brant914

Hi all
thanks in advance
I just purchased my first ever dodge (used) a week ago
towed to california and back from colorado
The truck is amazing! Can't believe how well it tows

I found a ton of little problems during the trip
I searched and see that there is a frequent problem with the heating and air systems on these trucks

first I want to see If I have the definitions correct on the different methods of failure? The blend door I'm assuming blends hot and cold air?
the recirculation door is what I think switches from inside to outside air and can break and fall into the blower?

so my symptoms are:
(1st problem) I can change the dash settings from vent or defrost or feet and the air path does change but it takes about 1 minute. Is it supposed to be that slow?

the air never feels that strong even with the blower on its highest setting. It reminds me of other vehicles I've had when the cabin air filter was dirty and impeding the air flow. It blows but not as strong as the motor sounds it like it should be blowing...
(is there a cabin air filter somewhere that I could change? I haven't found one)

2nd problem I think I have figured out from searching: After running the A/C for an hour or so on the highway the volume of vent air dropped noticeably. But after parking for lunch or a while, it worked again. I've been using the search function and it looks like the AC can freeze up and restrict when the pressure is low or when a "fin?" sensor isn't relocated
I don't know what the fin sensor is, but it should be easy enough to add pressure or freon (r134a) anyone know what the factory correct pressure is supposed to be?

thanks in advance everyone!
I'm not sure if I have a hvac door issue or not
the pressure volume is adequate but not as high as I expected.

brant

Dr.Dizzle

There is no factory installed cabin air filter on third generation trucks.

It sounds as if you have the typical blend or mode door breakage in the heater plenum box. I have attached a link to the Heater Treater website which provides the answers as to which door(s) require replacement. They also have the heavy duty upgraded parts that you will need to make the repair longer lasting than the Mopar replacements. I recommend you replace all of the doors (blend and mode) at this time. The issue with the ac may be as simple as a low freon charge and may be exascerbated by a broken door(s) in the heater plenum.


http://www.heatertreater.net/Ram%2002-08%20Listing.html

brant914

I'll definitely do some testing with their website instructions and verify
thanks a ton for the link.

is the slow transition from one function (say vent) to another function (say floor or defrost) a normal working manner or related to the blend door?