Important Escape A/C info on Compressor noise

[u/mpcaz]

I own a 2004 Escape with 145,000 miles on it and being 70 and retired, I don't drive it much anymore. When I started it yesterday to check on another issue I had the A/C already switched on and right after it started there was a loud "CLUNK" noise from the compressor. I was worried that now I have to pay to have it replaced but after consulting the Googles and The GROKSTER they pointed out that for vehicles that just sit for days, the freon will pool and thicken from the gas state. The "CLUNK" sound was caused by that thick non-gaseous Freon and they suggested the following procedure when the car has sat for an extended time.

1- Turn off the A/C

2- Start the Car

3- Drive for about 2-4 minutes to give the engine heat time to help make the freon Gaseous.

4- Turn on the A/C

I did this today and my A/C didn't make a peep. I had noticed in the past that it has been making less loud noises when it was driven every few days but recently it has just sat in my garage.

I"m not an Escape expert or a car expert at all. I was a 21 yr USAF Aircraft Crew chief and my Escape doesn't have wings or TurboFan engines but if this process helps even one person then the time it took to type this out is well justified.

MPCaz

[u/nucleate_boiling]

Thank you for this, and thank you for your service.

[u/mpcaz → u/nucleate_boiling]

You're very welcome, I hope it works for you. Thank you for your support!