Air conditioning

2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
119,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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VAUGHNHC
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V8 two wheel drive automatic 119,000 miles.

The AC compressor now takes about ten to twenty minutes to begin cycling after the car is started with the AC on. When it does begin to cycle, the AC system works perfectly and cools well. Any ideas why it is taking so long for the compressor to start?

Air compressor and dryer have been replaced. System has been recharged.
Mar 28, 2011 at 3:32 PM
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MERLIN2021
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Check codes by turning key on and hitting the off and floor and codes should display on the display. post all codes.
Mar 28, 2011 at 4:20 PM
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MERLIN2021
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Sorry check them this way.
Dual Automatic Temperature Control Module - Display Continuous Codes
 This function will display continuous (intermittent) codes and hard faults that occur during
normal operation.
 The display of continuous codes can be initiated at any time. Normal operation of the system
stops when the display of continuous codes is activated. Note that "° C " will be displayed
while in this mode.
 To display continuous codes, press the OFF and PANEL buttons simultaneously and then
release and within two seconds press the AUTO button.
 To exit the display of continuous codes, press the FRONT DEFROST button. This will exit
and clear all DTCs. Press the FLOOR button to exit without clearing DTCs set before the last
ignition cycle.
 Always exit continuous codes display before powering the system down (system turned off).
 Continuous DTCs are saved only after an ignition cycle.
 Continuous DTCs will be deleted after 80 ignition switch ON cycles after the intermittent
condition occurs.
Mar 28, 2011 at 5:09 PM
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123CRASH
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Look at your owners manual for identification of the fuses and relays. Identify the AC clutch in the fuse box on the passengers side under the engine hood. Remove and replace the relay.

If you are inclined to do so, you can swap the horn relay and the AC clutch relay and that will also fix the problem. The horn will still work and the air will have no delay. The AC clutch relay is 204, and the horn relay is 201.
Aug 21, 2012 at 8:53 PM
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MERLIN2021
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Thanks 123crash. this ones kind of old though!
Aug 21, 2012 at 11:15 PM
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FAKHRULMIAH
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Thanks for sharing the details. It sounds like there could be an issue with the AC compressor clutch, a faulty pressure switch, or even a delay in the signal from the AC control module. Since you've already replaced the compressor and dryer and recharged the system, it may be something electrical, or sensor related.

Apr 10, 2025 at 6:20 AM
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STRAILER
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Excellent addition to this thread! Please feel free to use 2CarPros anytime!
Apr 11, 2025 at 9:52 AM