A/C problems and edge tuner problem

[Mike88]

So I just bought this 2001 ram 2500 5.9 Cummings. Have had it for a week now and the ac is acting weird. It will blow cold air just fine while driving however as soon as I stop accelerating it will switch to blow out of the de-frost and bottom. Is this normal? This is my first diesel so I'm not all familiar with everything yet. I also was driving today and the edge tuner just stopped working so my truck won't go over 50 mph and acceleration is incredibly slow. It feels like it only shift through a couple gears. And since the programmer isn't on I have a check engine light on. I have tried looking for blown fuses and haven't found anything. Even tried disconnecting the batteries and programmer but still won't turn on. Can anyone tell me what is going on? I need some help with these issues.

 

[B.G. Smith]

I think the controls on your truck are vac. operated. Check the vac. source, should have above 17" I think to operate. bg

 

[Mike88]

Dumb question.....where is the vac source? Do you know what could be causing my programmer to not shut off and not turn back on?

 

[B.G. Smith]

I believe your truck has a vac. Pump connected to the rear of the power steering pump, located at lower drivers side front of engine. Can't help on the programmer. I have read that they sometimes cause strange problems. Sounds like maybe your truck went into Limp Mode. I would disconnect the programmer and see if that helps. bg

 

[Mike88]

Well I fixed the ac problem. It's been a few days and now the truck overheats. I thought it was the coolant so I flushed the old coolant out and added new coolant. It still is overheating, especially in bumper to bumper traffic. Does anyone know what the problem could be? Would replacing the thermostat fix it?

 

[Sled Dog]

Would replacing the thermostat fix it?

I would definitely try that FIRST.

 

[DValentine]

This might sound simple, but could there be cardboard or the like in between your radiator? Or could it be full of bugs?

 

[PWong]

Well I fixed the ac problem. It's been a few days and now the truck overheats. I thought it was the coolant so I flushed the old coolant out and added new coolant. It still is overheating, especially in bumper to bumper traffic. Does anyone know what the problem could be? Would replacing the thermostat fix it?

So it didn't overheat without A/C and overheated with A/C.
It's going to be a restricted air flow issue through the radiator or a restricted coolant flow issue through the radiator or the fan clutch issue.
Restricted coolant flow would be caused by defective thermostat or defective water pump or partially clogged radiator.
Also a defective radiator cap would degrade the performance of the cooling system.
So replace the thermostat and the cap FIRST and make sure the system is FULLY FILLED UP.
Check the air flow behind the front grille.
Check operation of the fan clutch.
Finally replace the radiator if needed.

 

[DClark]

Would replacing the thermostat fix it?

I would definitely try that FIRST.

Check your radiator cap. They go bad and cause over heating also. Ask me how I know.
\DickC

 

[Bill Stockard]

Second generation trucks with 24-valve engines were notorious for plugging the radiator with dirt mixed with oil vapor from the road draft tube on the front of the engine. If you perform a "Search" with the words "engine overheating" you will find several pages of threads relating to plugged radiators on Cummins 24-valve equipped Ram trucks. Check this thread and look at the photo on post number 10:
https://www.turbodieselregister.com...eating!!!!!!!!!!!!!?highlight=engine+overheat

Remove your radiator and thoroughly clean it. Attempting to clean it with on the truck is ineffective.

Bill