2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Air Conditioning Failure

[Farmall Hauler]

Hello to everyone!



I talked to my brother today, and he told me that his air conditioning is on the fritz in his truck. He said that a couple of weeks ago, it started blowing hot air. He tookk the truck in to the dealer, and they refilled the truck with the proper refridgerant. With in a couple of days, the truck was blowing hot air out of the vents again. He took the truck back, and the refilled it with refridgerant, and this time, dealer put a dye inside of the air conditioner. Now, this past friday, he took truck back to dealer for the third time, and again, it is out of refridgerant. And, their are no signs of where the dye may be leaking from.



Dealer thinks it may be a bad condenser. Is this normal? What else should he have the mechanic look for? This is the third Dodge truck he has had with A. C. problems.



Any help or ideas are very much apreciated!



Thanks in advance!

 

[scotmartin]

If the condensor is leaking they should be able to see it because of the dye. The only part of the system that is really difficult to see, is the evaporator.



Scot

 

[RT66DOC]

I also need info on this topic. I noticed a couple days ago that my a/c is not blowing nearly as cold as usual - cool, but not cold, and I hear the "click" sound - is that the compressor cycling? - about every 5 seconds like clockwork. TIA

 

[BTarbert]

Took two trips to find the leak in mine. Airbox rubbed a pinhole in the line from the the evaporator (directly behind the airbox). Maybe a good reason to trash the stock airbox!

 

[RT66DOC]

BTarbert - Welcome to TDR-Land and thanks for the tip.

 

[Farmall Hauler]

Hey fellows,



He takes the truck into the dealer this coming friday. Thanks for the information! We really apreciate it!



Mark

 

[kstehnacs]

I just replaced the evap on the shop truck, 99 2500.

 

[Charliegeis]

I had to replace the condenser coil on mine last summer.



it is a '99 2500

 

[dzldpatriot]

I just went through this AC issue as well. The vents were blowing warm air & the compressor was cycling every few seconds. I removed the wire harness from the low pressure switch and the cycling stopped, still with warm air though. This made me lean towards the system was low with refrigerant. I too had the local dealer put a dye in it the last time it leaked out No longer under warranty... .

My local Snap-On dealer hooked me up. We used his ultra-violet light to look for leaks... . couldn't find any. We put a set of gauges to it and system pressure was low. Charged the system with almost 16 oz. I think I've got a slow leak and I didn't help matters by not running the AC once in a while during the winter to keep the seals lubed. Anyway, if you have access to an ultra violet light, spend some time checking the system out. Easy way to check the evaporator is at the condensate drain (passenger side engine compart at the fire wall, small black plastic tube) as you may get lucky there.

I used my tech manual and all of the lessons learned on here to fix mine... . a ton of info here. Also try a search for more. Good luck, let us know what you find.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I just replaced the evaporator core on my '97 for this very reason.



Forrest

 

[DBentley]

just did my evaporator in the 96 2 weeks ago. Was real hard to find the die cause it absorbed into the pine needles in the bottom of the plastic case. Try taking out the fan motor its only 3 screws and reach in there and see it you come out with a oily uv died hand. Worked for me.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

the evap cores are notorious for going out on these trucks... my buddy at the Dodge house said they sell them all the time. They had three on the shelf...



Forrest

 

[Farmall Hauler]

Hello,



Sorry it has taken so long in posting the end results in my brother's AC problems. Brother just baught a new house.



This past tuesday, he took the truck in to the dealer, where they replaced the evaporator core! At this point it is just a wait and see game as to if this fixes the problems!



He apreciates everyone's help with this!



P. S. Mechanic had never heard of The TDR! Was impressed!

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I always add a good amount of UV dye to my oil. makes finding leaks much easier. I had a neon green pool of oil on the passenger floor board.



HOPEFULLY that'll fix it. on a positive note, even if it wasn't the problem (which it probably WAS) the hard part is over... new seals and hoses can be done for about $20



Forrest

 

[ramman-mn]

acc

does any one know the torq specs on compessor lines thanks to all :{

 

[JGorman]

does any one know the torq specs on compessor lines thanks to all :{

A/C compressor line manifold fastners: 22N-m 200 inch pounds Discharge line to condencer fastners: 4. 5 N-m 40 inch pounds hope this is not too little too late. jdg