2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission My A/C is dead, too

[pnwradar]

My air conditioning hasn't worked all winter, and now that it's warming up I'm motivated to solve the problem. The A/C fuse in the PDC is blown, what should I look at next? Are there some simple steps that (hopefully) don't lead to my giving a mechanic $1000+ to fix it?



-jon-

 

[lawdog]

My evaporator coill went out in my truck, I heard it is common problem. . Thank god for the extended warranty I bought, bout paid for itself in one shot.

 

[BillH]

Had same problem, fuse kept blowing in PDC. Took to Dealer, they replaced A/C Clutch under warranty. Fixed the problem.



BillH

 

[pnwradar]

Hmmm. Anyone want to tell me how evil replacing the AC clutch will be, doing it myself? Any special tools required? (My service manual's buried somewhere underneath my winter shop projects)



-jon-

 

[USMCBay]

Basics

Your A/C line pressure must be at certain pressure or your compressor will not even engage.

I know this is simple stuff but hey... worked for me after a winter. (Not sure we really have one here in Texas). But at any rate make sure your A/C is topped off. I have a very slow leak and must recharge each year. Alot cheaper for cans of R134 than to pull my dash and replace my system. You may even want to put in a can of A/C stop leak.

And certainly buy the hose and gauge to do it yourself. It is very simple and well worth the small investment. Remember to bleed the line of your new gauges if you opt to do that as you want R134 in your system not air. You can bleed it with a dull punch and a welding/thick glove.

 

[pnwradar]

I bought a recharge kit and checked the pressure levels -- they were in the green zone. Since the fuse to the AC clutch immediately blows, I don't think it's a pressure problem.



I unplugeed the wiring at the clutch, and the fuse doesn't blow. Checked resistance with a meter and got zero ohms. Must be shorted in the wiring or the coil. At any rate, I'm ordering a replacement clutch kit from Mopar4Less ($160 vs. $220+tax at the local dealer).



I still don't have my manual in hand, but I found a previous thread that describes the procedure. Remove the big nut, pry off the clutch with some screwdrivers or levers -- saving the shims -- without letting it smack you in the face. Replace the clutch/coil and re-install the shims, clutch, and main nut.



-jon-

 

[USMCBay]

Sounds like you have gone through the process of elimination and got it down to the high probabilities. Hope your not sweating too bad.

I learned something myself, Thanks !!

 

[Rman]

do it before it gets too hot! no AC is a bad thing come summer time. I'm spoiled now, this is the only vehicle i've owned with AC and i'm not going back!