* Accidental disconnection or damage to AC lines: The most likely culprit. During work on the transmission cooler lines, a nearby AC line (high-pressure or low-pressure) might have been accidentally disconnected, crimped, punctured, or otherwise damaged. This is especially true if the work involved removing or significantly moving the condenser (the AC component in front of the radiator). Even a small leak will prevent the system from working properly.
* Refrigerant leak: Even if the lines weren't physically damaged, the work might have disturbed existing, small leaks that were previously unnoticed. The vibration and movement during the repair could have cracked a weld or weakened a connection.
* Low refrigerant: This is related to the leak possibility. A leak would cause the refrigerant to escape, leaving insufficient refrigerant to cool the air.
* Damaged AC compressor clutch: While less likely directly related to the transmission cooler line work, the work could have caused a vibration or stress that damaged the compressor clutch. This is the electromagnetic clutch that engages the compressor. If it's not engaging, the compressor doesn't run, and there's no cooling.
* Faulty AC pressure switch or sensor: These sensors monitor the pressure in the AC system and can shut down the system if the pressure is too low or high. It's possible they were disturbed during the transmission cooler line work.
What to do:
1. Visual Inspection: Carefully examine all AC lines and connections near the radiator and transmission cooler for any signs of damage, leaks (look for oil stains), or disconnections. Pay close attention to where the transmission cooler lines were worked on.
2. Check for Refrigerant: You'll need a professional AC technician to check the refrigerant level. Low refrigerant is a strong indication of a leak.
3. Professional Diagnosis: Because several components are interconnected, and finding a leak often requires specialized tools and experience, it's highly recommended to take your Explorer to a qualified automotive air conditioning technician. They have the equipment to pinpoint the problem and repair it safely and effectively.
Do not attempt to recharge the AC system yourself unless you are experienced with automotive AC repair. Incorrectly handling refrigerants can be dangerous and damage the system further.
