2003 Dodge Ram AC's cold while driving, idling not so much

CJANKE1

MEMBER
2003 DODGE RAM
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
7,600 MILES

My husbands Ram 1500 has started blowing warm/hot air while it's sitting in traffic or at a light. Basically idling. But while driving it is so cold that you freeze. I have to close the vents. What sould be causing this. I have taken the truck to a dodge dealership for another weird rpoblem like this & always get the same result. No solution & a wasted day. What could be causing this intermttent problem? Thanks

Monday, August 17th, 2009 AT 9:34 AM

3 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

If it has an expansion valve instead of a fixed orifice tube, the expansion block may be sticking occasionally causing no cold air. Be sure the fan clutch is good and pulling a good amount of air through the radiator/condensor when idling. Ideally having aset of gauges on it when it is acting up so that the pressures can be seen to help diangonse it

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Monday, August 17th, 2009 AT 9:49 AM

CJANKE1

MEMBER
1 POST

Well, thanks for you speedy reply. As I know nothing about what you said. Ie the "expansion valve instead of a fixed orifice tube" I am mostly confused. But I am sure a true car mechanic can do what you said to check out. This gives me a little more to tell them than just, just not working right. I will print our your reply & have them check those things. So, thanks for your help.

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Monday, August 17th, 2009 AT 10:04 AM

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Sorry about that, yes a qualified tech will understand what I am talking about. The valve controls the temp and the fan makes air mover across the condensor making the pressures stay in range

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Monday, August 17th, 2009 AT 10:43 AM