Ford Quick Tips: #8 Ford Five Hundred Freestyle Poor A/C Performance Fix 

🤔 You are the man. It has been awhile sence I needed on the 2011 FLEX. BECAUSE everything I learned WORKED. New problem with the AC and so here I am increasing my knowledge base from the best tech that dosen't make me crazy.

I want to thank you for this video! This is exactly what was wrong with our car and the shop had it in three times and couldn't figure it out. If it hadn't been for your video I think we would have been paying for a new compressor. THANK YOU!! I found your video and it was exactly the problem, I shared it with the shop and I am happy to say it is working great! THANKS!!

This totally works! I had the exact symptoms described and the control valve fixed the problem. I ordered the part online for $15.

Just replaced the valve on my 2006 Ford Five Hundred. Good cooling at idle now, thanks for making this video!

Thanks for the 2005 Ford 500 air conditioner fix! The part made the air conditioner work at idle and low rpm's.

Very well done and easy to follow video. I plan on having this done soon to my 2006 Ford five hundred due to not cooling good. Thanks, Johnny

I just came here to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! If we didn't have people like you putting this kind of information on the internet people like me would be dishing out thousands! This fixed the problem with my 2006 Ford 500. Bought the piece you linked to Amazon, bought it and had a shop install in for me. $50 to remove the refrigerant, instal part and refill refrigerant. It works! You've saved me $$$. Thanks!

Thank you so much this worked like a charm! Saved over $1k by having compressor replaced as dealership and shops wanted to suggest.

I didn't have air at idle but while driving. I replaced that valve today and now I have a.c. at idle!!! Thanks, and I got my the part from oriely auto parts and came with the gasket. Word of advice. Have an 10mm ratcheting wrench that flexes or has a slight bend to it. Best way to Get it out while its in the car

Yes Thank you soooo much. I have been wanting to get this fixed for my daughter but couldn't aford it.But now I can , thank you.

Worked like a charm. This is my 3rd summer without ac at low speed or idle, but not anymore.... Thank you

awesome man thanks for both video's After seeing this one I'm pretty sure this valve is my issue. Was about to order a whole new compressor. Going to source out the valve now and see about the recovery and recharge options in my area.

Thanks for the video.i have a 2007 ford five hundred a/c was doing as you described I bought control valve. had refrigerant e-vaced .put valve in myself. I just went ahead and put in new refrigerant 2 cans and thanks to you I have a/c! thank you for video we need more people in world like you!

I have a 2007 Five Hundred Limited front wheel drive. The A/C started with the symptoms described in this video but I replaced the expansion valve before I found this tip. The A/C Control Valve listed here cost $38 and took 45 minutes to install. It took another 30 minutes to draw down the system and refill it with about 18oz of R134a. This was the correct fix for the AC issues I was having. Thanks!! Note- if you go to Amazon and order the valve, disregard the fact that they say it is not correct for your Ford. Like I said, mine is a 2007 and was not listed but the valve was the direct replacement.

God Bless you man!!! My car had the same symptoms and the fix worked EXACTLY as outlined in your video. I need this too, living in Florida, 90 degrees in the shade :) I drove yesterday to a place in Fort Lauderdale to pick up the valve (Polar Bear Inc, something like that) and installed it today. Total cost of repair including valve and refrigerant was less than $100 (valve $42, rest for refrigerant). I made a few friends too in the process (a couple guys helped out with install :) My ford five hundred is a cool customer now, thanks again!!!

THANK YOU for this video! My wife's 134K-miles Freestyle had the "warm at idle/cool at speed" problem. My mechanic flushed the AC system, found no AC component troubles, and recharged it - no improvement in AC performance. Per your video I got the valve from techchoiceparts.com. I replaced the valve with the compressor installed in the car, and wanted to share with everyone that it is a tight squeeze - the compressor is mounted down low and sandwiched between the engine and radiator. Still, with time, persistence, and some cursing, I got it done. My wife is happy, so I'm happy too!

Thanks for this. I know this vid is old. 2007 model got new compressor and still blowing hot.

As always good video. I wish i wouldve found this 3 years ago when our car had this problem. Shop changed the valve out charged me $250 for 10 minutes an a 3 dollar part.

