Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) A/C Problem!!

[02diesel]

Guys i really need some help with this one. I am trying to help my son fix his AC system. His truck is an 02 Diesel Ram. Today the AC was blowing nothing but outside air temperature. I climbed up and checked the compressor and noticed that the clutch was not engaging at all. I then checked the power dist block and the 10 amp small fuse was blown. I sent him down to the auto parts store for more 10 amp fuses and a new clutch relay. We replaced both of these items and restarted the truck only to blow the 10 amp fuse again. We turned off the AC and replaced the fuse and at that point it did not blow again. I unplugged the leads connected to the compressor and again turned on the AC and this time I did not blow the fuse. I then crawled under the truck checked the wire going to the compressor ( which was disconnected) and found I had 12 volts on one side and none on the other. I assume this is correct. As soon as I reconnected the compressor motor to the wire it would then again blow the 10 amp fuse in the power block. I believe this is leading me to a bad AC clutch or possibly compressor. I am not sure where to go from here. Can someone lead me in the right direction. I am trying to avoid him having to go to the expense of taking it into a shop for repairs.



Thanks

Frank

 

[obert]

From your post Id say either the clutch coil is shorted or the wire to it is pinched or rubbed on something.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Probably the coil as obert says above. You should be able to remove the clutch without removing or discharging the compressor. You will need a metric socket to fit the nut which holds the clutch plate on, snap ring pliers to remove the pulley and snap ring pliers to remove the coil plate. bg

 

[obert]

By the way.....

You should be lucky worrying about A/C right now. I just realized how F'd up it is thinking about a refrigerant system when it's 7*F and falling fast outside!

 

[Skydiver]

02diesel. Before you do anything rotate the compressor (pump) by hand.

How long has the A/C not been working?

There might be a reason it was disconnected.

 

[02diesel]

When the truck is running I can see the pully spinning with the belt but not the center section of the compressor which I believe is the clutch. I can however spin the center section by hand with the truck not running.



We were taking a tree to the recycling center here in San Diego yesterday and in cab thermomitor read in the high 80s outside. That is when I noticed it not working.



Is there anyother information I can gather that may help to figure this one out? Or should I try to find a clutch, Most places I looked at on line last night were selling the compressor with the clutch attached but not the clutch seperate.



Skydiver, How do I rotate the pump by hand? Is that what I did when spinning the center section. I did not feel any resistance. My son said he noticed it not working about a week ago but was pretty sure it worked prior to that.

 

[02diesel]

I also noticed if I need to replace the clutch that it calls for several special tools. Are thee dealer only tools or can they be obtained somewhere else Can I make due without them?

 

[02diesel]

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Temperatures are starting to climb here on the west coast!!



Thanks

 

[DBraunig]

You can change the clutch/coil yourself. The special tool is really just a flat bar with holes drilled that allow you to hold the clutch still while you loosen/tighten the nut. You should be able to fab something up for that part and the rest is just snap ring pliers. The nut tightens to 11 ft/lbs and the clutch needs . 016-. 031 air gap when your done. You can adjust the clearance with the little washers. Here is a pic of the clutch/coil breakdown and the "special tool"



Hope this helps,



Dave

 

[02diesel]

Dave, Thanks for the quick response to this question. Do I need any special pullers to get the pulley off or would a standard puller work for this? Also does anyone have an idea where we can pick up the clutch without having to buy the compressor along with it. We have seen some universal fit clutches on the internet but I do not know how to determine if it would fit this application.



Thanks again

Frank

 

[DBraunig]

I wouldn't use a "universal fit", I've never tried it, but it sounds like a wasted day to me. Shop your dealer and local parts houses and see what's available and cost. Also, price the complete compressor, sometimes a complete reman compressor with clutch/coil is close to the price of just the clutch/coil alone.



One thing to think about is what shape is the compressor in? You may spend time/money fixing just the coil and then the compressor is noisy/defective? no way to know until you get is spinning Just something to think about.



Dave

 

[NoSeeUm]

A bit of a de-rail here, sorry.



Anyone know how to prevent the A/C from running with the defroster?



Jim

 

[MCummings]

A bit of a de-rail here, sorry.



Anyone know how to prevent the A/C from running with the defroster?



Jim

Could just unplug the compressor?



Here's a compressor...



Used, $87. 50 17hrs left, '99 SHOULD work on your '02.

eBay Motors: 99 Dodge Ram cummins turbo diesel AC COMPRESSOR (item 140205793993 end time Feb-13-08 13:24:15 PST)



New, $149. 00 BIN + $20 s/h

eBay Motors: 94 - 05 DODGE RAM CUMMINS DIESEL AC COMPRESSOR 5. 9 A/C (item 250214090491 end time Feb-17-08 19:47:33 PST)



Merrick

 

[SRadke]

Try replacing the horn fuse.