Repair – Engine Creations

Ford CEO Jim Farley’s Right To Repair Comment Should Make Every Car Owner Uncomfortable

admin — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:50:52 +0000

Ford’s stance on Right to Repair raises concerns. CEO Jim Farley suggests repairs should be done at a ‘reasonable cost’ but discourages DIY repairs due to complexity.
Potential impact on independent mechanics. Restricting repairs to dealerships could eliminate independent options, raising service costs.
Legislation may be necessary. Without legal protection, consumers could face limited repair choices and higher expenses.
Farley’s comments spark debate. His remarks suggest Ford’s preference to control repair processes, raising questions about consumer rights.

AI assisted, editor reviewed

Just days ago, President Trump met with auto execs from Ford and GM to discuss “Right to Repair,” a critical concept that will ultimately affect every car owner in America. The exact outcome of that mini-summit remains murky. But one follow-up comment from Ford CEO Jim Farley should raise your eyebrows.

Basically, having the Right to Repair means consumers should be allowed to choose their own mechanics. There’s been a long-standing debate in government regarding whether or not to codify legislation around this. Big corporations typically want to own all servicing rights exclusively for that sweet, sweet recurring revenue. Small business owners and consumers don’t want to be under the heels of monopolies.

It’s important to understand that Right to Repair is not just about dudes like me tinkering on old trucks in our driveways. If automakers are allowed to wall off auto repairs to a corporate-only business, independent mechanics will get squeezed out of existence. If that happens, your only option for service will be dealerships. And if you think their hourly labor rates are high now, what do you think’s going to happen when there’s literally no alternative?

Shortly after the White House meeting, the Detroit Free Press caught up with Mr. Farley at an event sharing a “$5 million joint investment from Ford Motor Co. and Bloomberg Philanthropies” to modernize and expand the Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation’s auto technician program.

The conversation moved to Right to Repair, on which Farley made a comment that sounds like complete filler to me:

“I think Ford’s position is very reasonable. We’re really a big advocate for the ability to repair a vehicle, but it has to be done at a reasonable cost, and—”

Freep’s journalist then jumped in with the same question I would have wanted to ask: “But you don’t want people repairing their own vehicles?”

Farley’s reply: “No, that’s, that’s fine, not for warranty work, though. These are very complicated cars, and we don’t think that’s safe, for many of the repairs on our vehicles, someone at home like myself could never do it. I have no problem working on a ’73 Bronco, but to work on a brand-new Bronco? I need all sorts of specialty tools. That’s something that, um, you know, we would put people’s lives at risk.”

Road & Track presented that as “Ford CEO Jim Farley clarifies automaker’s position on ‘Right to Repair’ rules,” my read is pretty much the opposite. What “position” was he referring to? What the heck did he mean by “reasonable cost”?

As far as “specialty tools” go, the 2026 Bronco does have a few features you might not want to touch as a DIYer—things like ADAS calibration come to mind. But even that kind of technology is pretty commonplace today, and should be serviceable by an independent shop. The Bronco was a particularly weird example to call out, because by and large, the new Bronco is one of the most primitive new cars you can buy right now. (Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love it.) The only way real barriers to non-factory service could be required to work on a ladder-frame gas-engine truck would be if the automaker intentionally loaded it with proprietary nonsense.

Farley’s comments make me nervous because I’m already feeling the pain of “factory fixes only” corporate culture with my Cub Cadet lawn mower. Last summer, I bought new grass-cutting blades for my ZT1 42E, and talking to the company’s customer service line was like a hostage negotiation. They really did not want to give me the torque spec on a part I had purchased directly from the manufacturer. And good luck finding anything beyond a basic user manual online.

I dropped Ford’s PR team a line to ask for clarification, and have heard they are sending me an official statement, but we haven’t seen it yet. I’ll update this space if and when it comes through.

I also reached out to Jeep about this. Stellantis was notably not represented at the Trump meeting, and I was kind of hoping somebody at Jeep would take the opportunity to say something like “hell yeah, brother, you’ll always be able to fix a Wrangler with Zip-Ties, duct tape, and WD-40.” To Jeep’s credit, it did send me a crafted statement, but it was a lot less exciting: “Jeep vehicles are built, shaped, and continually reimagined by the people who own them. And that deep, authentic customization culture is what sets the Jeep brand apart,” a spokesperson wrote. More marketing speak than a political stance, but at least it acknowledges the significance of the relationship between enthusiast vehicles and hands-on owners.

