Yo Brian,
I gave up on air conditioning work in 94 when I loaned my gauges and too,s to a family member who then left them all in his F150 overnight. Murphys Law worked.
OK, from what you described does the blower fan runs in all speeds?
Was outside ambient temperature with engine Cold above 50°F?
The A/C clutch can be shut off for several seconds:
At engine start-up.
At high engine speeds.
During heavy acceleration.
When the engine coolant temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature.
So this is by Ford in 96 Bronco-F-Series Workshop Manual (PARTIAL) by FORD via
http://www.diesel-dave.com/vehic/manual/stj/stjleft.htm
same as most earlier years especially 92-96, except for:
OBD II in 96;
4WABS (93-96);
RABS (87-92);
Air Bag (94-96);
3 ***** Automatic Locking Hubs (Built from May 95 through 96); Spark Plug Wire Routing & Firing Order (The firing order for 1987-1993 5.0Ls is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8. The firing order for 1994- 96 5.0Ls & all 5.8Ls is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8.);
R134a in 94-96;
2-piece Spindle Rolling Diaphragm Seal (RDS) used on 5/95 to 96 Broncos & F Series 1/2-ton 4WD;
Mass Air Flow in 95 5.8 California models and in all 96s, other years used Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor (MAP).
96 5.8 do not have the Air Injection (AIR), Secondary Air Injection; Pump (Smog Pump), Thermactor Air Bypass (TAB) & Thermactor Air Diverter (TAD) Solenoids; Diverter, Check & Bypass Valves, Cross-Over Tube, etc. But 96 5.0 does have the system.
The 96, Vapor Management Valve (VMV) replaces the canister purge valve (CanP valve) used in EEC IV.
Still researching other differences.
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Best thing is to acquaint yourself with the AC system. Most common faults are refrigerant leaks, compressor clutch failure, compressor failure, A/C cycling switch failure, etc.
You will see this in pin point testing below.
GO to Section 12-00: Climate Control System, Service
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Pinpoint Tests
NOTE: Use Rotunda 73 Digital Multimeter 105-R0051 or equivalent when performing electrical pinpoint tests.
The fastest way to find a condition is to work with the tools that are available, which means working with proven diagnosis charts and the proper special tools for the system being worked on.
Refer to the following charts for performance testing procedures.
***I chose Insufficient Cooling***
Possible Source;
Low refrigerant charge.
GO to Pinpoint Test C or Pinpoint Test G for specific condition
http://www.diesel-dave.com/vehic/manual/stj/stjc0021.htm#c
Have someone Start engine, BEWARE OF FAN, BELT, PULLEYS, ETC.
Watch compressors clutch as helper switches AC on and fan speed on.
Read more @
http://www.diesel-dave.com/vehic/manual/stj/images/m4113c.gif
The clutch is mounted on the front of the compressor.
A/C Compressor and A/C Clutch Assemblies
The FS-10 A/C compressor (19703) is used on all F-Series and Bronco vehicles.
An A/C clutch (2884) is energized when the A/C cycling switch (19E561), located on the suction accumulator/drier (19C836), closes. The closing of the A/C cycling switch completes the circuit to the A/C clutch and draws it into engagement with the compressor driveshaft.
When the A/C cycling switch is closed and the control ****/lever is set at MAX A/C, NORM A/C, or either of the settings calling for full or partial defroster operation, the A/C compressor will be operating. (A/C compressor operation during defrost is provided to minimize humidity in the passenger compartment.) The A/C compressor is mounted on the side of the engine and is driven by a drive belt (8620) . Tension adjustment is obtained by means of an automatic tensioner (gasoline engines)
A/C Cycling Switch
As described previously under AC Compressor and A/C Clutch Assemblies, the A/C cycling switch (19E561) is mounted on a Schrader valve on the accumulator/drier assembly. A valve depressor, located inside the threaded end of the A/C cycling switch, depresses the Schrader valve stem as the switch is mounted and allows the suction pressure inside the accumulator/drier housing to control the operation. The electrical contacts are normally open when the suction pressure is at or below 152 kPa (22 psi); they will close when the suction pressure rises to approximately 276-317 kPa (40-47 psi) or above. Lower ambient temperatures (below 10°C or 50°F), during cold weather seasons, will also open the contacts due to the pressure/temperature relationship of the refrigerant in the system. The electrical contacts control the circuit to the A/C clutch field coil (2987). When the contacts are closed, the A/C clutch field coil is energized and the A/C clutch (2884) is engaged to drive the A/C compressor (19703). When the contacts are open, the A/C clutch field coil is de-energized, the A/C clutch is disengaged and the compressor does not operate. The A/C cycling switch, when functioning properly, will control the pressure in the A/C evaporator core (19860) at a point where the plate/fin surface temperature will be maintained slightly above freezing, which prevents icing and the blockage of airflow.
http://www.diesel-dave.com/vehic/manual/stj/images/m5032b.gif
Item Part Number Description
1 — Outlet to Compressor
***2 19C836 Suction Accumulator/Drier***
3 — To Suction Accumulator/Drier
4 — From Condenser
5 19860 A/C Evaporator Core
"A/C cycling switch is located on the accumulator. This is also called the receiver/dryer. It is a cylinder, black or aluminum, mounted just ahead of the evaporator/blower assembly. The switch is threaded onto a port on the side of the accumulator. Here is a tiny photo of the general area you will be looking at:
http://www.freeautomechanic.com/accumulator.jpg
It is normal for the clutch to cycle on and off. That is the reason why the clutch cycle switch has a window of operation between ~24-45 PSI. In very hot/humid conditions the clutch will stay engaged for long periods of time.
There should be a two wire plug attached to the switch. Unplug the connector, use a jumper wire to short the two pins together. Start the truck, turn on the A/C, verify if the clutch engages. If it does, then it a bad switch or extremely low charge of refrigerant that is causing your problem. The low pressure/clutch cycling switch is closed between ~24 and 45 PSI.
If it does not work then it is another electrical problem further upstream. Your A/C should also have a high pressure switch. It should be attached to the line between the compressor and condenser, that would also prevent the clutch from engaging. The high pressure switch is supposed to open at ~400PSI.
A manifold gauge set measures high and low side pressure. That will tell you what the whole story is. Only measuring one side or the other leaves a lot of speculation." by rla2005
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Also read
http://www.freeautomechanic.com/airconditioning.html
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