I’m in Texas, and I have a 2013 Ford Focus SE 2.0L FFV DOHC SelectShift (more info the better) with an AC that only seems to work at high settings. At AC fan setting 3 or 4 (4 is max) it will cool down after a while, but on speed 1 or 2, it doesn’t seem to cool down at all. Midas told me I need to replace the compressor AND condenser, at a cost of $1300. Does this seem like a problem with the compressor, condenser, or something else?
Thanks for the years worth of education. I’m always looking to learn more about cars. The Scotty Kilmer channel is a goldmine for millennials like me.
Best wishes from Texas.
- Michael K
Feel free to use my name and likeness in any content you create.
Never take you car to Midas or other chain shops for air conditioning service. (Or anything else for that matter.) Find a good reliable independent mechanic.
As has been mentioned if the problem is just the blower not working at low speed it's likely just an inexpensive resistor pack, not a $1300 repair job. (Though depending on how accessible it is there might be a lot of labor involved.)
On the other hand if it's not just the blower it is likely that your AC needs to be checked for leaks and recharged. Also check the condenser for debris blocking airflow, and that the condenser fan is working properly. If the compressor is not making noise or seized up it is not likely to need replacement. (A gauge set will show whether it is pumping. Did Midas even bother to check?)
When you put on lower fan speed, do you feel the air flow?
If it's only working on low speeds, it's quite possible it's just blower motor resistor, which is a pretty cheap fix (15-20$)
