Like any other car model, the Ford Fusion is not immune to problems and malfunctions. One of the most common issues reported by Ford Fusion owners is when their AC stops working.
In this guide, we will go over the reasons why your Ford Fusion’s AC may not be working and provide some tips on how to fix it. So, let’s get started!
Why is my Ford Fusion AC not working?
There could be several reasons why your Ford Fusion’s AC is not functioning properly. Some of the most common causes include:
- Low refrigerant levels
- AC fan not working
- Faulty compressor
- Electrical issues
- Blown fuse or relay
- Clogged air filters
- Malfunctioning temperature sensor
- Leaks in the AC system
- Broken or damaged condenser
- Faulty evaporator coil
- Malfunctioning AC controls or switches
- Faulty AC clutch
Now that you know the possible causes of your Ford Fusion’s AC not working, let’s discuss some solutions to get it up and running again.
Low refrigerant levels
The refrigerant is the lifeblood of your car’s AC system, and if there isn’t enough of it, your AC won’t work. Low refrigerant levels could be due to leaks in the system or improper initial installation.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound that plays a crucial role in cooling the air inside your car. It absorbs heat from the cabin and releases it outside, resulting in cool air circulating within.
The refrigerant is located inside the AC system’s evaporator coil, which is usually behind or under the dashboard. It is a closed-loop system, which means the refrigerant should not run out or need to be replaced unless there is a leak.
Reasons: One of the main reasons for low refrigerant levels is a leak in the AC system. Over time, seals and hoses can deteriorate, causing small leaks that allow the refrigerant to escape.
Another possible cause could be an improper initial installation of the AC system, which may result in leaks or insufficient amounts of refrigerant being added.
Symptom/sign: The most obvious sign of low refrigerant levels in your Ford Fusion AC system is that it won’t blow cold air. You may also notice reduced airflow or strange noises coming from the AC unit.
Self-inspection: If your car’s AC is not blowing cold air, you can do a quick self-inspection before taking it to a technician. Check for any visible leaks or damages in the AC system components such as hoses, seals, or compressors.
You can also try using an AC leak detection kit to pinpoint the source of the leak. If there are no visible signs of a leak, it is best to take your car to a certified technician for further diagnosis and repair.
AC leak detection kits are readily available at most auto supply stores and can help you pinpoint the source of a refrigerant leak in your Ford Fusion’s AC system.
To use the kit, first make sure your car is turned off and the AC is not running. Then, insert the dye into the low-pressure port on your car’s AC system.
Next, turn on your car and let the AC run for a few minutes to circulate the dye throughout the system. After that, use a UV light to spot any areas where the dye is leaking out. This will help you identify and address the source of the leak before taking your car to a technician for repair.
Turn on your car’s AC and let it run for about 10-15 minutes. Use a UV light to inspect for any visible signs of dye leakage from the components. If you see a leak, take note of its location and take your car to a technician for repair.
If no leak is found, it is best to have a certified technician inspect the system further.
Solutions: This can be easily fixed by adding more refrigerant to the system. However, if the refrigerant levels are fine and there is no leak, then there might be a problem with the compressor or other components of the AC system. In this case, it is best to take your car to a certified technician for proper diagnosis and repair.
AC fan not working
Another common issue with the Ford Fusion’s AC system is when the fan stops working. This can be caused by a faulty blower motor, a blown fuse, or a damaged fan switch.
The AC fan, also known as the blower motor, is responsible for blowing air through the vents of your car’s AC system. It is located behind the dashboard on the passenger side of the car.
There are a few reasons why the AC fan on your Ford Fusion may stop working.
One possible cause is a faulty blower motor, which can wear out over time and eventually stop functioning properly.
Another reason could be a blown fuse, which can occur due to electrical issues or simply from regular use over time. Additionally, the fan switch could become damaged or worn out, preventing the fan from turning on.
If your AC fan is not working, you will likely notice a lack of airflow through the vents. This could result in warm or hot air coming out of the AC system instead of cool air.
In some cases, the fan may still work on certain settings but not others.
Before taking your car to a technician, there are a few things you can check on your own if your AC fan is not working.
First, make sure the fan speed switch is set to the highest setting. If this does not turn on the fan, then it may be an issue with another component of the system.
