what causes the AC to stop blowing cold air in my Ford F-150

Solution

1. Preparation

• Tools Required: Safety glasses, gloves, manifold gauge set, vacuum pump, refrigerant, and a wrench set.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and the engine is turned off.

2. Check and Recharge Refrigerant

• Sub-steps:
  1. Connect the manifold gauge set to the low and high-pressure service ports of the AC system.
  2. Read the pressure levels; if low, proceed to recharge the system.
  3. Use a vacuum pump to evacuate the system for about 30 minutes to remove moisture.
  4. Introduce the appropriate type and amount of refrigerant as specified by the manufacturer.

3. Repair or Replace Faulty Components

• Sub-steps:
  1. If leaks were detected, identify the source (e.g., hoses, compressor, evaporator) and repair or replace the damaged parts.
  2. If the AC compressor is found non-functional, remove it by:
     • Disconnecting the negative battery terminal.
     • Removing serpentine belt and electrical connections.
     • Unbolting the compressor from its mounting.
     • Installing a new compressor and reattaching the belt and connections.
  3. Replace any damaged or clogged components like the condenser or cabin air filter as necessary.

4. Reassemble and Test

• Sub-steps:
  1. Reconnect all components securely and ensure no tools are left in the engine bay.
  2. Reattach the negative battery terminal.
  3. Start the engine and turn on the AC to test for cold air and proper operation.