A/C Evaporator Replaced Due To Leak

[Jimayy]

I wanted to see what the problem and cause was. So, having nothing better to do, I took the assembly apart...

Note the discoloration.

These coils are mass produced and someone's quality control (if they have one) didn't show up.
Ford apparently got away with a recall.

I think other threads or places said it was a supplier issue and the batches or so were bad from that model/part number. So supposedly 2017 models didn't get it as much as 2015 and 2016s. Did it make recall? Or just get a TSB for the issue? I couldn't remember. Just glad we're not to worry about this for a while. Now don't forgot your back-up camera harness! =)
Still, not as bad as the Nissan CVTs being all jacked up on certain models I guess.

Sponsored

 

[MX2Forty]

Mindo398, Thanks for the amazing write up. I am getting ready to tackle this with my son when he gets home from school.
Question, I notice you have the whole evaporator assembly. Is that to make sure it goes back together well with less chance for fitment issues or mistakes? On that same topic, I have researched your part # and see that the last letter or few letters change from one place to the next. Is that upgraded part/parts that hopefully have addressed some of the weak spots on the core?
Thanks!!!

 

[mindo389]

We decided on the whole assembly due to the age of the car. There's 4 actuators for the dampers, and the logic was if I were to only change the evaporator core, what if the heater core or one of the dampers went out... they're not easily replaced. I suppose your local Ford dealership parts department can assist you with the part number. I don't know why it's different. If you look at the O Ring kit label, you'll see where I got my parts... Read Jimayy's tool list and the other guy's posts, too. They were a big help in preparation.

 

[MX2Forty]

Got all the parts in and will tear into it over the next weekend!
I think Mindo was right so I go the whole assembly. Should make me sleep better at night!

 

[MX2Forty]

We tore into this project today and wanted to give some feedback to those that may attempt it. I am only halfway through and getting ready to start on reassembly so I may have more feedback.
First the advice given on this post and others was an amazing start.
I did buy the whole evaporator assembly. For me that was FR3Z-19850-AA. If you go this route, you have to strip the wiring harness,most but not all of the blend door actuators, blower motor and the control module. For whatever reason, my control module didn't fit as tight as I would have liked so it has a skim coat of RTV and a clamp holding in place until tomorrow.
The things that were the biggest pain for me: steering knuckle clamp. It was really stuck. I had to use some lube, and a small screwdriver drove in the very side (so as not to bottom out on the shaft) to open the gap to and get it loose. Of all things, one heater hose connection was very tough. If your are going to do it, get some fuel line disconnect pliers. It will make that easy. Something I picked up a few years ago was the Milwaukee M12 3/8" ratchet. It has saved me so much time on jobs and it really helped on most of this job. Someone mention the 8mm bolt in the firewall behind the engine that is a pain. It is! After trying for ever with a 8mm ratcheting Gear Wrench, I tried the trusty M12 with a 8mm 1/4 drive socket, 1/4 drive swivel adapter, 1/4 to 3/8 adapter, long 3/8 wobble extension and it walked right out in 30 seconds. I also broke a tab off the fitting that holds the shift cable in place on the bottom of the car. It is ordered. I finally got that loose and the cable dropped, but I couldn't tell you exactly how? Maybe someone else can chime in on the easy method.
Other than there being a ton of parts and electrical connections to keep track of, it hasn't been horrible. Good for a dad and his son to tackle together. Hopefully reassembly goes well.

 

[Joe B.]

Two heads are better than one. Good luck.

 

[MX2Forty]

Reassembly went faster, as we expected. We had to do a small amount of prying to get the dash to seat on one of the door well bump outs for bolt alignment. I guess the steering wheel got turned during all the work and although it was aligned, it had to be taken apart and turned one full revolution to get the wheels to turn properly. The A pillar covers are a pain to put back in but a little patience and we got them in. We only broke two clips so I consider that a success with a 2017 Mustang.
System held vacuum fine and recharging was no problem. Air blew cold and it seems like all the blend doors are working correctly.
My son took it out last night and the only thing he noticed was the lack of steering wheel controls. We must have forgotten to plug something in. Does anyone know where this plug in is at?
Other than that, I would say pretty successful job.
Thanks all!

 

[mindo389]

It is likely you missed something, or a connection wasn't properly seated/mated. I think that one would be behind the selector switches. I don't think any connectors can be mixed up, as I encountered all of them being different in certain areas to eliminate the possibility of that happening.

 

[MX2Forty]

Any idea if this one to the left of the brakes is always empty?

Sponsored