AC stopped blowing randomly

[rosco]

I own a 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Today I was driving and AC was working just fine. I stopped at a gas station and shut the car off for about 30 seconds while getting something out of my trunk. When I got back in and started the car, it was no longer blowing any air whatsoever and it's 90 degrees outside. I have the Sony touch screen and no matter what I changed climate settings to it wouldn't turn on. I also tried turning AC off then back on and nothing (the display says it's on but nothing is blowing). So I just proceeded to drive with windows down and about 5 minutes later it just randomly kicked back on and is working just fine now. What could be the cause of this? It's not making any weird noises so I don't think it's the blower motor going out.

[bbf2530]

Just now, rosco said:

I own a 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Today I was driving and AC was working just fine. I stopped at a gas station and shut the car off for about 30 seconds while getting something out of my trunk. When I got back in and started the car, it was no longer blowing any air whatsoever and it's 90 degrees outside. I have the Sony touch screen and no matter what I changed climate settings to it wouldn't turn on. I also tried turning AC off then back on and nothing (the display says it's on but nothing is blowing). So I just proceeded to drive with windows down and about 5 minutes later it just randomly kicked back on and is working just fine now. What could be the cause of this? It's not making any weird noises so I don't think it's the blower motor going out.

 

Hi rosco. It is difficult at best to blind internet ddiagnose issues like this. However, it could certainly be a failing/failed blower motor, since a failing/failed blower motor would not necessarily make "weird noises, or any noise at all.  It could be a bad or corroded blower motor electrical connection, a wiring issue, or a myriad of other possibilities.

 

In my opinion, to avoid blindly throwing parts at the problem (which can be costly), it would probably be best to have this professionally diagnosed.

 

I am sure others may jump in to help, so let us know how you make out and good luck.

[WKelley]

Get it scanned for codes by someone with a higher level scan tool, not just generic OBD like auto parts stores do.  

 

If there are no codes present of any kind then it's time to check powers and grounds.  

 

I agree with bbf2530, this points to a fan issue, but I would want to check for codes to make sure it's not the hvac module.

[andyross]

It is probably the speed controller. It's a known issue where the power contact on a connector overheats, melts, and starts to lose contact. With the car running and the fan "on", you can see the connector underneath the passenger side dash, with two wires going to the fan, and others going elsewhere. If you wiggle it, you may hear the fan turn on and off. You may be able to get it to work for awhile by wiggling it every once in awhile.

Ford did make a repair. It's a new pigtail (connector and short lengths of wire) with a slightly different connector that seems to be a different plastic and better contacts. You should also replace the controller as the power connector could be damaged.

When I had my Fusion, it started doing that, I did get the pigtail and replacement controller, but never got around to replacing them. I was able to get it working, often for months at a time, but never found the time to do the change. I still have the parts, but no longer have the car.