Air Conditioner Woes

[Drewhenry]

I have searched the TSBs and found nothing-for those of you who will read only the title and refer me there. My truck is an early 04, Manufactured in August of 03. The problem may be related to the mixture doors. While I had warranty I took the truck in several times and the usual resolve was to recalibrate the mixture doors. Once I was told UTD and took the service manager and his lead AC guy on a ride and produced the problem---only to have my mixture doors done again. THE SYMPTOMS:in either of the settings for the defroster at any temperature at any fan speed after 5 minutes there is no air blowing on the windshield or any where else. Additionally there is always air blowing on the floor no matter what the setting may be.

If anyone has had this problem or knows what the cure is please let me know. Otherwise I love my truck.

Andy.

 

[rbattelle]

Does air begin blowing properly again if you turn off the A/C for several minutes?



Ryan

 

[Whiskey]

Andy, try this link, http://www.tdr1.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1581166#post1581166

it has a great write up on your problem!



whiskey

 

[Drewhenry]

Air will function normally after shutting off for several minutes,BUT the same "malfunction" occurs with impeccable timing.

 

[rbattelle]

Air will function normally after shutting off for several minutes,BUT the same "malfunction" occurs with impeccable timing.

I bet it's the evaporator core freezing. Usually that means the A/C charge isn't correct (pressure too high or too low).



Ryan

 

[DShehi]

On my 3500 2003 QC HO auto, I had one of the vent doors that would move every so often. After about the third time to the dealer they agreed there was a problem. They replaced part of the lower AC unit which as the vents and doors in it. The service manage stasted there was a TSB that took care of this problem. It's a 2 day job as the dash has to come out.



Don Shehi

Camp Verde, Az

 

[ssanders60]

I had the same problem with my '03, the core was freezing up and took it to the

dealer who checked it and found a leak in the core, also when it was discovered that

the doors inside the box were bad they replaced those. While it was being repaired I

was talking to DC customer service who paid the $1300 that it cost to fix it, i had

to pay $100, truck was way out of warranty. DC didn't argue they seemed happy to satisfy my complaint. It's apparent that this is a big problem in a high percentage of their trucks. Changing from cool to max, to defrost or heat, the system works better now than when it was new. It never worked before unless you stop the truck, kill the engine and reset the dial.

 

[DShehi]

On my 03, it took about three times to the dealer to convience them it was not cooling right. They finally figured out is was low on freon and had a leak in the evap. They replace the evap, after that is when the vent door problem started along with the auto dip stick tub virabaration. It been another three trips and the auto dip stick tub still vibarates. The vent door problem they did fix. Any other problems with your 03?



Don Shehi

 

[ssanders60]

A/C Prob.

No other problems on my '03 after the A/C fix. Earlier, 18 mos ago

when in warranty, the sun visor on passenger side had to be replaced,

now the driver side needs replacing, much out of warranty tho. It has

the most air tight cabin of any vehicle I've ever owned, rattle proof too.

 

[DShehi]

I'm glad to hear there are some 03 out there that are trouble free. I have three remaining items on mine. For the past 2 years when I leave Camp Verde pulling my RV or antique tractor, multiple mile 6% climb, my truck has gone into limp mode 4-6 times and 3-4 times it is at a loss of power (it's either 40mph or 55mph). No codes in computer and they can not find the problem. Over the last six months it has developed a clunk in the rear diff when shifting from drive to OD with a light pedal. May only happen 3-4 times in 300 miles. Chrysler states this is normal. I have a what I think is an exhaust noise and vibratration when it's shift from drive to OD. Dealers states they all do it. This why I choose to go with the extended 7/70 warranty. This is my third dodge diesel. Othewise I like the truck if I can get these items worked out before the extended warranty expires.



Don Shehi

Camp Verde, Az