Thinking about purchasing a Ford F-150? These popular trucks have been around for a long time for good reason — they’re durable, versatile, and long-lasting. While many drivers love their Ford F-150s, some have reported issues, specifically with the air conditioning system in the vehicle. Here, we’ll take a look at the problem, allowing you to decide whether a Ford F-150 is a good fit for your needs.
Do drivers report problems with the air conditioning system in the Ford F-150?
Yes, and some of the issues include:
- No airflow on defrost or heat settings
- Air conditioner blows hot air
- Fire in HVAC box
- Air conditioner drains inside cab
- Air conditioner releases chemical smell
Luckily, we’ll go over these problems in detail in this article, allowing you to decide whether the Ford F-150 is a good fit for your needs. Then, we’ll talk about how to continue your research on the Ford F-150 so that you can make an informed decision.
How the Ford F-150 Air Conditioner Works
A car or truck’s air conditioning system includes many moving parts, and a small flaw in the system can cause the air conditioner to completely fail. Let’s take a look at how the many components of a car or truck’s air conditioning system work together.
Compressor issues and leaks are common problems with air conditioning systems. Luckily, many issues that happen with air conditioning systems in cars and trucks are easily fixed. Let’s take a look at some of the commonly reported air conditioning system problems for the Ford F-150.
Five Common Issues with the Ford F-150 Air Conditioner
No Airflow on Heat or Defrost
Vehicle History
Some Ford F-150 owners have noticed that the air conditioning system does not blow any air when the system is set to heat or defrost. While this is mainly an inconvenience, it can also become a safety issue.
This is especially true if the driver needs the defrost setting to see clearly. To fix this issue, a mechanic needs to inspect the truck’s HVAC system to discover and remedy the problem.
Air Conditioner Blows Hot Air
NHTSA Complaint ID: 11257346
When the vehicle is stopped or idling, some Ford F-150 owners find that the air conditioning system blows hot air. While this is mainly an annoyance, it’s still a problem that needs to be corrected.
The vacuum pump and transmission are at fault for this issue, and both items need to be replaced for the issue to be fixed.
Fire in HVAC Box
NHTSA Complaint ID: 10984172
Smoke may be expelled from the air conditioning vents, indicating a fire in the HVAC box. This poses an extreme danger to the driver, passengers, and others on the road. The fire originates in the blower motor and resistor section of the HVAC box.
If a fire occurs in your vehicle, be sure to extinguish the fire and proceed to a repair facility immediately, even if you’re still able to drive your vehicle. Any fire (no matter how small) is a sign that your vehicle is in need of immediate repair.
Air Conditioner Drains Inside Cab
NHTSA Complaint ID: 10882749
Some Ford F-150 owners have found that the air conditioning system drains into the cab of the vehicle, leaving water inside the truck. While this is not a safety issue, it can be unsightly, or it can lead to mold.
A mechanic may need to reroute the drainage system for the air conditioning unit to remedy the problem.
Air Conditioner Releases Chemical Smell
NHTSA Complaint ID: 10853650
Some Ford F-150 owners have complained of a chemical smell coming from the air conditioner due to oil leaking behind the evaporator core of the HVAC system. A mechanic can inspect the system and fix the leak, solving the problem.