You can also check for blown fuses in the fuse box under the hood or inside the car. If you are comfortable with automotive repair, you can also inspect the blower motor and fan switch for any visible damage.
If none of these steps leads to a resolution, it is best to bring your Ford Fusion to a qualified technician for further inspection and repairs.
In some cases, your Ford Fusion’s onboard diagnostic system may alert you to an error code related to the AC fan not working. This can help pinpoint the specific issue causing the fan to malfunction and guide the technician in repairs.
However, it is important to note that not all issues with the AC fan will trigger an error code, so it should not be relied upon as the sole source of diagnosis.
Some common error codes related to the AC fan not working in a Ford Fusion include:
- P0480 – Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit Malfunction
- P0481 – Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit Malfunction
- B10D7 – Air Conditioning (A/C) Blower Motor Stalled
These codes can indicate issues with the cooling fan control circuit and blower motor, which may need to be repaired or replaced in order for the AC fan to function properly.
If your Ford Fusion’s AC fan is still not working after checking the settings, fuses, and potential error codes, there are a few solutions that may be needed to resolve the issue.
One possible solution is to replace the blower motor or fan switch if they are found to be damaged during inspection. Another solution could be to recharge the AC refrigerant if it is found to be low.
In some cases, the entire AC system may need to be checked and repaired, including the compressor, condenser, and evaporator. It is important to have a qualified technician assess the issue in order to determine the best course of action for fixing your Ford Fusion AC fan.
Faulty compressor
In some cases, the issue with the AC fan not working may be due to a faulty compressor. This can cause the overall AC system to malfunction and prevent cool air from being blown through the vents.
The compressor is a vital component of the AC system in your Ford Fusion. It is responsible for compressing and circulating refrigerant throughout the system in order to cool the air that is blown into the cabin.
The compressor can be found under the hood of your vehicle, typically on the passenger side near the front of the engine. It is connected to various hoses and lines that carry refrigerant and is powered by the engine’s drive belt.
If the compressor is not functioning properly, it can cause issues with the entire AC system, including the AC fan not working.
Reasons: One possible reason for a faulty compressor in your Ford Fusion could be wear and tear over time.
The constant compression and circulation of refrigerant can cause the compressor to become worn down, leading to malfunctions and ultimately affecting the performance of the AC system.
Additionally, damage to the compressor can also occur due to debris or contaminants entering the system.
Symptom/sign: If the AC fan is not working due to a faulty compressor, there are some symptoms that you may notice. These can include strange noises coming from under the hood when the AC is turned on, a decrease in overall cooling performance, or even leaking refrigerant.
Self-inspect: Before bringing your Ford Fusion to a technician for AC issues related to the compressor, there are a few self-inspection steps you can take.
First, check the drive belt that powers the compressor to ensure it is in good condition and properly connected.
Next, check all hoses and lines connected to the compressor for any signs of damage or leaks.
Finally, you can try to manually engage the compressor by bypassing the pressure switch (if you have knowledge and experience with car maintenance).
Error codes: If there is an issue with the compressor, your Ford Fusion may display an error code related to a faulty compressor. These codes can vary depending on the model and year of your car, some common ones include:
- P0645 (AC Clutch Relay Circuit)
- P0532 (A/C Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input)
- P0697 (Sensor Reference Voltage “C” Circuit/Open)
Solutions: If you do encounter issues with your Ford Fusion AC due to a faulty compressor, there are some solutions that can help resolve the problem.
Depending on the extent of damage to the compressor, it may need to be replaced entirely or just certain components within it may need to be repaired.
A qualified technician will be able to properly diagnose and recommend the best solution for your specific situation.
Malfunctioning temperature sensor
Another common issue that can lead to AC problems in a Ford Fusion is a malfunctioning temperature sensor.
This sensor plays an important role in regulating the temperature within the cabin of the car and if it is not working properly, it can cause issues with the AC.
Reasons: One possible reason for a malfunctioning temperature sensor in a Ford Fusion is wear and tear over time. The sensor may become damaged or lose its accuracy, resulting in incorrect readings and difficulty regulating the temperature.