2007 Ford Five Hundred. 263,000 mi. AC was doing exactly as described, cold while driving, warm when idling. Spent $125. recharging system and checking for leaks. Did NOT fix problem. Was told the cost would be around $800. to fix problem. Unfortunately never watched this video before wasting $125. Paid $35. for new valve, recharged system, and guess what, cold air while idling for 1/2 hr. WOW, FordTechMakuloco definitely is someone to trust. Thank you for your generosity and willing to help others.

Thanks for the tip. I have a 2005 Freestyle that just gets mildly cool and not cold at any rpm. Tech says I have no leaks and pressures are correct. They said I'll need a complete replace of system at $1400 because likely there be some debris in system due to a waffle plate in compressor? Would my symptoms possibly be resolved with a control valve replacement also? Thanks

thank you very much for this video. exact problem on my freestyle. changed the control valve today and the ac works just as new. thanks buddy, keep up the videos

Hi Brian, Just wanted to drop you a quick note and a big fat Thank You! :) I replaced the scroll valve and the drier. I even added the 2 oz of oil to the drier that you suggested in one of your other videos. I got a vacuum pump and manifold gauge, and in the end the low side was at 35, the high side at about 190, and the vent blew at 38 F :) The total capacity is 2 lb 6 oz, 9 oz oil, in my Freestyle, and I figured that I hit right at target with the 2 oz of oil in the drier and the oil that came ready mixed in the freon can. In the next few days I'm going to look at the super slow leak on my Contour. At the shop they suggested to refill it every year ($110), but didn't tell me that there were products like leak stop. I want to at least try it. You helped me, a frustrated homemaker, to save a ton of money, and I want to say "Thank You" for that! :)

Awesome video. Greatly appreciated. I was told the compressor was shot in my 2007 Ford 500. After watching your video, I got my parts guy to order the valve, a technician drained the system, I installed the new valve in 15 mins and then technician recharged the system and the car is now blowing freezing cold :-)

Than you so much I appreciate all the time you spend showing your skills thanks again

Thanks for a great tip! I just replaced the control valve in my 2006 Ford Five Hundred Limited and it worked beautifully. Though it was a little tight, I was able to access the valve from the top and it was really a snap to install. My valve came from the vendor mentioned in the video and came with the gasket and spring. It also came with a little filter that is used on some Asian and European models that was not needed on my model.

HOORAY- Found a local repair shop who installed the unit; AND AC is now working, even in stop/go traffic and on hot days. The part cost was 54.00 and the repair was $200.00, much less than Ford wanted to charge me. Ford also said my AC compressor was bad and should be replaced at a cost of over $1500.00.

YES Its working. Its been a month since the part was replaced and the AC is just great.

Thank you for this helpful information.

whats the book labor involved for removing the compressor? Depending on the 1st answer, then Im wondering if its worth it?

Thanks a bunch for making this video. It solved my problem perfectly.

WOW. I was actually looking for a different issue (my second serpentine belt just broke, but the tensioner pulley seems fine, so I was trying to look at other pulleys), but I was blown away by how this EXACTLY describes the problem we've had for years. Also, whenever we turn the recirculation on or off, we hear a series of "clicking" sounds - maybe about 4 or 5. And just like you've said, we've had mechanics look at it, "fix" it, and not get any improvement. If I can figure out this other problem, I'm very excited to get this fixed!

Thank you so much for the information! I was sweating looking online seeing $1800 replacement with labor to get a new compressor put in. What do you think the labor cost is if I just bought the Control Valve myself and brought it into a shop?

Great find! I’d accepted having a car with weak AC (can’t afford a new compressor) BUT I watched your video about Ford A/C Scroll valve replacement. My question is would I be able to confirm function properly in the winter weather or do you recommend waiting until the weather warms back up? I had it recharged in the spring and shop told me it was equalizing and they didn’t know what it could be from. Now I’m quite sure the valve is the issue. Best I get is about 65 deg.

Thank you for all the great videos! I have a 2008 F-150 with the 4.2 V6 that has similar symptoms. A/C doesn't work until I start driving for a couple minutes, then it works great after that. The truck has a remote starter, and would love to be able to cool it down on hot days. Do they a similar valve that could be causing this problem? Back when it was still under warranty, I took it to the dealership and they said this is normal operation. Overall, what is your opinion of the truck's reliability compared to other F-150 generations/engines? I would really appreciate any advice you may have! Thank you!

man your good!!! if i win the powerball ill hire you to keep ALL my cars running... thanks

Thank you for posting this video!! My 2007 Ford Five Hundred's a/c works like it should now!!

