(Home) Aircon problems

I have a 1991 NC ford fairlane ghia and I am having problems with the climate control aircon. The blessed thing works perfectly if the temperature (outside air) is below 35c and the car has been in shade or parked in the garage; BUT things start going wrong if (a) The ambient temperature is above 35c....which is quite common here in perth during summer... or (b) if the car is parked for several hours in the sun. The aircon works perfectly for a short while (10mins or thereabouts) then suddenly HOT air starts coming in, in lieu of cold!!! I have tried resetting the system as per the handbook but the problem returns again and again. The computer readout keeps displaying the figure 88. What does this mean?? I have tried several ford dealers but OFCOURSE they arent going to tell me what the problem is.....their quotes are minimum $90 just to put the car on their computer plus parts and labour!! As I am a pensioner these kind of quotes are out of my pocket range.
Can you help me please.

Wally

- (#7374) Wally Trutwein, 27 Feb 03

Wally

In case you hadn't guessed we are all Townace/Liteace/Tarago (Spacecruiser) owners on this site. Your problem may be with the coolant, when was it last charged? 2 - 4 years seems to be the norm. For a more detailed response it may be worth you posting on one of the alt.rec auto news groups.

- (#7504) Ian Dunse, 28 Feb 03