A/C problems

[J.Becker]

2004.5 2500 Ram 4WD - A/C blows 15 degrees cooler to driver side. Ongoing for years. Problems with directing air flow from floor to vent to defrost. Previously found info here on repairs which involve removing the entire dash to make repairs. I am ready to make repairs but looking for info on how to do the job once again.

 

[RVTRKN]

The pictures have been removed, but it describes it anyway.
https://www.turbodieselregister.com...ith-Pictures?highlight=HVAC+blend+door+repair

 

[rscurtis]

Use the heater treater doors and do the job once.

 

[BDaugherty]

I also strongly recommend using heater treater doors. I much prefer to remove the entire hvac box for service. The tdr writeup is very helpful...you pretty much lean the dash out as 1 piece and then pull the box. Once you have it out, you will see that it's easier than it looks. Be especially careful with the heater core. The tubes coming off it are sealed by Orings and held in by crimps. It will be an ideal time to clean the evaporator and install a new dryer.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Is this a Laramie with side to side controls? If so then they are notorious for doing as you describe if the charge is a little low.

 

[Souders]

Trying to fix the problem with a Recir door on my 06 2500. Had removed broken door thru the opening when fan motor is removed.
Talked to C. Allen of Heatertreater and found the Recir door can be replaced thru the same opening of the fan motor without removal of the dash.
I will order the door and try to repair without dash removal.
Will follow up on how it goes after completion.

 

[rscurtis]

It can be done, and will be relatively easy if you don't have the Infinity stereo. Use the heater treater door, but you don't have to cut the screen as their directions tell you. It will go in from the bottom once the blower motor is removed. If you have the Infinity, the amplifier will be in the way of one of the actuator screws that you have to remove.

 

[jeffroski]

What is the heater treater doors? I'm new to the TDR with a 2004.5 4x4 QC 3500, great truck with no cold ac, blows just not cold, pretty sure system is low so I will be looking for leaks. Also did these trucks come with a condenser fan that mounted in front of the condenser or would adding a SPAL fan with a thermostat help with the high AZ ambient temps

 

[Souders]

HeaterTreater.com is a Company that makes replacement doors for HVAC systems in many Manu.cars. The doors are a little pricy if only buying one. I replaced my Recir. door with one from them. It was time consuming and many awkward positions. I am glad I used a door other than the one from Dodge, cost more, should last the life of the truck. Not sure of your question about condenser fan.

 

[jeffroski]

HeaterTreater.com is a Company that makes replacement doors for HVAC systems in many Manu.cars. The doors are a little pricy if only buying one. I replaced my Recir. door with one from them. It was time consuming and many awkward positions. I am glad I used a door other than the one from Dodge, cost more, should last the life of the truck. Not sure of your question about condenser fan.

Cool That's what I wanted to know, I also found that once the engine is up to temp the fan runs drawing enough air across the radiator for the ac compressor to work better, simple answer. I still plan to install a thermostatically controlled fan for the condenser which should help also reduce transmission temps. Thanks for the response.

 

[rscurtis]

Your fan should respond to head pressure even with a cold engine. AAMOF, I've never seen the fan run for engine cooling on my signature truck, it's always for AC condenser cooling.

 

[Kry226]

2004.5 2500 Ram 4WD - A/C blows 15 degrees cooler to driver side. Ongoing for years. Problems with directing air flow from floor to vent to defrost. Previously found info here on repairs which involve removing the entire dash to make repairs. I am ready to make repairs but looking for info on how to do the job once again.

In addition to the first link posted, here's mine. I did the full blown Heater Treater replacement. It doesn't cover dash removal which can be found in the first link.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/220193-HVAC-Heater-Treater-Doors-Replacement

 

[Souders]

In addition to the first link posted, here's mine. I did the full blown Heater Treater replacement. It doesn't cover dash removal which can be found in the first link.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/220193-HVAC-Heater-Treater-Doors-Replacement

I do not know what year they switched to a one piece dash. Removing the newer one piece is a lot more work than the old one.

 

[jeffroski]

Your fan should respond to head pressure even with a cold engine. AAMOF, I've never seen the fan run for engine cooling on my signature truck, it's always for AC condenser cooling.

That's the thing I don't see a condenser fan on this truck. The condenser fan I would think would be in front of the condenser but I don't even see a mounting location. Just wondering if the truck came with one.

 

[rscurtis]

No condenser fan on the HD's; However, the 1500's had a parallel mounted radiator and condenser, each with their own fan. The stock fan moves a lot of air when it's "hooked up".

 

[jeffroski]

No condenser fan on the HD's; However, the 1500's had a parallel mounted radiator and condenser, each with their own fan. The stock fan moves a lot of air when it's "hooked up".

Ok that answers my question. So then I will just install an aftermarket fan. Thank you for the help guys, new to the Dodge/Cummins side.

 

[Kry226]

I do not know what year they switched to a one piece dash. Removing the newer one piece is a lot more work than the old one.

I don't either, but I'm not sure what is defined as "one piece?" Minus the top plastic cap near the windshield, the radio trim, glove box, and knee bolster under the steering wheel, mine came out in one piece and was a lot heavier than I was expecting.

In any case, it's still worth the effort. If a vehicle doesn't have a fully functional HVAC system, IMHO, it shouldn't be on the road.

 

[Souders]

Installed Recir. door on my 2006. Found Removal of the glove box along with blower motor to be easiest. Removed two screws on each side of dash with glove box door open. This lets the dash on each side flex. With light pressure bend in one side at a time on the glove box stops and the box will release and can be removed. Now you can see the location of the door and motor. Using a small flashlight set on the floor below the hole of the fan Assy. let me see a lot better.
My truck has a one piece dash. I found this method to be the easiest.