Hello Everyone!

My step-mom has a 2002 Ford Ranger. I have put new hoses, o-rings and the likes on it. I pulled a vacuum and it held for 2 weeks. I then charged it. It pulled close to three cans in an instant and was cooling great. Few days later she tells me it's not cooling. I noticed the clutch was no longer engaging. I pulled the little washer between the compressor and clutch so it would sit tighter from wear. I can start the truck, turn on the a/c and rev the motor etc, no dice, but when I drive it a few miles all of a sudden it engages and runs, and it will continue to run throughout the day as long as you don't let it sit and cool. Weirdest thing i've ever seen. Would a relay cause this? I would think if it was a relay it would either work or not work. Could it be the alt and battery issue sense the compressor requires 14.0v?

 

My guess is you have a leak and the Freon is low again. I just went through something similar and the condenser had a slow leak. It could also be a bad cycling switch or A/C clutch relay among other things.