HVAC Issues

[CYauch]

Starting to get hot in southern Mississippi. So like a weenie, i turned the AC on. First, noticed a slight clunk noise which i assume was either fan clutch or compressor kicking in. No problem. Air started getting a little, and I mean a little cold; more like luke warm. When actually driving, air is cold coming out, but to me, seems to get luke warm at idle.



Anyhow, took to dealer on way home. SM told me that the dial needs to be on the first or second setting (last two positions counter clockwise looking at the dial) WITH the AC light on. To me, that tells me that it's only recirc'ing air inside the cab. I would think it wouldn't matter, but because I'm still learning about this truck, took it at face value and returned home. Would have stayed, but had a load of gravel in the bed.



So, I'm thinking that maybe a clutch fan or not enough freon in system? Truck history: its in 07. 5 that had 17 miles when i bought it in December 2008 (yep, not 2007 but in 2008). I think they stripped the 02 sensor and took forever and a day to get a replacement.



However, just got the latest TDR mag, and read in there a blurb about Dodge addressed owners complaints about the HVAC system marginal performance in Mega Cabs for the 2010 model year.



Any ideas? Real world experience? If it is a sub par system for the large cab, what, if anything, can i upgrade to increase cab cooling?

 

[HBarlow]

You are correct, the first two modes on the CCW side of the knob are recirc but the AC should work in all modes when the AC button is pressed and the light is green. Recirc should improve cooldown but shouldn't be necessary for cooling. Check the instructions in your owner's manual. I don't know about Megacabs, the AC may be marginal.

 

[Jim W]

have a 2008 Mega cab and ran the A/C last year with no cooling issues. I normally run the A/C on the fresh air intake and on the low setting normally. Once in awhile will run on the second setting if the ambient temp is 95F+ and high humidity. The A/C cooling issue, I believe is with the rear seat passengers area not getting enough cool air flow. Since I rarely carry passengers back there, it does not bother my wife or myself.

The reason for the Mega Cab was we pull a fiver and the extra cab space is great for the cooler and other things we carry.



There is another issue that I have read on this site is called the blend door issue. There seems to be an issue with the blend door failing and will not let cool air circulate through the cab. I do not know if this pertains to the 2007/2008 Mega cabs but I would ask your service writer at the dealership to review this area of the A/C system. The system should work on the fresh air intake.

Just my $0. 02

 

[CYauch]

Thanks! Gonna drop it off at the dealer in Gulfport since they appear to be more knowledgeable about their vehicles.