AC problem probably fixed, advice needed.

[scootergmc]

I believe Tuesdak addressed the fan issue stating the system detects a low charge which may cause your inop fan symptoms. I know your system is more involved than the Gen 2's, but the basic symptoms and protections are still valid between the systems. Yours has more controller events to play with operations stuff. Multiple issues can arise anytime "Murphy" gets involved.

True enough. That "low charge" state though is still high enough to cool the driver's side as normal and the passenger side is getting lukewarm, but I do agree, with all the electronics, it could cause wonkiness. Like you, my buddy who recharges my truck says a compressor seal may be slowly letting refrigerant evaporate out, making a leak undetectable.

 

[Tuesdak]

True enough. That "low charge" state though is still high enough to cool the driver's side as normal and the passenger side is getting lukewarm, but I do agree, with all the electronics, it could cause wonkiness. Like you, my buddy who recharges my truck says a compressor seal may be slowly letting refrigerant evaporate out, making a leak undetectable.

So...
1) Fan clutch was replaced with MOPAR clutch.
2) A/C was recharged.
3) Everything worked fine.

Some time later "something quit working properly". This is warm passenger side vent, now.

1) The system is now low on charge.
2) Recharge the system. Unless the A/C shop can point to a leak IMO you be throwing parts at it for no reason.
3) Verify the fan kicks on in 2 blocks at 25MPH A/C on high. If not fan clutch may need warranty or other work.

Alternatively save time looking for a slow "guess" mystery leak by verifying the relief valve popped off as it sprays the oil filter. It could have both problems but the sniffer better be indicating a clear leak before parts are changed.

Again this warm vent with no leaks and everything NEW is the "defect" Dodge could not figure out back in the day on brand new pickups off the dealer lot. Any number of things could have happened, but, there is ZERO protection for the high side A/C system pressure from getting so high, 450 psig+, that it either pops the safety relief valve or explodes the high side of the system somewhere.

Generally you can trip over this defect: the fan doesn't have "morning sickness", one idles the truck before moving, and the A/C is on high. This overheats the A/C system as the fan doesn't kick in fast enough. 1/2 the system charge is dumped out the safety relief valve.

Morning Sickness is random from the fan being locked in on shutdown or the ports lining up when shut down. Likely to happen but not guaranteed. Not having it does not indicate a bad fan clutch.

The only other failure mode is debris clogging the orface tube. The compressor would be noisy as it would be the source. Not Likely - just possible.

This is not normal for an A/C shop to deal with as systems leak, period. Noooo ... Dodge had to be different and dump the system out the relief valve and A/C shops can't wrap their heads around this oddball failure. Most don't even look at the cooling fan but this defect even ruins that angle.

 

[Ozymandias]

Just a question to the Crowd.

Can it be that the compressor is hydro-locked and therefore spits the charge all over the place.

I recognized that on mine when I had a fresh charge that it started in the morning with a bad "bang" when the compressor was energized.

I installed then a soft start device and the bang was gone.

 

[petersonj]

@Ozymandias, I don't think so. With a hydro-lock (compressor slugging) the pressure is briefly very high within the cylinders, but not in the system.

I had a similar issue after slightly overcharging my '02. I recovered about 5 oz. and that cured the slugging when the compressor cycled on.

I had the opportunity to witness what @Tuesdak is talking about regarding engine fan morning sickness. My sister's '03 truck had the warm air out of the passenger vent (cold air out of driver vent) symptom. I installed gauges and prepared for a refrigerant recovery. The truck had been setting for a few hours and the outside temperature was about 80°. I started the truck and turned on the AC. By the time I stepped around to the front of the truck, the high pressure gauge was approaching 400 psi and climbing. I quickly shut off the engine and sat there wondering what what the heck was going on. I restarted the engine and turned on the AC. I quickly stepped out to observe the gauges and saw the same thing happening. This time I observed that the engine fan was not turning. Now, things started to make sense. On my third startup with the AC turned on, the engine fan immediately started turning and the high side AC pressure steadied at 125 psi.

I recovered the refrigerant - only half of the required amount was there. I am certain that if the full amount of refrigerant would have been in the system, then the relief valve would have discharged the refrigerant before I could have made the observation.

- John