As it stands, my read on Farley’s words and body language in the video is that Ford would love to not let you work on your own vehicle, but he knows he needs to tread lightly because saying that out loud will bring out the pitchforks. That’s my opinion, not a statement of fact. I welcome challenges and other interpretations, if you have one.

If you have any expertise or insights on Right to Repair, I would love to hear about it. Hit me up at andrew.collins@thedrive.com.

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DIY Automotive Air Conditioning Repair and Diagnostics Guide

admin — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:43:31 +0000

This guide is designed to help you understand, diagnose, and repair your vehicle’s air conditioning system. Throughout the guide, we cover common myths and pitfalls most owners encounter, explain how AC systems function, and walk you through the repair process step by step. I recently completed this exact repair on my 2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special, and you can follow along with the videos throughout the guide for a more hands-on visual approach.

Before you reach for that miracle-in-a-can at your local auto parts store or spend thousands on a diagnostic or repair, let’s cover some steps you can take to understand what went wrong and potentially fix it yourself, at home. Let’s get started!

Why the Myth of “Just Recharge It” and AC-in-a-Can Kits Make Things Worse

It’s easy to reach for the cheapest or seemingly most intuitive option when dealing with car repairs, and for some, that is an approach has worked for decades. However, air conditioning systems are fairly complex and require proper diagnostics and repair to function correctly.

The first thought might be a system recharge. You’ve probably heard it before. Your air conditioning system has a “small” leak, so if you “top it off” with refrigerant (or as some say, “Freon”, which is actually a discontinued brand name) every now and then, it should work fine.

The problem with this approach is twofold.

First, AC systems are in a closed loop and do not consume refrigerant, so if you have a leak, adding more will only push the problem down the road. Secondly, the refrigerants used in most vehicles cause substantial environmental harm if released freely, which is why it is illegal to intentionally release them into the atmosphere.

According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), “Just the gas contained in one single 12-ounce container (of R134a) is equivalent to the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from burning 150 gallons of gasoline!”

How Automotive AC Systems Work

To understand how to repair an AC system, first let’s look at how it works.

Automotive air conditioning systems can be broken down into a common list of parts that work in unison to remove heat from the cabin and deliver cool air through the vents. A common misconception is that AC systems generate cold air; however, their primary function is to absorb and remove heat from the cabin. This is done with refrigerant.

Once heat is absorbed into the refrigerant in your cabin, it gets pulled through and compressed into a high-pressure gas by the compressor. This high-pressure gas is then pushed through the condenser, which, as the name implies, creates ideal conditions for the gas to condense into a liquid. This scientific process also releases heat during the condensation state change via fans or airflow from the front of the vehicle.

After your refrigerant returns to a liquid state, it passes through a dryer that removes residual air and moisture.

It then passes through the expansion valve, which restricts flow. The pressure drop created by this process sets the refrigerant up for another state change in the evaporator. As the low-pressure liquid refrigerant moves through the evaporator, it absorbs heat and evaporates back into a gas, leaving behind condensation that usually drains under the vehicle.

An air conditioning system operates in a closed loop, so all the refrigerant is reused throughout the process. It should never need to be “topped off” as long as the system remains leak-free. This refrigerant’s thermodynamic properties are key to the “how” behind an AC system’s function. Pretty neat, huh?

As you’re repairing the AC system on your vehicle, you will need a few common hand tools to complete the job properly.

A set of wrenches and/or sockets
Screwdrivers and pliers
Safety glasses and gloves
Floor jack and jack stands
Shop rags or paper towels

You will need a few more specialized tools while working on an AC system. These tools can all be purchased or rented from a local auto parts store.

Set of manifold gauges
Vacuum pump
Refrigerant recovery machine, unless taken to a mechanic separately
Leak detector and UV dye
A can tap to connect the refrigerant can to your vacuum line
Specialty removal tools, such as line disconnect or Schrader valve replacement tools

Check out the video below to see the tools I used for my repair.

