View Full Version : Diagnose ac on dodge ram
Braas
Jun 5, 2010, 05:39 PM
I have a 2002 Dodge Ram. The last couple of months, when I use the AC it's been blowing out cool air, sometimes hot, then sometimes cold. I was buying a new gas cap today at a NAPA store and asked the sales dude if he knew anything about AC and explaned what my problem was: I told him the same thing as above but added that I've owned the truck since new and never had to recharge the AC. He said that any vehicles that use R134A need to be recharged every year! So I bought the recharge kit equipped with a gague. I followed the instructions on the can and the reading was 150 psi when the clutch wasn't engauged and would drop to about 85 psi when it was. All of these readings were in the red and the clutch would only stay engauged for ten seconds at a time. I was afraid to add the R134A to my truck because... I don't really know anything about the AC unit. I was a mechanic many years ago and do almost everything on my cars and motorcycle just because I love it. But, this time I need to pick someone's brain out there! If you have any idea what I need to do next because of the high pressure I woul appreciate it!
cdad
Jun 5, 2010, 05:48 PM
From the sounds of it you may have a clogged condenser. That is the little radiator thing in the front. You might need to take it in and have it checked by someone that has all the equiptment to check it and can evac it if needed.
Braas
Jun 5, 2010, 08:33 PM
Thanks, Califdad!
I guess being Green... I'll have to bring it to a shop. I never though about the recovery of those bad ozone destroying things ( didn't have a clue)
Thanks again!
cdad
Jun 6, 2010, 03:19 AM
Thanks, Califdad!
I guess being Green... I'll have to bring it to a shop. I never though about the recovery of those bad ozone destroying things ( didn't have a clue)
Thanks again!
Actually its not just about being green. Lets say they take out 5lb of coolant. You get credit for everything they take out because it can be reused right there on the spot. Its actually pretty slick.
Braas
Jun 6, 2010, 04:36 PM
This is weird! Today the AC worked perfect. I even checked the pressure and It was at 60 psi when the clutch was engagued. I will bring it to a professional but I would really like to know what the hell is going on! I noticed that when I'm driving around, every time I hit a stoplight, the air seems to start warming-up. But when I'm on the freeway it's frigin cold! DO you still think it's the condenser?
cdad
Jun 6, 2010, 04:39 PM
Sounds like because when your driving your "pushing" extra air across the system. But when your standing still "stopped" then air isn't circulating though the system. Hope that makes sense.