Ford Explorer Condensers and Evaporators
The Ford Explorer is a line of SUVs first introduced in 1991. If the condenser or evaporator in your Ford Explorer has become defective or damaged, you can use these parts to replace it. The Ford Explorer is only designed to work with a specific type of part, so you should check the make, model, and year first before purchasing parts.
What is the purpose of the condenser and evaporator?The A/C system is composed of several vital components - the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator - that continuously condense or expand the refrigerant inside of the system to help cool or condition the surrounding air. When air flows across the A/C condenser, it converts the refrigerant gas into a liquid by dramatically cooling and condensing it. The liquefied refrigerant is then routed directly through the evaporator coil, where it absorbs heat from the interior of the vehicle. This converts the liquefied refrigerant back to its gaseous state while simultaneously cooling the air in the compartment. The refrigerant goes to a compressor, and the cycle begins again.
When should you replace parts in your Explorers air conditioner?You should replace the parts once the A/C stops functioning properly. You can technically drive your Explorer without a properly functioning A/C unit, but depending on the weather, it might be uncomfortable in the vehicle. Most vehicles can go their entire service lives with the same functioning A/C components, but if they do experience problems, its usually caused by leakage and physical damage. Either a seam or weld has degraded to the point that it has created leakage, or some kind of debris, moisture, or organic material has entered the air intake vents and perforated or corroded the internal parts. If a leakage is occurring, you may notice a light fog emanating from the vents. Alternatively, the air will be warmer than usual when the air conditioner is turned on. It is also possible that debris has clogged the fins and cannot be removed. If your vehicle is experiencing one of these problems, then you may need to replace the condenser and/or evaporator wholesale. Due to its position in the front of the vehicle, the A/C system can sometimes be damaged from a front-end collision, thus necessitating the replacement of part or all of the system.
What is required to replace the condenser or the evaporator?Replacing part of the air conditioner requires draining all of the refrigerants from the system. The refrigerant must be legally recovered by a certified A/C technician since it contains dangerous and harmful chemicals. The job may require tools such as manifold gauges, a vacuum pump, and a flush kit. Older vehicles especially may require additional components to be installed to ensure that they are compatible with newer refrigerants. Even in newer vehicles it may be a good idea to replace the tubes and expansion valves after every replacement job.