Heat A/C Compressor just kicked in or out?

2003 DODGE CARAVAN
149,000 MILES • 3.3L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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B.L SHLEPROCK
1# Fan Adj/Off or High(only)
2# No Cold AC

Oddities....
Once in a while it gets sluggish switching from AC to Heat but does switch.
Heat Temperatures seem to deliver higher temperature than average, but the blend door seems to be working as it will adjust the temperature. down to cool.

I noticed turning on the A/C switch there is a 2-3 sec delay before compressor engages.
Compressor Dis-engagement Approx. 1 sec.
after engagement.

Last. When I'm slowing down to stop it feels and sounds like the Compressor just kicked in or out (not trans auto shifting).
Jul 23, 2025 at 10:12 AM
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STRAILER
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The 2-3 second delay in the compressor coming on is normal, I would make sure the system is full of refrigerant, this can make the compressor kick on and off, this video can help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZrQCGwXfek

Also, it sounds like the blend door actuator is weak, here is the location so you can swap it out with the new unit. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Jul 23, 2025 at 4:51 PM
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B.L SHLEPROCK
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one other thing. we had to use a Cheapo little 12v air compressor and in the process it caused a 15#amp fuse to blow in the relay box under the hood, the stereo stopped working and seems that was the last time i remember the A/C working as well, is there a connection?
Jul 24, 2025 at 7:01 PM
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STRAILER
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Yes, that can cause the HVAC system to lose one of its power sources. I would replace the fuse to see if anything changes.
Jul 25, 2025 at 9:43 AM
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B.L SHLEPROCK
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Ken,i can't get the freon checked for a couple days, the fuse was replaced right after it blew. any other source i should check while i'm waiting on freon test?
Jul 25, 2025 at 1:04 PM
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STRAILER
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Can you tell me the fuse # and location?
Jul 25, 2025 at 1:20 PM
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B.L SHLEPROCK
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The relay/fuse Box lid doesn't seem to reflect
how the relay/fuse pattern looks in the box but i believe it was the blue 15#amp fuse to the A/C Clutch.
Jul 28, 2025 at 11:54 AM
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STRAILER
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Okay, then it looks like the A/C clutch or compressor is going bad, this is what trips the fuse. If you upload an image of the front of the compressor I can tell for sure.
Jul 28, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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B.L SHLEPROCK
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ok, after being able to see the clutch and hitting the switch, i hear the engine change but clutch never engages but i haven't checked freon charge yet either, could the clutch relay be bad


Jul 28, 2025 at 3:56 PM
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STRAILER
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Yes it can be the problem, the issue is the relay is integrated into the TIPM. Is the front of the clutch discolored? I would disconnect the compressor wiring and then replace the fuse to see if it happens again by turning the system on.
Jul 28, 2025 at 5:18 PM
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B.L SHLEPROCK
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i did unplug/plug compressor doesn't blow the fuse either way as for discoloration as in showing heatchecked /burnt??, if so , it looks fine no abnormal checkering or other indicators to suspect shorting, arcing or???
Jul 29, 2025 at 12:39 PM
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STRAILER
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You are looking for signs of heat, burnt paint, overheated texture, if you upload an image it would help. The fuse for the compressor is #18 correct?

Jul 29, 2025 at 1:38 PM
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B.L SHLEPROCK
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Ken, i looked over the relay/fuse box and when the fuse blew , it arced hot enough to burn one of the tips off down below the surface of the spade slot, applied a little indian trick and we have cold A/c once again , thx for your time, I do have a driver door window (regulator)question if you don't mind, (1) Rail Slider Per Rail=(2) Sliders/Question: Are both sliders suppose to be identical to each other???? -OR- Are they suppose to be some what different from each other???
Jul 29, 2025 at 5:47 PM
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STRAILER
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Glad you could get it fixed, thanks for letting us know. Sorry, we only handle one problem per thread, please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Cheers, Ken
Jul 30, 2025 at 9:29 AM
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