where do we start?

[s'mores]

Have a 2006 exp ltd. A few days ago - the a/c just stopped blowing cool air. We had noticed a kind of "film" on the inside of the windshield a few days before that happened. Tried to recharge the air, and when we turned on the blower, we got this odd air hissing noise coming from the passenger back end, and - no cold air. Now 6 months ago we had a leak somewhere in the roof rack on that same side, which the dealer repaired under warranty. That hiss seems to be from the same side, but it only happened that once - haven't put the air on again. Does anyone have any ideas if that repair the dealer did & the air loss could be connected? We were thinking they might have nicked something when replacing the screws on the rack. Trying to trouble shoot this to see if we can fix it before I drop a load of cash at the dealer. Also - the power steering pump is whining constantly, but the fliud level is fine. Thinking of changing the fliud, or do we just replace the pump? Seems like alot wrong on a pretty new truck with not even 50000 miles on it. Have not been able to find a repair manual either. Help!

[cougar68]

Sounds like an evap core leaking all the r-134a. After trying to recharge did the window film return?. I assume that the blower motor is working and the a/c blows ambient temp air? Is pretty new vehicle for evap leak, but ya never know.
If the evap core IS leaking i dont think the dealer could have done it since the roof rack is no where near the evap case and that core is burried inside the evap case. If the power steering is full but noisey it is probably the pump and needs to be replaced, having said that i have seen the BG power steering flush machine quiet more than 1 pump.

[s'mores]

thanks for the info - so far the window film has not returned, but still no air even though it reads full. Air pocket maybe? We do get kind of cool room temp air. Any ideas on what the hissing/buzz could be then? It happened right after we put the refrigerant in & put the air on to check it & it was loud from the back side. Still looking for a repair manual, I guess it is still too new to have problems (yeah right - I had less probs with my 01 Explorer - shoulda kept it) thanks again!!

[TBIRD430]

Just remember that SUV was built by humans.

A film on the windshield makes me worry more about your front heater core leaking coolant!

The A/C lines should run down under the floorboard (along the frame) to that rear AC unit, so I doubt they "hit" a refrigerant line either.

[cougar68]

Ok first step is what is full? what are the pressures if you can check them. buzzing hissing noise could possibly be a blend door actuator. Usually actuators make a clunking noise but stranger things have happened. Is the compressor actually on? When a/c is on how fast does the a/c compressor cycle?