I want to thank you for giving me this information. When I went to the Ford dealer they told me I need a new compressor.so by watching your video I went and bought the valve and now my air conditioning works perfect. Thank you again/////

I have a question. I am having problems with this 2005 Montego a/c repair.I have replaced the compressor, dryer and txv. I have very high highside pressure. 350 -375. I am able to use a blowgun and blow air through the condensor and dryer all the way to where the line connects to the txv. I have tried 2 txv. I am thinking I might have too much oil. Compressor came with 4.5 oz. and I added 2 oz. for the new dryer.

I know this is an old vid but would this cause my a/c clutch to stop engaging? ive replaced the pressure switch, recharging to the right level and it still will not engage. also, someone told me that i can put the spring on the backside of the scroll valve and it would be full open all the time and it would fix the problem...... just looking for some input.....thanks

So I ordered an ac compressor for out 2007 ford Freestyle with "DUAL-AIR" from "Advance Auto parts" (premium NEW compressor with lifetime warranty) after replacing the compressor 3 times, on the 4th times, they sent us a compressor that didn't have that scroll valve at all(didn't even had the hole) for some reason ( I returned it, since it had a clutch issue and was dragging very hard). Is it possible they're making newer compressors by bypassing that Scroll valve, or is it something that must be there for this type of compressor to work properly? Also FYI, we installed a NEW Condenser, NEW Dryer, NEW Expansion Valve (3 times), NEW Radiator Fan, even changed the scroll valve once too....and this AC system still does not work. Warm air at stop, and burly cool at higher speed. We also took it to the shop for professionally charging(and discharged) with proper amt of oil and gas few times too, and still does NOT work. We're about to change the compressor once more and see. The ONLY thing we haven't touched are the evaporator or evaporators since it had DUAL AIR(not sure it uses 1 or 2 evaporators, if it does have 2 evaporators, not sure where the 2nd one is located and how this DUAL AIR is designed and/or operates, or could it be causing our AC not working issues????) Really frustrating. PLEASE HELP...

Hi, I have a 2005 Ford Five Hundred SEL with 178000 miles on it. Last summer I was having the issue of being cold while I was driving and then it would get really warm while stopped or driving at low RPM's. This summer its not even getting cold while driving at high RPM's. I also don't hear the compressor clicking on and off like I used to. Does this mean my compressor is completely bad?

The blower fan speed control is not working. I replaced the resistor it worked for a couple of days, and then started what it was doing before. I also noticed that driving at night the lights will dim and brighten as the fan starts surging. Press the off switch to turn the whole system off the a/c stops cooling but the blower keep blowing out the defrost vents I guess, because it is not coming out the a/c vents. So what do you think it is?

Hey there, thank you for the information. I own a 2005 Ford Freestyle that has similar symptoms as you described. Would a bad control valve cause a/c compressor to stay on and not cycle, checked Freon level and it is ok.

2005 Freestyle low and high side setting about 80 pounds, clutch kicks in, pressures do not change. I was wondering if it's this valve or if the compressor is bad? Any ideas? Thanks.

Hi I just came across your video and I wanted to ask If is it necessary to empty the refrigerant , can I just replace the valve with out emptying it , also I hear a bit of loud noise like a click when I turn the a/c on ,do you know what could be? Thank You

I have a 1990 GMC S15 4.3l . Retro fitted/converted to 134a. When at idle/park or at a stop light it blows warm air. Works good though when car is moving. Also the low end is a little higher than normal. No leaks.. Could this be a control valve issue?

I replaced mine awhile back and it definitely helped, but now, maybe a year or so later, my ac is not cooling good in 2006 Ford five hundred. Could you tell me where I would add the ac freon? Or where the ac low port side valve is located? Thanks, JohnG

THANK YOU! I'm so annoyed with other mechanics because this issue stumped them. Even though I knew I had plenty of refrigerant and it cooled at high RPMs, they insisted on recharging and then telling me it was the compressor. You described my problem EXACTLY.... and I was afraid I needed a new compressor. I suffered 2 years with no A/C in the desert. I'm buying that valve and going to install it. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. 05 Ford Five Hundred

Good day, my 2006 ford freestyle stalls/hesitates once the AC is turn on, but runs find without the AC. What do I do

Is it necessary to remove the compressor to replace the valve? What are some other things to look for the ac not working as you described? I have a 2007 Five Hundred and the air doesn't cool when standing still, but works better when moving.

