My turn with HVAC door issues..

[Prairie Dog]

But with a twist! My only problem is that the airflow out the middle and passenger side dash vents is weak - driver side is strong. My DW also felt that the pass. side AC was not as cold with fan on high. I wonder if it''s just because it wasn't blowing as hard as the dr. side.

Points to ponder:
This is a Single Zone system
All modes (dash, floor, defrost) work fine.
Recirc is switching fine.
AC is cold!
On two occasions last summer, I was running the AC (fresh air mode) and lost all air flow. I could hear the fan pushing air against a solid blockage.
110,000 miles.

Does this sound like a Mode 2 door issue or is this normal and I just haven't noticed it for 15 years?

Thanks in advance for any and all responses.

Scott

 

[Prairie Dog]

Something I just noticed; The 2003 dash looks identical to the 2004 except the 03 has 5 dash vents and the 04 has 4. I wonder if they reduced the number of openings on the pass. side to increase the air flow.

 

[B.G. Smith]

I had a problem where the AC was not cooling like it had in past, I always had to adjust the temp when on the road. It would not really cool even on max. Took it to dealer and they did the check sequence and said it's doing what it is supposed to. I finally removed the blower motor and reached up in the opening and the door that switches from outside air to recirculate was broken completely off and sitting partly over the blower opening. What was happening was it was always allowing outside air in and because the door was out of place some of the outside air was entering the cab through the opening. Installed new door, back to normal. bg

 

[Prairie Dog]

Thanks for the response BG. I did check the recirc door and it's still where it's supposed to be.
I also checked the air temp out the vents. At 62 degrees ambient, the drivers side was 20 (!) and the passenger side was 45.
I think the charge is serious messed up so I'm going to get it evacuated and recharged.

Scott

 

[Crunch]

But with a twist! My only problem is that the airflow out the middle and passenger side dash vents is weak - driver side is strong. My DW also felt that the pass. side AC was not as cold with fan on high. I wonder if it''s just because it wasn't blowing as hard as the dr. side.

Several years ago this was a common complaint, and I have experienced it, as well. The most common culprit that was discussed here is low refrigerant. Keep in mind that there may be an underlying problem like a leak that is causing it, but chances are if you add some refrigerant the middle and passenger side vents will be back to normal.

Years ago I bought the trigger and hose device with a gauge from Walmart, and about ever 18 months I need to add a can. Once I do that my AC is back to normal. I could take it in to get it fixed, but that costs a fortune compared to $8 or so every 18 months. I can do this for the the lifetime of the truck and never pay what it will cost to have it repaired properly. Just don't overcharge it. I usually wait until the hottest day of the summer and charge it to between the middle and high end of the suggested range. That way I can be fairly comfortable that I am not overcharging it. But the day I win the lottery I'll probably break down and have it done right, along with installing the Heater Treater doors in the plenum. If you go that route now, just charge it to the middle of the suggested range to be on the safe side. Also, blast a bit of refrigerant out of the hose before you connect it to your AC, or whatever air is in the tube will end up in your AC lines.

Also: DW??? Does that mean Designated Wifer?

 

[Prairie Dog]

Thanks for the response Crunch. It's very reassuring to know I'm on the right path.

DW? Usually means "Dear Wife" but there are those times when it means something else