2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Strange A/C psi readings....

[PhillySingle]

Hey guys... I'm a new CTD owner, just picked it up last Monday. 1997 CTD.



I bought it from a TDR member and never thought to try the A/C - it was cool out that day... totally forgot to try. Well... . no cold air this weekend



I've searched and just hoping... praying... it's not the huge $1000 bill some guys have had to deal with to fix it. Boy will I be

ticked off.



Anyway - I bought an A/C recharge kit with pressure gauge. I started the truck and left it run for ~3min or so and hooked up the gauge... .



Here is what I saw: It would start in the green (basically 0psi) and slowly build to 45psi (fully charged) - I could then hear the compressor "click" and the gauge would fall back to *almost* zero?!?! It would repeat this every few seconds.



I wasn't sure if I should add the can of coolent or what was going on??



History from the previous owner: A few months ago Fall 03 - he had the heater core replaced... which requires the evacuation of the A/C system. He hadn't used the A/C since then... . perhaps the system was never refilled?



Bottomline... any ideas on what the slow rise and fall of A/C psi is/means?



Thanks,

Jay

 

[scotmartin]

Sounds like the system is undercharged. The low pressure should not drop off that quickly. Our Dodge's use the "spring lock" system with two O-rings to seal most of the joints. These typically leak after several years. I would suggest taking it to a reputable local mechanic. Shouldn't be hard to fix, unless... ... ... ... ..... (it's leaking somewhere expensive)



Scot

 

[mediccummin]

My gauge also did that when I first started off. Added 3 cans of refer and all is good. No leaks still cold. Try adding a couple cans it should stop cycling over and over. good luck.

 

[PhillySingle]

Guy thanks!!



Concensus seems to be that is it way undercharged. mediccummin - good to know someone else has seen the same thing. I'll dump in a few cans today and monitor my readings... hopefully it'll stop cycling over and over like yours did.



Jay