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JBar1972
Dodge Dakota
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6/22/2006
15:58:57
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 Subject: A/C Trouble
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I've got a '99 5.2L w/ 112k. My a/c stopped working this year. The compressor doesn't even come on. Last year towards the end of summer it started cooling less and less effectively. Any suggestions where to start troubleshooting? I don't have any electrical test equip. but am trying to avoid a costly trip to the dealer. Thanks for any help.
Jeff
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Dan M
Dodge Dakota
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6/22/2006
17:08:46
|  RE: A/C Trouble
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Check system pressure, no pressure in the lines will keep the compressor from engaging due to lower pressure switch. You can buy R134a can that comes with pressure guage. I opted to spend more for a recharge kit that came with a detachable guage vs one that was permanently attached to a can of r134a because it was reusable and the small cans with no guage are cheaper.
If you have no pressure, you have a leak.
You can always take it to a reputable shop for FREE estimate. Some tire shops here (also do auto repairs) offer free 60 sec a/c test. Otherwise any good shop can do the estimate for you. You don't need to go to dealer. Be sure to get a couple of estimates some shops will recommend changing certain parts based on age,etc that may not be bad yet.
- Dan M
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JBar1972
Dodge Dakota
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6/22/2006
17:50:15
| RE: A/C Trouble
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Thanks Dan, I appreciate the info.
Jeff
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Tfw
Dodge Dakota
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6/22/2006
18:33:34
| RE: A/C Trouble
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Whatever you do, don't allow any kind of sealer into the system. It will destroy / clog everything in the system.
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Audioforge
Dodge Dakota
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6/22/2006
22:00:40
|  RE: A/C Trouble
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My AC stopped working as well in my '97 club cab SLT 4x4. I traced the problem to the fan motor. (Baaad News for sure!) To change it you have to remove the complete dash and instrument panel. You have to unbolt and lower the steering wheel as well. The Haynes manual says it is also recommended to remove the passenger seat to make more room to work! What the??? It's a freakin $30 fan motor man! Not the whole friggin engine!!!
What rocket scientist designed this? I looked at my Dad's '04 Hemi Ram and the fan simply unbolts with a couple of bolts under the dash! DOH!!! The local Dodge dealer quoted over $700 to R&R my freakin fan motor! In the meantime it's hot here in Vegas without an AC.
(word of advice: If you ever plan to have a car with a broken fan motor in the summer time in Las Vegas, dont make it a black car! Double DOH!)
peaceout!
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JBAR1972
Dodge Dakota
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7/03/2006
10:52:40
| RE: A/C Trouble
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Well, I had my mechanic add 3 cans of r134a and some dye to test for leaks. It's been 3 days and the a/c still works - but smells moldy at first. He said the evaporator must be bad or has collected debris. I haven't noticed the dye leaking, however there seems to be a lot more condensation dripping out underneath than I remember from before. Thoughts??
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Tony
Dodge Dakota
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7/03/2006
20:39:50
|  RE: A/C Trouble
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The dye might be the kind only visible with the UV light.
You'd be surprised where a leak can come from. My first car was a '84 Chebby Celebrity, & there was a pin hole in one of the fins of either the evaperator or condensor (the one that looks like a radiator).
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JBAR1972
Dodge Dakota
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7/04/2006
10:53:07
| RE: A/C Trouble
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Any idea how to drain the evap or condenser? I'm trying to get rid of that mold smell when the a/c first comes on. No idea how it got that way but it's pretty funky.
Thanks
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Lysol
Dodge Dakota
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7/04/2006
12:48:59
| RE: A/C Trouble
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Spray Lysol in your intake vents outside and below the windshield and it will kill all the FUNK.
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