Whats the name of the valve needed for AC. My AC works great when I'm on the highway but stop working when driving on street.

Thank you for getting back to me Brian! :) I read a lot about AC recharging over the weekend. I even got the huge repair manual for my 95 Contour out to try to understand how an AC works. By now I guess I can say, I'm a few pounds smarter ;) I did change the valve and the drier by myself over the weekend too. Since I bought an air compressor last year, I have been thinking about ordering a bottle to flush the AC myself too (I have a few orings left over so taking the drier off again isn't a biggie). I haven't called the shop yet to see how much they want to re-charge the system, but if it is around $150, I made up my mind, then I will buy a vacuum pump and manifold gauge (and probably oil injector), and charge it myself. (I guess a part of me is by now eager to see if I really understand what I studied up on all weekend, and that I can only find out if I actually use a manifold ;) ...I know, I'm nuts ;) ). Anyways, thank you so much again for your help, and all your videos. Keep them coming, you're doing a wonderful job! :)

my a.c. is leaking were you show is there a rebuild kit I can order that you know of? I purchased a used one at junkyard and that one doesn't kick on so if I can rebuild old one I would rather do that

Thank you so much Your great.

I'm having similar issue with A/C not cooling on 06 Freestyle. Low side pressure was not dropping with compressor on. Low was about 70-80 psi and High side was 200 psi or a little over. Ambient outside temp is 100 F. Replaced the compressor, expansion valve, and dryer. Pulled vacuum for an hour or maybe a little more. Started charging system and noticed that the low side was not coming down below 50 psi at idle and high side was building up as more freon was introduced. Started manually cycling the A/C switch off for 5-10 seconds and on for 10-20 seconds several times. After finally getting about 3/4 of the capacity in, the low side will only come down to 30 psi while revving engine at 1600 rpm and the high side go between 250 - 300 psi. Back at idle the low side comes up and the high side drops some but not below 200 psi. Any Ideas on what to check for? And we did not notice any debris during flushing process.

I have a 2007 ford five hundred and originally the ac just worked fine on the freeway until we got into town so i took it into the shop and they said i have a leak they had put some fluid into it to see where it came from now the ac dosent even work at all just wondering if its something i should take into a dealership or a local shop would be ok?

Im trying to get to the evap discharge temp sensor on a 06 Ford 500. It's on the drivers side deep in the dash unfortunately. Any advice or hacks to keep me from pulling my whole dash out?

Thanks for the video it really helped out

Appreciate this video. Can you tell me two things: 1) Is the Dornan made valve as quality as the Tech choice valve? and why do you recommend the Spectra Premium Compressor. Is the Spectra Compressor better for some reason than the UAC model. Is the Spectra Compressor made as well as the Motocraft product? Thanks Ace

Mine blows cold when driving but back to warm when idle. But when I turn and have my AC on it makes a loud rattle while its on. Could this be a issue ? No leakage also

got a 2004 ford freestar paid 400 dollars each to replace each radiator and A/C throws cold and hot air in different vents so mechanic is saying there is a 3rd radiator inside the cabin and he needs to take the whole dash off and wants another 400 dollars for the job.but i cant find anything on a third radiator by the cabin. any advice?

Hi FordTechMakuloco, I replaced the control valve. Seemed to do the trick as the air was blowing cool even while the car was at idle. But after driving around town for about an hour, it seems that the air was warm again at idle. Any thoughts? Thanks. The video provides great info!

Looks like I have this problem now. Pressure on low side is high in the red. I bought a recharge can with the valve and when I attached it I saw the high pressure. Hoping this is the problem. Thanks man!! Great video.

We replaced the O ring in our 2007 ford 500 and within 10 days had all leaked out again. Does this sound like it needs a new control valve?

I had that part replaced last year and it fixed it but now it seems that I'm having the same issues. Do I need to replace it again or is there something else

Hello, I have a similar issue with my 2006 Ford Escape 3.0L, I know its not the same car but the same Duractec V6 engine as far as I remember, so maybe the AC system is similar here... The problem is, that the AC runs fine while cruising, but as soon as i start to overtake, going from ~2500 rpm to 5000 rmp, its like the AC shuts down. The air gets less and less cold until I finish the maneuver, then it starts to get cold again after a while. Can you suggest what can be causing this issue? Thanks!

Is there a way to replace the seal on the front of the compressor? 06 Saturn vue uses the same compressor and had the scroll valve issue and it has a leak on the front. Is this a part I can replace? Thanks for any info you can give!

