if equipped with EATC), and OFF modes.

Air distribution within the vehicle is determined by the function selector switch position (manual systems), or is controlled by the EATC system in the AUTO mode (EATC systems). The air distribution mode on vehicles equipped with EATC may be overridden by the driver if desired. Airflow control doors are used to direct airflow within the air plenum chamber. Vacuum control motors are used to position these airflow control doors.

The air distribution system is designed to provide airflow from the defrost nozzle when no vacuum is applied to any of the vacuum control motors. This is done to prevent a situation where defrost cannot be obtained due to a system vacuum leak.

Air enters the passenger compartment from the:

instrument panel A/C registers (19893).
heater outlet floor duct (18C433).
windshield defroster hose nozzle (18490).
side window demisters.
Passenger compartment air is exhausted from the vehicle through open windows or cab air vents.

 

[GdogSupertech]

thanks ... good to know ... i do have max a/c but not auto so i must not have a cabin filter ... but everything seems to be working good and no more mist or smell .... thanks again to all

 

[GdogSupertech]

how do u clean the condenser drain ... its not a drain tube its more like a port brhind the engine above the transmission and extremely difficult to get to

 

[blacksnapon]

how do u clean the condenser drain ... its not a drain tube its more like a port brhind the engine above the transmission and extremely difficult to get to

If you can get a long wire and stick it in there, or a long air blow gun.