Diagnosis, Repair Plan, and Disassembly

If your AC system suddenly stops working, it’s important to know what steps you should take to diagnose what’s wrong. Keep in mind that AC systems operate with highly compressed refrigerant, so safety is important. If you feel overwhelmed or unsafe, take your vehicle to a trustworthy mechanic.

To identify the issue with a system, first look at the symptoms. Intermittent cooling? Weak airflow? Strange sounds? No cold air at all? All of these problems can help you identify what’s wrong with your system and remove some of the guesswork about where to look. Let’s cover some common symptoms and their causes.

Weak airflow or cooling

An easy place to start is the cabin air filter. Sometimes filters can become clogged or blocked, affecting airflow from your vents. It’s also recommended to check fuses or relays connected to the blower motor. An electrical issue can cause weak or intermittent airflow.

Audible grinding, whining, clicking, or other unusual sounds

It’s quite common for components like the compressor, belts, or pulleys to fail after many thousands of miles on the road. When these parts fail, they sometimes emit unusual sounds that can help you identify the problem with the system. Try turning your AC compressor off and on while listening for anything out of the ordinary. Make sure your compressor turns on and that the clutch engages when you press the AC button.

Low or empty refrigerant in the system

Another very common issue is a refrigerant leak. As parts age and are used, flexible components like rubber gaskets tend to fail, leading to leaks. If your system loses refrigerant due to a leak, it limits its ability to cool and can also introduce air and moisture into the system, further degrading performance. You can introduce UV dye through the low-side port to help locate the leak.

If your problem is not easily diagnosable, it is advisable to bring your vehicle to an expert who can help locate the source of the issue. Even if you intend to repair the vehicle yourself, a mechanic can help remove any remaining refrigerant from the system and advise you on which parts need repair. Sometimes another pair of eyes can help us see something we never noticed before! Once you’ve verified the source of the problem and properly evacuated the system of refrigerant, you can begin disassembling the system as needed to repair or replace the problematic components.

Pro Tip: If you disassemble your air conditioning system because of a broken part like a compressor, be sure to use a flush or solvent to clean out the remainder of the system before rebuilding. If metal shards remain in the system after repair, they can damage the new components.

Reassembly, Vacuum, and Recharge

Once you are ready to refill your system and feel that cold air again, there are a few considerations before, during, and after the reassembly process.

Before refilling with refrigerant

You’ve taken apart your car, replaced the broken parts, and have the appropriate type and amount of refrigerant in hand. Before adding it to your system, locate the owner’s manual to determine how much refrigerant the system requires, as well as the type and quantity of oil to add. This number may depend on what parts you replaced, as each component holds some oil within the system. Ensure any replaced gaskets have been coated in the correct oil as well. Check fittings and ensure proper torque specs across all connections. Make sure electrical plugs and connections are all reconnected.

You will need to use a vacuum pump to evacuate any air or moisture from the system before adding new refrigerant. These can be purchased or rented at many local auto parts stores or online. When your system is under vacuum, the reduced pressure lowers the boiling point of water, allowing the pump to remove moisture.

As you are adding refrigerant

Be sure to replace any oil you removed during disassembly and add any required additional oil to the system. Using a manifold gauge, monitor system pressures to ensure proper operation. You can watch the compressor clutch to see whether it kicks on once the system has the minimum refrigerant capacity added. Once you have added the entire required amount of refrigerant to the system, check the temperature of the air coming from the vehicle’s vents to confirm the process was successful.

After adding refrigerant

Periodically check for leaks with a UV flashlight along common problem areas or connections throughout the system. Keep your condenser clean and ensure belts and filters are replaced according to the regular maintenance schedule.

If You Made it This Far, Your Air Should Be Ice Cold!

If you’ve followed this guide correctly, you’ll be enjoying cool air on the warmest days once again. Don’t forget to keep safety at the top of your list whenever working on your vehicle yourself, and reach out to a professional if repairs are beyond your skill set.

Visit our Maintenance and Repair Hub for expert-backed articles to help you make smart maintenance decisions with confidence.

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