Air conditioner not working correctly?

Tiny
ECASTRO
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 DODGE DURANGO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
My air conditioner blows warm air already recharged still blows warm
Saturday, June 11th, 2011 AT 8:00 PM

25 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
When you turn AC on -do you hear the compressor engaging -if not Could be still low in freon, air blend door could be stuck in the heat position and obstruction within the AC system

This guide will help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak

Please run down this guide and report back.

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Saturday, June 11th, 2011 AT 9:31 PM
Tiny
JEFF3411
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 DODGE DURANGO
  • V8
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Hi,

I recently made a mistake, while changing out my radiator, of loosening an Air Conditioning high pressure line. Some of the freon (or whatever you call it these days) leaked out. I was able to re-tighten the fitting, and so I don't think I completely emptied the coolant.

Since, I have noticed anytime I put on the defrost or AC, I can hear the compressor kick on, make a small "hiss" for 3 seconds or so, then kick off. And then repeat in an eerie melody for as long as the AC or defrost is on.

I've purchased a re-fill can from Walmart with a guage on it. Up until now, I've been assuming that it's due to low (or extremely low) levels of coolant in the AC system. When I put the guage on (with the AC on Max as instructed), the guage fluctuates in rythm from 0 psi up to about 50-60 psi in that 3 second "hiss" time. (On the can, the needle reaches the yellow or orange. And says do not add - have someone inspect the system.)

I'm assuming this is the AC system trying to pressurize, then realizing there is no flow (due to low coolant), and shutting off the compressor.

Is my assumtion right? I would have expected to simply see low pressure, not ramping pressure that drops and re-ramps in repetative fashion. I don't want to add more coolant to the system if that's not the problem, but I don't know what else to make of the guage reading. If anyone could help, I'd appreciate it.
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,723 POSTS
Is the gauge on the high or low side hose? You should be charging from the low-side port. If the system is low on refrigerant, the compressor will draw the low side down to a pressure that is too low. A low-pressure cutout switch will cause the compressor to turn off to prevent drawing the low side into a vacuum. If there was a leak in the system, drawing the low side into a vacuum could allow air to enter bringing along the humidity with it. Moisture in the system combines with refrigerant to form an acid which will destroy metal parts.

Once the compressor was switched off, high and low side pressures will equalize, and the compressor will turn back on. The hissing you're hearing is the refrigerant changing from a liquid to a vapor at the wrong point in the system. This is supposed to happen in the evaporator in the dash board where you won't hear it.

A better way of observing the state-of-charge in the system is to watch the sight glass on top of the receiver / drier for bubbles. You will not see any bubbles when the system is very low on charge or fully charged. In your case, you know it's not fully charged. The refrigerant will go in much faster if you place the can in a pail of hot water.

Caradiodoc
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
R. ABELES
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2000 DODGE DURANGO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 15,000 MILES
I have a 2000 Dodge Durango. The air conditioner stopped working. Water drips from the ceiling air vents. I would like to have it repaired or repair it myself. I am a reasonable mechanic. Please try to diagnose my problem. What parts I need. Where to find a schematic. Average prices for the parts or outside repair. Where can I purchase the parts. I will certainly donate. Please advise of average donation and how I can srnd a donation. Thank you
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,117 POSTS
Does the AC work after it sits overnight, then start this problem after a short time? This is an interesting problem. It almost sounds like the system isn't cycling but rather running continuous and freezing up.

Let me know. Also, are you sure it is water dripping and not coolant? Have you checked to see if the compressor is locking in like it should?
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
R. ABELES
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
To respond: Even if car is shut down overnight it still only emits warm or hot air. The liquid that drips from the vents seems to be only water. It is clear, colorless, odorless and does not leave stains on hard or soft surfaces upon drying up. If you wish I can run a ph for acid/alkalinity. Please advise. One of my friends said it could be something wrong with with a part called an evaporator but he too is not really knowledgeable with automotive airconditioners. Please advise on this as well. Thanks, Richard
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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THat is odd. It does sound like water, and yes the evaporator could cause the AC not to work, but why the water? Have you taken note if the compressor is locking up when you turn it on?
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LNM0513
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2000 DODGE DURANGO
Air Conditioning problem
2000 Dodge Durango V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic

I am having problems with my dodge durango. My a/c is only blowing hot air. We put in freeon and it works for about 3 days and then it starts blowing hot air again. We cannot find any leak when we put a leak detector. We have changed the hoses and the compressor. We have taken it to a dealer and they cannot find a leak either. Can you tell me whats wrong with my truck.
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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When the cold air stops, is the AC compressor still working or cycling?
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LNM0513
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Yes the compressor still works.
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,117 POSTS
If the compressor is still running, the AC is working. WHat I think you have a problem with is called the blend air door. In one direction, it allows AC to enter the vehicle, in the other direction, it allows heat. Have that checked and let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LNM0513
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
We changed a/c receiver/dryer and it is still doing the same thing. It keeps blowing hot air even though we filled it up with freeon.
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,117 POSTS
Have you checked the blend air door? If it isn't operating, you will not get AC. Also, is the compressor cycling?
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LNM0513
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  • 4 POSTS
Where can I find the blend air door?
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,117 POSTS
It is part of the HVAC system. It's located near the heater core.
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KNS2012
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 DODGE DURANGO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 94,521 MILES
Last year I took my truck to get service for the heat and AC, as for the heat it works Fine, and The Ac was working with no problem when we received the truck back, However the care was service in February so there was no need to put the AC on until it got hot. Well needless to say it got and when I went to turn the AC on, it blows Hot air. Do You think this could be a serious expensive problem or something minor? Oh I've tried antifreeze also but that didnt help.
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,117 POSTS
Chances are you have a leak in the AC system that is allowing the freon to leak out. Take it back to the shop and ask them to see if the system is still pressurized. If it isn't they will need to find the leak.
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GREGGORY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 DODGE DURANGO
Air Conditioning problem
1999 Dodge Durango

when at idle a/c runs when driving it goes off on high pressure what could be causing that?
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,117 POSTS
Do you mean it stops working? Does it change from the vents to defrost?
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ADUX24
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • DODGE DURANGO
I have a 1999 Dodge Durango 5.2 litter 4x4 with approx. 125,000 miles. Recently the air condition stopped working it just blew out hot air. I know alittle about mechanics so the first thing I thought was the coolant level, I tested the level and it read an extremely high 125 psi. The fuse in my distribution box marked horn/AC is blown. The ac clutch relay is fine. I replace the fuse and as soon as you click the ac on it blows the fuse. I jumped the wire harness directly to the ac clutch and it clicks so the unit itself is fine. Do you have any suggestions. Thank you.
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 5:34 PM (Merged)

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