2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission A/C not working; there is refrigerant and clutch engages

[StefanGB]

2001 Ram 3500 Quad Cab Automatic

It appears I cannot switch from heat back to a/c.

The clutch does automatically engage and disengage as it should.

For a while I heard constant clicking under the dash, as if from a relay. Now no sound.
Very recently I started to smell the sweet small of coolant in the cab. I do not smell it in the engine compartment.

Is this a problem with the control unit on the dash or the blend door (heat vs A/C)?

Or the main board that controls the A/C?

 

[Ozymandias]

Check that the blend doors really work.
Hot and/or cold is solely regulated with the doors.

I think yours are vacuum activated, but not sure in this.

 

[petersonj]

Very recently I started to smell the sweet small of coolant in the cab.

This is a sign that your heater core is leaking coolant.

I think yours are vacuum activated, but not sure in this.

I think your truck uses an electronic controlled actuator for the blend door. You may need a steel interposer - the OEM plastic one breaks.

https://heatertreater.net/dodge-ram-95-02

- John

 

[Ozymandias]

This is a sign that your heater core is leaking coolant.



I think your truck uses an electronic controlled actuator for the blend door. You may need a steel interposer - the OEM plastic one breaks.

https://heatertreater.net/dodge-ram-95-02

- John

Good Info here, I keep that in my mind for my buddies 2nd Gen.

 

[Matt42]

Another issue with the 2nd gen air conditioners is the orifice valve. It's a $10 part that fits into the top of the condenser. Over time, it'll clog up. The system has to be discharged to replace it. But I think the blend doors are the more likely problem. And the sweet smell means that there's a heater core replacement in the truck's future. That is a job I have done three times. It's been detailed on this forum. The search function will find a couple of good pictorials.

 

[Tuesdak]

The clutch does automatically engage and disengage as it should.

Verify both AC lines at the firewall are about the same amount of "cold". This will confirm the A/C system is cooling properly. If one line is only cool vs. cold you have a problem with charge or the A/C system. You can have more than one problem.