Why is vehicle leaking when the AC is on? - 2006 Ford Explorer

In a 1994 Chevy K1500, the compressor should receive power when the AC button is turned on, assuming that the system is adequately pressurized and there are no other issues preventing it from engaging. Here are some steps to diagnose the issue:

1. Check Refrigerant Levels: Low refrigerant levels can prevent the AC compressor from engaging. If your system is low on refrigerant, it may need to be recharged. This is typically a job for a qualified technician.
2. Check for Refrigerant Leaks: If your system is low on refrigerant, it's essential to check for leaks. A leak can cause the refrigerant to escape and prevent the compressor from engaging. Look for signs of oil or refrigerant leaks around the AC components.
3. Fuse and Relay Inspection: Ensure that the AC system's fuse and relay are functioning correctly. You can consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a fuse box diagram to locate the relevant fuses and relays. Replace any blown fuses or faulty relays.
4. Check the Pressure Switch: Many vehicles have a high-pressure and low-pressure switch in the AC system. These switches monitor the pressure in the system and can prevent the compressor from engaging if the pressure is too high or too low. Check these switches for proper operation and continuity.
5. Inspect Wiring and Connectors: Examine the wiring and connectors leading to the AC compressor. Look for damaged wires, loose connections, or corrosion. Ensure that there is no damage to the wiring harness.
6. AC Clutch and Compressor: If all the electrical components are working correctly, you may need to inspect the AC clutch and compressor itself. The AC clutch should engage and disengage when the AC is turned on and off. If the clutch isn't engaging, it may be faulty, or there could be an issue with the compressor itself.
7. Refrigerant Pressure Sensors: Some vehicles are equipped with refrigerant pressure sensors that can prevent the compressor from engaging if the pressure is out of the specified range. Check if your vehicle has such sensors and test them if necessary.
8. Professional Diagnosis: If you've checked all of the above and cannot identify the issue, or if you're uncomfortable working on AC systems, it's recommended to consult a qualified automotive technician or AC specialist for a thorough diagnosis and repair.

Remember to prioritize safety when working on your vehicle's AC system, as it involves high-pressure refrigerant and electrical components. If you're not experienced in automotive AC repairs, it's best to seek professional assistance to avoid injury or damage to your vehicle.

You have two choices. Choice one take vehicle to a AC repair shop. Choice two get a AC leak detection kit and do it yourself. The kit works by adding a dye to the system and where the leak is it will glow green which can be seen using special glasses. You can also get AC freon with the dye in it

Go to the dealer and have them put a dye in the radiator. Run and drive vehicle. Take vehicle back to dealer they will use a UV light and determine the location of the leak. I have done this several times to multiple vehicle and it works all the time. The dye will glow.

ac drain . There could be a blockage in the AC drain pipe that runs under the car. This can usually be unblocked with compressed air they jack up vehicle takes 30 seconds to fix with vehicle hoist.
When it blocks up the AC unit builds up with water and leaks clear water inside the car. if it was green water it would be the heater core leaking coolant.

What color is the fluid? Is the vehicle equipped with rear AC and are you using it? If the fluid is water, suspect it to be from the rear AC unit if equipped and most probable cause would be a plugged drain hose from the evap core to the outside of the vehicle. If fluid is green \orange and the vehicle has rear heat, suspect a leaking heater core for the rear heat

could be leaking from the evaporator. are you checking the pressure on both sides of the system? also a tale tell sign is oil build up on the system. ac compressor for instance. I have also seen a lot of leaks from the low side filler valve specially in gmc model vehicles.

There are many ways to recharge an ac system but to do it correctly is a bit more in-depth. You can read the ac tag under the hood of your vehicle and purchase a can of coolant then hook it up to the low pressure side as shown on the can. Start the engine and follow their instructions. If you have a leak you should add UV dye to the system to locate the leak then repair as needed. To recharge system I recommend purging the system to a proper catchment contaner, recycle the refrigerant as required. Put an ac manifold on the high and low ports of the ac system (they are sized to only fit in the proper location) then attach a moisture removing vacuum pump create a vacuum in the system of 20lbs at sea level or more. Close the high and low pressure valves and disconnect the vacuum pump connect the refrigerant to the vacuum line, start the vehicle, turn on the ac (fan on low) add the amount of refrigerant that your vehicle tag requires.

if it's coming out of the cap seal it could be the thermostat needs replacing or you have a leak in a cylinder pumping air into the water system, would need more info, is the fan kicking in to cool engine down ? should kick in around 92c and 96c 96c is full fan speed 92c is slow speed.

Does your rear AC work? If not, chances are what you're seeing is AC oil from a leak in either the tubing or the evaporator core.

You can, but I wouldn't recommend it. AC Systems are like a tire - if it goes low, theres a leak. If there's a leak chances are the systems been contaminated. This happens because once the refrigerant leaks out, the atmosphere enters the system - when that happens the dessicant becomes contanimated. The dessicant is located in a cylindrical aluminum container and is what 'dries' the air before it enters the cab of the vehicle. My recommendation would be to have the system diagnosed for leaks and proper repairs made. BEWARE - AC repairs can become VERY expensive....This vehicle is 14yrs old...you need to ask yourself how bad you want AC and is it worth it to have it repaired. I was a ASE certified technician for 15 yrs and have repaired AC Sytems that have cost the customer anywhere between $600 - $800 depending on what all needed to be replaced...depending on your situation I would plan on at least a couple hundred dollars just to be prepared. Hope this helps.