2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Poor AC Performance, Am I Alone?

[Beast2B]

My factory A/C was better than average, but last spring it wouldn't cool more than a few degrees. $80 for an 'official' system vacuum and recharge, works better than it ever did for the past 18 months. 114 last week and my cab would cool in seconds.

Any techs watching this, is the vacuum/recharge worth the cost difference of a home recharge?

 

[EBozard]

is the thermostat under the dash adjustable ? maybe if you like your cab close to the freeze point, is this an option ?

 

[MDale]

Yes vacuuming the system is good, it will remove any moisture that is in the system.

 

[JMM]

I live in a very humid and hot area of Florida. As if there were any other. I bought my 2003 Dodge 2500 4X4 HO with 6speed in Alaska. I guess that air con is not so important there. After suffering thru a few trips with less than optimum air con function I took it to the local dealer for service. Once I had to resort to an inverter and small fan that I carry for stuffy motel rooms to attempt to circulate the air in my $35,000. 00+ truck. They recharged my system and added dye to attempt to locate a leak. A leak was found and "corrected" and they recharged my system. A few months later-mid July

in the hell that is Florida caused the Air con to again freeze up. I suspect that my system lacks coolant but I was told "everything is OK". I have found that current coolant does not provide the same level of COOL that the older freon does. I love my truck and would not trade it for anything. I am looking for a job in Alaska that would negate the need for Air con. I love My truck that much. Florida Sucks! DODGE DIESEL RULES!

 

[dblake]

I'm tired of my so-so A/C down here in sunny Puerto Rico also . I'm getting ready to evacuate my 134 refrigerant and charge it with FR-12 refrigerant .

I've done this to a couple of friends cars and it always comes out like 6- 8 deg. cooler . Any A/C shop should be able to do this for you , although I wouldn't do it if you're still under warranty ( mine just ran out ) . I've been told by the guys at the company that make FR-12 (http://www.refimax.com/products/fr12.htm ) is that the problem with our trucks is the cooling system is so over - engineered that the stock viscous fan clutch doesn't engage enough to pull much air through the condensor in front of the radiator . I've heard that switching to a Horton electric fan clutch also helps because it goes to full lockup whenever you turn on the A/C . Hope this helps and I'll keep you guys posted as to how it works .

 

[bjonesAZ]

I had a clutch seal problem several years ago and the entire a/c compressor was changed out under warranty. No problem under the AZ sun with slate gray leather seats, still running a/c in November.



Bob