WS Fiesta aircon stinks and fails at low speed

[BruceT]

My 2009 WS Fieta Zetec is a fantastic car. Recently the air conditioning has started failing and stinking.

First symptoms - after starting and switching A/C on, the windows fogged up before exiting a car park (external temp 25-30C).

Lately - on hot days (35C+) the A/C could not cool the car and eventually just blew hot air in my face. This happens at low speed in traffic jams and when stopped at lights. Once underway it works again, probably due to better airflow over something (what? condenser, radiator?)

On one hot day (38C) in stalled traffic the car overheated (warning light) - I was on approach to the Harbour Tunnel and there was no break down strip. The A/C blew very hot air in my face and the external temp indicated 45C, hotter than it really was. I switched off the A/C, wound down windows and switched off motor when stopped. Once underway again for less than a minute (in the tunnel) the overheated warning light sent off and the ext. temp. dropped to 38C. The aircon worked fine about 10 minutes later, provided I was driving at 60 km/h+

Air coming from A/C and even ventilation with no A/C now stinks, a bit like rotten egg gas - like sports clothes that haven't been washed for a month.

I usually dive with A/C on (with recycled air) and windows up for three reasons - to reduce traffic noise, reduce humidity (I sweat heaps) and to listen to MP3 podcasts on Bluetooth. So the A/C has been used most of the 70,000+ km I've had the car.

I've checked Big Damo's posts and I do have a filter, but not the "T20 torx bit/key" to replace it:
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?p=4727552

I'll get the gear to replace the filter and try Trumpy73's advice:
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...hlight=air+con

Should it get service professionally? Does anyone recognise the symptoms?

[Pursya]

Not hard to pick up the torx bits.
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/sea...424&look.y=-45
I'm no expert, but the fact the AC is pumping out moisture is a concern.
Refrigerated AC is generally very dry and even in winter you use the AC to eliminate moisture.
Don't think a filter exchange would fix that.

[BruceT]

I found this brilliant DIY video on replacing the Fiesta WS aircon filter and disinfecting/deodourising the system
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsvJaQdObRc

I've still got to get the parts needed - especially the T15 or T20 Torx bit.
I hope this is useful to someone.

[BruceT]

Originally Posted by Pursya

I'm no expert, but the fact the AC is pumping out moisture is a concern. Refrigerated AC is generally very dry and even in winter you use the AC to eliminate moisture. Don't think a filter exchange would fix that.

Thanks Pursya, I have the same concerns. Anyway, I'll see what changing the filter does. I'm off to Super Cheap auto...

[Fiesta God]

Sounds like you have a more serious issue than the filter.

I have driven my WS at high revs (on a very winding road, having lots of fun) for about 2 hours straight in 40 degrees with the air con on. The car did not overheat.

Sounds like you have some air/moisture trapped in your air con system, or there might be a fault with one of the switches/relays that is causing it not to work properly. There might also be a slow leak somewhere. I would take it to an air con specialist to have a look ...

[BruceT]

Originally Posted by Fiesta God

Sounds like you have a more serious issue than the filter...

I would take it to an air con specialist to have a look ...

Yep. I changed the cabin air filter (it was filthy) and put some Valvoline Air Conditioner Odour Eliminator & Sanitiser through the system (via the external air intakes). The odour has gone, but the A/C still fails at slow speed in hot weather.

A salesman at Autobarn Blacktown - who used to work at an auto air conditioning place - reckoned it was probably loss of refrigerant in the air conditioner circuit, which according to him is a more common problem in European cars compared to Australian or Japanese cars.

It probably needs to be leak tested and recharged. He couldn't recommend anyone. I wish I knew a good place.

[Fiesta God]

If you have a Natrad branch near you http://www.natrad.com.au/index.php?storelocate.html

I have found one of their Victorian branches good to deal with on two occasions

[curtleyw]

I had a similar problem (no ac at idle, intermittent at low speeds) on my 2010 ws.
Turns out my radiator/condensor fan has failed. I think the bearings are stuffed.
Not real happy for a nearly 4 year old car to do that!
To check it's working you need to have the ac on as that automatically engages the fan. It Could be something as simple as a fan relay but not in my case :(

[BruceT]

A belated update on this.

Like curtleyw, it was a failed radiator/condensor fan. This was discovered at an NRMA service centre after a 2nd overheating episode.

I wonder if these fan failures are common of Fiestas?

[BruceT]

And BTW, they checked the coolant and there was no problem. the A/C operation has been fine since it was fixed..

[ach]

Thanks for updating us BruceT.

May I ask how much it cost to get the radiator fan fixed?