I took my 2006 Ford 500 and they told me that my compressor is out but it still blows out hot air you think they're just trying to get me for more money and so I can buy a new compressor or do you really think my compressor is out

Is that a filter above the valve? kind of looks like the end of an orifice tube just above the valve.

After replacing the valve do you need to jump anything to get compressor to turn on ?

Im having trouble finding the replacement value. No one has a part number. Can you help me out?

I cannot see where my 2006 Montego has any controls in the car's interior - for any Auxillary, rear AC unit, in order to determine how much R134a to add to refill the system. The tag in the engine bay compartment shows two different values for the amount of R134a that needs to be in the system, depending on if the car has, or does not have, a rear "Auxillary" AC unit. Can you tell me how to verify my Montego DOES NOT have Auxillary rear AC parts/function, so I know how much R134a to use to refill the system?

Great video, easily understandable. Keep up the awesome work. Do i need to replace that little screen behind the plate?

I have a 2007 Ford Five Hundred. The air is cold all the time. But the compressor turns on for 15 seconds, then turns off for 15 seconds. The compressor is also making a whining noise. Will this part fix that problem??

Ty for the video. My Montero's high and low side are equal, but at 85. Since the low side is so high, do you think its still a scroll valve?

I am having this problem now with my 2006 Mercury Montego. I have no idea where to go to find a mechanic to fix this if I order the part. Would a Pep Boys do this?

Do you have a freon recovery technique using an older machine to avoid losing the oil from the system? I then want to reinstall the recovered freon once the valve is replaced. Thanks for all your awesome videos.

How can I find a reliable tech either in the DC metro OR in Albany NY area who can replace this valve in my 2007 Freestyle?

hello sir! my compressor is shot saw oil, I saw advance auto has a drive works brand remanufactured compressor, do you think that would be good? assuming I could also order the new valve from this video and pop it in before install or do you think a remanufactured compressor would be fine?

Thank you for this video. Dorman sells this valve as well now. Part # 917275

You can include 04-07 Saturn Vue also. Visteon compressor with control/scroll valve.

Nice work. The only issue for me is to get to the part and replace it. Do I have to take compressor out?

I have a knocking noise in the dash when i twist the fan knob to #3 or 4 also it wil blow air but not cold

My valve also came with an Orfice tube, where is that located?

Thank you!!!

Where can we purchase a new housing gasket? Thanks!

Inside the air conditioning is there a filter inside where the o ring is?

Do you know if the 2002 f150 ac compressor has this valve?

Our compressor case was leaking, just as you mentioned

My car has this same compressor, i replaced the compressor twice already but they keep leaking refrigerant from the control valve.

Exactly what u said is happening to my ford 500 ...I just don't know how to take off the pressure so it won't blow out

@fordtechmakuloco Can you replace the switch on the back of the compressor. This switch controls the ac clutch Thank you kindly for the quality videos and advice.

Does the ford focus have a similar setup? I have a 2005 that's have the same symptoms.

@fordtech did u need to adjust the nipple on the control valve? I notice the original o r is out some and taller, the replacement one is all the way in and it's shorter... What should I do? Thanks

Gonna try it on my 07 5-Spot. Having this exact problem. Blows cold on the highway, warm elsewhere, especially at idle.

Ive watched multiple videos of people doing this and reporting issues not too far down the road again. Those videos said that it helps if you put the valve in FIRST and place the spring in BEHIND it then put the diamond plate back on. Everyone says this has worked for them. My question is, are there any negative effects that could come from doing this??

I own a 2005 Ford Freestyle and thanks to your video I was able to explain what I felt the problem was with my AC. My question is that the shop is charging me $175.00 to evac and replace the valve. Is that a reasonable charge? I'm a single mom and a teacher and I try to do my research but I'm still very trepidacious when it comes to mechanics. Thank you.

Thank you nice video!

Very well done

I have a 2007 Freestyle, AWD; with 130,000 miles. Ive looked at your video and read several of the comments, however I dont have a speed-related AC problem. In my situation (Alexandria VA) The AC started to die out last summer. It was recharged by local Ford dealer- it worked fine for a few weeks, then pooped out. It does work- but poorly. Dealer said I probably would need to replace the AC... but since the compressor is working I don't trust thier judgement. I don't hear any issues with the compressor and it looks clean. Car drives well, this has been the only mechanical problem I have ever had. Your advice would be welcome.