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[Andersonville]

I use a Ram 3500 dually in my business delivering RV's. My AC compressor dumped last Wed 8/15. Took it into my dealer on Fri. They replaced the high pressure AC switch and then discovered that the compressor was shot. The compressor (Visteon HS 18) is on Nat'l backorder and is restricted thru STAR parts. The mechanic has to call STAR and go thru the diagnostic procedures before the STAR engineer will release the part to the dealership! My new Visteon HS 18 compressor is supposed to be at the dealer on the 30TH!

I hope they do a better job on their "commercial" trucks. I was thinking of trading my 06 ona 4500 Ram but after this I think a Freightliner might be more appropriate. You can get a Frightliner fixed QUICK!!



Anyone else experienced this kind of delay?? Would it it be worth a class action lawsuit? This is unacceptable . I am losing $7-800 per day during the

busiest time of the year because Dodge won't give their dealers the parts to keep their customers running.

I called several dealers across the country looking for the compressor: same story from each dealer. "It's a restricted item and it's on National backorder!!!" I have 158k on the truck,engine is stock.

Any ideas why the compressor would fail this early? I have never lost a compressor before.



I can buy a 13. 5k BTU Coleman rv AC unit and have it installed for about what the new compressor is gonna cost,installed!!

 

[Andersonville]

UPDATE: I found a rebuilt HS18 in Canada!!!! Its on the way here now!

 

[Ragain]

Your down-time for warranty repairs does not cost the manufacturer a dime. It's the same issue everywhere you go, regardless of vehicle. Freightliner is particularly one of the worst as far as turn around time in their shop. It is not uncommon to wait 2-3 days for a simple warrantied alternator replacement. Regardless of the amount of work performed, you get put on the bottom of the service dept. waiting list.

I usually choose to puchase the part & perform the work myself if I am sitting under a load that can generate revenue for me. You have to make those kinds of business decisions that benefit you, even if the vehicle manufacturer gets off clean on your loss. (sux don't it?)

Good Luck on your venture!

 

[sag2]

Your dealer did not have to do anything to get the part except call STAR and request one. Your truck is no longer under warranty, so all they have to do is tell them it is customer pay and give them the VIN.

 

[Grizzly]

If your down time cost that much and since you make good $$$, maybe you should have a back-up truck.

 

[Cattletrkr]

Why would an A/C compressor be restricted? Not ecactly high on the old mod list.

 

[sag2]

Part of the restricted parts list is to control proper diagnosis before replacing a part. I suspect there are a high number of that PN that come back with no trouble found, and DC or who ever made the part wants to find out why they are replaced.

 

[Andersonville]

The HS 18 Visteon is ONLY used on the Cummins,according to the mechanic. A backup truck is a good idea MAYBe a Frightliner FL70? The Compressor is made in Korea. It got here a week early and was installed Mon AM! Why is it restricted? I don't know. The mechanic said they don't often fail

BUT because of the location on the Cummins,this compressor gets more heat and lots of torque. STAR is "allegedly" going after more of the commercial market with the 4500/5500 trucks. STAR needs to make parts available for short notice! I needed a vacation anyway. GOVOLS!!!!!!!

 

[EHygema]

I just happen to know this guy and I bet he was HOTRODDING his truck and blew the compressor. Go ND!

 

[icman95]

I own a Freightliner Century Class tractor and can tell you that Freightliner dealers aren't always what you think they are. There are plenty of them across the country for repairs, etc. Seems like there is one at every exit ramp, but that is where the good part ends. They will charge and charge and charge you up the wazoo for their services. I had the water pump replaced on the engine (Cummins N-14 500hp) at the one local to me, but was shocked at the price. After the fact, talked to a local independent repair shop and found the total bill would have been $400 less if he had done the work. This is pretty much the case no matter which one you go to. Sometimes they have the part, but other times they don't have one that you would think they should. If you really like the FL70, buy it because you like it, not because of the dealer network. I haven't gone back to my local one since they robbed me on the pump. That was just the last straw in a long line of bad service experiences. When checking around with other owners/drivers I have found the same story. Not just localized here. Good luck.

 

[BTighe]

i dont haul loads for a living but i work and depend on my trucks everyday to pay my bills. after dealing with the BS star and dealer stuff, i dumped my 06 and picked up an 02 and a 97. payments are about 20 bucks more put together but its a really nice 02. the 97 is not the prettiest but gets the job done! finding parts is a walk in the park for these trucks! i love it. i would look into a 12v dually to get you by while the primary puller is under repairs.

 

[Buffalo]

I'm pretty dissappointed in the A/C in my '03. During the daytime, when it's really hot here in Phoenix, the A/C leaves much to be desired. It , also, has a tendency to 'freeze-up' when it's humid & you really need it. Besides that, the compressor took a dump awhile back & you have to replace a lot of the lines, not just the compressor. The compressor went just after the warranty expired. Great timing!!!! Sounds a bit like "planned obsolescence".



The dealer insisted that you have to use their "Mopar R-134a Compressor Oil- PAG Type", 8. 4 FL. OZ. That little can cost $50. 00!!!!!!! Probably because it's made in France!!!



My '03 has only 58,000 miles, on it. My '91. 5 W-250 has 178,000 & is still on the original A/C. Had to add a little freon, one time.



It seems to me that Dodge has been building vehicles with A/C units for enough time, now, that they should have some idea of how to build one correctly. They are going "downhill" in their ability to build quality products, it seems. Instead of all the "high tech" nonsense like bells & horns & lights that go off even when they shouldn't, how about devoting some more engineering time to just building quality components that we REALLY need.



Well, here it is, Sunday morning, a bit after 8:00 AM & my blood pressure is through the roof, again, just thinking about that damn A/C unit. Then, there's the build quality of the seats that I had to fix myself... ... .



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[MCummings]

It is low on Freon.

My '98 does exactly what you describe (Both my 3500 and Durango) when they are low on freon. (Even if the compressor is not "cycling")

Get it charged at an A/C shop. A "hole in the wall" preferably. The "professional" shops seem to always want to replace everything. Lines and compressor, orifice, expansion valve, drier, etc.

I just went through what you did in my Fathers '05 Dodge, a Buddy's '03 DOdge 3500 CTD, my '98 Durango, and my '98 3500. My "preferred" shop diagnosed them all with bad compressors, drier's evaporators, etc. Took them to a second shop for a second opinion. They were all low on freon. Atleast try it. It's only $5. 50 a can...

Merrick