2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Why does my AC .....

[hammersley]

run cold for quit some time and then turn warm. Like today it was 90 plus and it runs cold but not for very long... maybe 20 min. Then it turns to the ambient temperature. However tonight on my way home it would run you out of the cab. I have had this problem for 4-5 years..... it seems the AC works when I really don't need it. I have had it recharged, but not from an ac shop. I went to an independent shop and they said they will charge $180 to evaluate and determine if I have a leak, and what needs to be repaired. Could this be a leak when it works well at times? What do you think needs to be fixed? Can an independent do this or should you go to an ac specialist..... I might also add that everybody who sees my truck always says that they have never seen one drip so much water from the passenger side... . I have looked at the service manual... . what a nightmare to check.....

 

[super38]

My '01 had a bad AC clutch, while running the clutch would get hot and electrically open internally causing the AC to quit, after it cooled back down it would work again until it got hot.

 

[Missouri Mule]

I would go to an a/c shop unless your shop has a mechanic certified in a/c.

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

Don't Waste Your Money!!!

Judging by your location, I bet it's just the evaporator core freezing up with ice from all of the humidity in the Northwest.



Just shut off the AC for a few minutes when it starts to blow warm air and then turn it back on. As soon as all of the ice melts, it will allow air to pass through the core and not around it.



Water dripping from the passenger side is quite normal. When you park the truck and shut it off, the warm heater core melts all of the ice that is built up on the evaporator core and it runs out of the drip tube. This is a common problem in extremely humid areas and I even see water drip from mine here in the arid state of Wyoming from time to time.



Edit: Try running it on recirc (max AC). The air in the cab has already had the moisture stick to the evaporator and will be dry... Unless you have a problem with the blend door that will allow humid outside air to deposit moisture on the core and cause it to freeze off.

 

[Lurch]

I'd check for freezing too. Next time it starts blowing warm air just open the vent for a few minutes. Also explains the excess water drainage as the ice melts.

 

[mwilson]

I'm about 60 miles away from my service manual right now so I can't verify the following. .



If this situation existed on a Freightliner or Western Star truck I would replace the thermostat/evaporater probe assembly.



I can't remember if the 2nd gens Dodges have this or not, but I think that they do.

It kicks the A/C clutch out when the evaporater gets too cold in order to let the evaporater surface thaw in order to reduce freeze ups.



Someone else please jump in and verify or debunk my theory... . :-laf



Mike.

 

[hammersley]

did you determine if a 2nd generation

has one of these?

 

[mwilson]

has one of these?

I didn't, I took a pile of paperwork home last night to finish so I was logged into the computers at work and didn't think to check it for you.



I will tonite, the CD is right in the drive of the laptop.



I will let you know later on.



Mike.

 

[srtdiesel]

For a good trouble shooting guide, check out this site.
Welcome To Polar Bear, Inc.
This is where I get my parts for the a/c compressor and clutch. It is great information and no purchase necessary.

 

[mwilson]

has one of these?

Checked the service manual,



No, it does not.



2nd Gen uses an accumulator and orifice tube.



My big trucks use a dryer and expansion valve type of system. That must be the difference.



Mike.

 

[WDixon27]

id pull the blower motor and reach in to feel if the evap is covered in crap, mine had so much stuff in the cage of the blower and plastered on the core i got after it with the hose to flush it out the drain once i picked all i could by hand, my system lost a little cold but gained a bunch of airflow with it clean

 

[Bill Stockard]

Unless using gauges and a thermometer in the outlet vent and running the A/C performance test, it's all guess work.



Bill

 

[hammersley]

Guess what the issue was...............

went to a great shop general shop that does good ac work (the guy even has a 2001 just like mine) and after checking the system - it was a leaking Schrader valve!... now blows 36 degree air all the time... ... ... ... ... How much easier than that could it be... ...

 

[MAnson]

Mine would blow cold then all of the sudden, for no reason, blow ambient (hot) air. Took it back to shop after having it charged, they took it apart and found that the plastic duct work had cracked and the actuators that move the doors that direct flow were not working. I spent $2000+ to fix this. Keep in mind, I live in the desert, which is hard on everything.