Extreme temperatures, such as extreme heat or cold, can also impact the performance of the sensor and lead to AC issues.
Symptom/sign: Some common symptoms of a malfunctioning temperature sensor include:
- Inaccurate temperature readings on the dashboard
- AC blowing cold air for a short period of time before turning warm
- AC not blowing any cool air at all
If you suspect that your Ford Fusion’s AC issues may be due to a malfunctioning temperature sensor, there are some steps you can take to self-inspect before bringing it to a technician.
First, check the temperature setting on your dashboard and make sure it is set to the desired level.
Next, try adjusting the setting and see if this affects the air coming out of the vents.
If not, you can also check for any abnormal sounds or smells coming from the AC system, as this may indicate a larger issue that needs to be addressed by a professional.
Error code: Another way to determine if the AC issues are related to a malfunctioning temperature sensor is by using an OBD-II scanner.
This device can be used to read any error codes that may have been triggered due to the sensor’s malfunction.
If you receive an error code related to the temperature sensor, it is likely that this is the cause of your Ford Fusion’s AC problems.
Some common error codes related to a malfunctioning temperature sensor include:
- P0118: Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit High Input
- P0125: Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Closed Loop Fuel Control
- P1289: Cylinder Head Overtemperature Detected
If you receive any of these codes, it is important to have the temperature sensor inspected and possibly replaced by a qualified technician.
If the temperature sensor is indeed the issue with your Ford Fusion’s AC system, there are a few solutions that may be necessary.
In some cases, simply cleaning or replacing the sensor may be enough to fix the problem.
However, if the sensor is damaged or faulty, it may need to be completely replaced.
In either case, it is important to have a trained technician handle these solutions, as they require specialized knowledge and tools.
Basic Troubleshooting Ford Fusion AC Not Working
In some cases, the AC issues with your Ford Fusion may be due to a faulty temperature sensor that can easily be fixed without the need for a technician.
Here are a few basic troubleshooting steps you can try before bringing it in for repairs:
- Resetting the system: Sometimes, all it takes is resetting the AC system to get it working again. To do this, simply turn off the AC and shut off the engine for a few minutes before restarting the vehicle.
- Checking the fuse: A blown fuse can also cause issues with your Ford Fusion’s AC. Check the fuse box under the hood and look for any blown fuses related to the AC system.
- Cleaning or replacing air filters: Dirty or clogged air filters can also affect the performance of your AC. Try cleaning or replacing them to see if it makes a difference.
If none of these basic troubleshooting steps work, then it is best to bring your Ford Fusion in for a professional diagnosis and repair.
FAQs
How much does it cost to replace the AC compressor in a Ford Fusion?
The cost of replacing the AC compressor in a Ford Fusion can vary depending on the model year and location. On average, it can range from $500 to $1000 for parts and labor. It is recommended to get quotes from different mechanics or dealerships to find the best price.
Ford Fusion AC reset
In some cases, simply resetting the AC system can solve issues with your Ford Fusion’s AC. This involves turning off the AC and shutting off the engine for a few minutes before restarting the vehicle. This allows the system to reset and can potentially fix any minor issues causing the AC to not work properly.
Here is the step-by-step process to reset the AC in a Ford Fusion:
- Park your Ford Fusion in a safe and flat area.
- Turn off the AC by pressing the “AC” button on the dashboard or climate control system.
- Shut off the engine by turning the key to the “off” position.
- Wait for at least 5 minutes before restarting the vehicle.
- Start the engine and turn on the AC.
Check if the AC is now working properly. If not, it may be necessary to bring your vehicle in for professional diagnosis and repair.
Overall, resetting the AC system is a simple troubleshooting step that can potentially solve issues with your Ford Fusion’s AC.
Remember to also check for any blown fuses or dirty air filters before resetting the system.
Ford Fusion air conditioner recall
There have been no official recalls for the Ford Fusion air conditioning system. However, there have been some complaints from owners about AC issues, particularly in the 2010 and 2011 models. It is always important to regularly maintain your vehicle’s AC system to avoid any potential problems.
You May Also Be Interested In Reading
VW Adaptive Cruise Control Problems (Reasons and How to Guide) Honda Adaptive Cruise Control Problems (Reasons and How to Guide)
