'08 Ford Escape Hybrid A/C question?

Question

Rolling down the road the other day my A/C just stopped working. I tried turning it on and off, adjusting temp and fan speed none of this corrected the problem. At the next light I shut off the vehicle restarted and the A/C started working again. Any Ford technicians or drivers heard of this or a fix for it?

Answer 1

sounds like bad relay...next time drive right to dealer not turning it off...hard to test for something thats not there.

Answer 2

2007 Ford Escape Hybrid Problems

Answer 3

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Problems

Answer 4

You are going to hate this answer, but it is working normally, and that is the truth. This is the way that that ALL hybrids work, EXCEPT the current Toyota/Lexus hybrids.

Here's why:

In all hybrids, excluding the Toyota/Lexus hybrids, the A/C is run off a engine drive belt just like on normal engines. The compressor is connected to the engine by a drive belt. When the engine shuts down, just like it is supposed to when you are going downhill, or with no load on the engine, the drive belt is no longer running the A/C compressor, and you no longer have A/C. The fan should continue to work, at least it did in the first generation Prius, but since the compressor is no longer turning, you no longer have actual cooling and conditioning of the air.

Toyota/Lexus vehicles solved this problem with the current version of the hybrid system, called the HSD, or Hybrid Synergy Drive. What they did in them is create a totally electric A/C, in fact a scroll compressor, just like in your house A/C. It is connected directly to the main traction battery and so long as the HSD is in "Ready" mode, the battery provides electricity to the compressor and you have A/C.

As long as the A/C compressors are connected to the engine by a drive belt, when that engine shuts down, JUST LIKE IT IS SUPPOSED TO, the A/C compressor no longer operates.

Like I said, you will hate the answer, but it is operating normally from what you described.

That is the difference between a company putting out its first generation of hybrids versus a company that is working on its THIRD generation of hybrids! I suspect that Ford will fix it for their Ford/Mercury/Mazda products in the second generation, but that is not much comfort to you now and I'm sorry for that.

Bikertrash, you may something about Fords, but you don't know crap about hybrids. It isn't a problem that a TSB will fix, it is the nature of the hybrid system that Ford uses. You are correct in that the A/C will work while the engine is on, but you have to put the system in max to run the engine all the time, which sorta negates the hybrid system, doesn't it? I know you don't want to admit that your precious Ford is different from the Toyota hybrid system, as well as behind the hybrid power curve, but facts are facts. The fact that you had to look for a TSB tells me you don't know the hybrid system mechanics. It is operating normally. It's a flaw in the current Ford hybrid system, just like it was a flaw in the first generation Toyota system.

If you don't agree, fine and good for you, but the tone and language is unnecessary. If that is the way you are when someone disagrees with you, I will just bet you were some kinda mechanic. What did you do with an apprentice, shoot him if he asked the wrong question that went counter to your beliefs?

Answer 5

For the answer above me, he said a Ford Escape, not Escort! Dude, all hybrids do that, it's normal. For Toyota/Honda freaks, the Escape beat the Rav-4 and CR-V in reliability by 20 points. Each point means a thing gone wrong. Also, the Escape is the #1 selling small SUV in America, so it is literally almost a third or twice as reliable as its Japanese competitors. Ford also has the most awards than any car manufacturer, and has now surpassed Toyota and Nissan in quality, the same things gone rong chart. Look it up if you don't believe me.

Answer 6

i can't believe how full of B.S. some of the answers you have gotten are like the "How great the Toyota is" and "how bad escapes are", do yourself and your dealer a favor and don't listen to f***king idiots. it true that on the escape hybrid the ac is run off the engine via a belt but the system is designed to leave the engine running whenever the ac is on. i checked ford TSBs and service messages, there are no common problems causing this concern. if you have only expierenced this concern once i wouldn't worry about it, it was probally just a "hickup" in the electronics comunication network. if it keeps doing it return to your selling dealer, ford dealers have to have special training to sell & service hybrids, explain in detail to your service adviser under what conditions you are having the problem and i am sure they can get it taken care of for you.

Answer 7

I have owned an Escape for 6 years, never had the first problem with it and completely love it.
Yes there will likely be a service bulletin out soon to alter the pcm strategy to address this problem. If it happens again be sure to put the a/c in max position, and see if it makes any difference.
so to all you Ford and Escape bashers, buy a honda. You deserve it.

Answer 8

This is just one small problem you are going to have. The Ford Escort is pure junk, every time you turn around you'll be having something fixed. It's a real money pit. Hardly anything on the engine can be worked on, with out dropping the engine out. Ford mechanics will tell you this car is only good for about 80,000 miles and what your out in repairs, you can buy another car. Take my word for it, you had better bail out of this car as fast as you can. If you don't believe this check with other owners, repair shops, and consumer reports.This is Fords true meaning of found on the road dead. Junk, Junk, pure 100% junk..

Answer 9

Take it back - ASAP

This is the bad thng about a new car, they always give ya sheeet.


Ford escape was no good when they were gas , what makes you think the hybred is going to be better?

It had several recalls.

Answer 10

rusted squarell cage and the rubber band is to loose