AC shuts off at 120kph

[mayhem]

I have a ford explorer 2003 4.0L, my AC shuts off at speed of 120kph but comes back upon deceleration. What could be the problem?

[RustyXIII]

That's normal. The compressor has a protection mechanism that prevents it from spinning too fast. It happens at a certain RPM, not vehicle speed. Observe then report back.

[oj88]

I don't think that's normal.

Most A/C compressors are rated for 10,000 RPM... I'm sure the Explorer's engine is capable of way below that. I'm thinking that it's a refrigerant pressure-related problem. System pressure increases with the RPM.

OP, try to observe the RPM gauge at the point when the compressor disengage. Try to simulate that with the vehicle stopped and in neutral and raise the RPM to see if the compressor cuts off as well.

[ghosthunter]

I have a ford explorer 2003 4.0L, my AC shuts off at speed of 120kph but comes back upon deceleration. What could be the problem?

When was the A/C system last serviced?

The A/C filter might need replacing. If it's clogged (or some other component is clogged), your A/C system might be abnormally experiencing high pressures.

Shutting down at higher speeds might be a way for it to protect itself from damage.

[mayhem]

i havent touched any AC components yet coz cooling is ok up to now, but it could be something else now coz i havent experienced this before even if im cruising at high speed Ac never shut off not until lately..

some say it could be the expansion valve, might be?
sorry for being noob, but where can i locate the AC filter of ford explorer?

[ghosthunter]

sorry for being noob, but where can i locate the AC filter of ford explorer?

Specially on your Ford, no idea.

Normally it is located at the front of the engine bay, usually near the A/C condenser. It will be a metal "bottle" approximately the size of a 500mL water bottle with two metal hoses attached at the top.

[mayhem]

is this filter the same as the accumulator?

[ghosthunter]

is this filter the same as the accumulator?

Don't know.

The a/c filter is meant to "separate" the liquid state freon from the bubbles/foam.

Accumulator is usually something simply to temporarily store a liquid or gas before it is (often quickly) released.