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strange problem

66cruiser on Wed December 31, 2008 3:38 PM User is offline

Year: 2002
Make: dodge
Model: Ram 1500
Engine Size: 360?
Refrigerant Type: R134a
Ambient Temp: 50
Pressure Low: 12
Pressure High: 75
Country of Origin: United States

Can't get the AC to function in normal operation. Only with the defrost on will the compressor pump. Gauges read low but note the low ambient temperature. What should I be looking for if anthing or should I just worry about it next spring. This truck has just been purchased by my son. This history of the AC is unknown. Everything seems to be origional. Truck shows 78K on the odo.

TRB on Thu January 01, 2009 1:49 PM User is offlineView users profile

Are you saying the compressor does not come on in normal mode but does in defrost mode? Bad control head and or vacuum issues would be the first place to start checking.

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66cruiser on Thu January 01, 2009 3:18 PM User is offline

Yes, the compressor only functions in defrost mode. It appears to be electrical rather than vacuum operated controls. If the ambient was much warmer it may have been easier to diagnose. Wasn't sure if 50 was making it act "funny". Will a wiring diagram help me trace this? Where could I do a search for more info? Do pressures seem low though also?

Edited: Thu January 01, 2009 at 3:20 PM by 66cruiser

TRB on Thu January 01, 2009 3:26 PM User is offlineView users profile

Did not look at the pressure before, sorry. Yes they look low even for that ambient. Best to reclaim and charge back to OEM specifications to eliminate the capacity issue. Check for leaks on you connections at this time also. You should be able to get the wiring diagrams with an ALLData Subscription.

-------------------------

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

Chick on Sat January 03, 2009 10:23 PM User is offlineView users profile

at 50 degree ambient temps, you can't top off those systems, as Tim said, recover and rcharge with the factory amount into a deep vacuum....It does appear low though...Hope this helps.

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Chick
Email: Chick

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66cruiser on Mon January 05, 2009 4:15 PM User is offline

Thanks. Will I have to go to Dodge (Chrysler) for a complete control head? Or are this unit repairable in modular form?
I may wait till warm weather to try to recharge. Todays ambient is below freezing and no way to recharge indoors.

Thanks again.

mk378 on Mon January 05, 2009 5:48 PM User is offline

Fancy electronic controls found on newer vehicles may be designed to not engage the "A/C" mode in cold weather, only defrost.

Since you found it still contains some refrigerant and the compressor isn't locked up, the system is not a total disaster. If necessary, it should be fixable without major expense come spring. I think they quit using the legendary Dodge leak prone evaporators by 2002.

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