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90 Merc Grand Marquis 5.0 V-8 Sedan A/C 60,000 miles


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Cindyl541
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Cindyl541 profile image

Mar 2, 2010, 5:14 PM

Post #1 of 3 (1520 views)
90 Merc Grand Marquis 5.0 V-8 Sedan A/C 60,000 miles Sign In

FrownHi Again...My car is still running like a top but as usual, buying a car in the winter causes people to forget to check the A/C. Our local dealer says it's not the freon. He says parts are difficult to find and expensive to replace. I know he's a dealer but thought I'd get a second opinion from all of you smart people here. I can live without an A/C in Oregon and I am so happy with this long beauty, it hardly matters but I appreciate your help! Thanks. cb
Cindy in Silverton via the Oregon Coast


nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
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Mar 2, 2010, 9:05 PM

Post #2 of 3 (1512 views)
Re: 90 Merc Grand Marquis 5.0 V-8 Sedan A/C 60,000 miles Sign In

big problem here is this is an R-12 system, and because R-12 hasn't been made due to EPA law for years its obscenely expensive. If the freon charge is ok as he told you, the cause is electrical and there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to get it fixed. There are multiple switches and relays in control of the AC compressor, so a wiring diagram specific to your car will be needed along with a troubleshooting chart.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Mar 3, 2010, 3:56 AM

Post #3 of 3 (1510 views)
Re: 90 Merc Grand Marquis 5.0 V-8 Sedan A/C 60,000 miles Sign In

Cindy,

Parts are available for anything on that system! How could a dealer tell it wasn't low on Freon? If it doesn't operate you can only tell a static pressure.

Common with these is the relay on driver's side under a plastic rain cover or the low pressure cut out switch located on the black. round accumulator on passenger's side near firewall - both underhood. Also, leaks from road debris hitting condenser (looks like a radiator) which is first in front behind grille and would show oil staining.

These cars convert easily and work well. Original issues were wild leaks with the "spring lock" hose connections but by now those should have been done.

Are you apt to do stuff yourself or need a shop for help with this? I know Oregon is a big state but if by chance you live near Vancouver, WA one of our own, owns a shop there! Not sure if they concentrate on A/C but you could get a real diagnosis at least.

If not a Freon (that's a brand name of the type of refrigerant used when new) then what suggestions did you get?

Do you know if it's already been converted to 134a? Chances are in a low demand area that along the way it was already as the R-12 (Freon) is now expensive and no longer made new as nick said. Oregon, is perhaps more temperate than where I am and A/C not critical so many shops don't waste the money in equipment to deal with it.

T



(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Mar 3, 2010, 4:05 AM)






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