ted_pulliam

I bought this truck with 173k on the clock and yesterday for the first time I tried to run the ac. It wasn't cold at all.

Assuming that my ac system is just depleted of refrigerant, as I could see it being since it does have just a few thousand miles on it, how hard is this to fix? Is there a do-it-yourself recharge kit for these trucks?

Ted

1-2-3

If it has no freon, then it has a leak. The leak needs to be located and repaired. If your not sure how to deal with it, ac work can be complicated. Throwing parts at it is really not an option. Take it to a good local auto ac shop for a good diagnosis and estimate.

FYI, it's most likely the evaporator coil leaking. They all will eventually leak on these trucks. A shop will charge about $600-800 to change it. Spend an extra $100 to have the heater core changed, or you'll have to have the ac job redone to get to the heater.

Busboy

If the truck sat and was not started for awhile it could be just the front seal on the compressor. These trucks are known to have evaporator problems as already stated but I would look at the front of the compressor, if is oily then the seal was probably the cause. Chances are you could top up the freon and not have another problem so long as you continue to use the compressor and being in Fl I don't see a problem there. I changed my evaporator last year on my 2001 because it rotted out on the bottom.

ted_pulliam

Is the freon a "closed system" ie it is always there until a leak springs? I thought it was subject to evaporation over time. I will check for leaks.

I appreciate the help!

Ted

seahawkdodge

It is a sealed system. The refrigerant will lose effectiveness over time, as it absorbs water, but unless the system leaks out, it will remain.

Busboy

As Seahawk says it is and enclosed system, the most common place for leakage on any automotive AC is the front compressor seal as it's the only place where you have a moving part riding on a seal and if the truck sits the seal doesn't get lubed and can dry out enough to release some freon. I have stopped using my truck and only use it for pulling trailers or when I need a truck. Well this spring the AC wasn't cooling and sure enough it leaked from the front seal even though I would start it about once a month but over the cold winters here the compressor won't always engage. Don't rule out the evaporator or stone damage to the condenser (rad in front) as those are places to look on our trucks.

OldDodgeOwner

I have a leak on mine, but none of the shops I've taken it to can find it. I just get it recharged every spring and it usually lasts all summer, by the next spring it's blowin warm air again.

GTSDave

Mine went down 2 days ago. Used our refrigerant detector and tracked it down to either the seal or lines at the back of the compressor. With my luck, it is a cracked line LOL. If it aint raining too much tonight I will pull the line and check the seals.

Your system also has oil in it, many times you can find the leak by looking for the refrigerant oil that has leaked out with the refrigerant.

-Dave

Marine

Mine did the same thing (blowing warm) and so I replaced the freon in it.
I bought a recharger at WalMart for 27.00 and so far it is working great!
I don't remember what it is called, but it comes with a gauge. There are 2 types, but the bigger one contains oil, freon and a sealant.

ted_pulliam

Thanks guys. I will probably be able to check it this weekend, right along with checking the power steering pump on the truck. I'll let you know what I find.

Ted