2002 Durango SLT+ 5.9L AWD

I've been combing through the threads to find a fix to my A/C issue, but can't seem to find a similar issue with a solution.

My A/C blows cold (very cold), when going down the road, but blows lukewarm when idling at a stop light or just in park idling.

So far, I've done the following:

- Had the freon checked and it was good
- I've swapped the A/C relay with a good relay
- Replaced the two fuses (40 amp HEVAC FAN fuse and 10 amp A/C fuse)
- The electric fan was dead, replaced it

Still not getting cool air when idling.

One thing I've noticed after I turn off the engine, the compressor seems to make a high pitch sound (like pressure being released). Takes about a minute or two before it does and right before it does, the clutch (pulley) moves a bit.

I'm guessing these could be the culprits, but I'm assuming this is not a DIY type fix.

I'm at a lost at this point. I was trying to avoid an AC shop since I don't know a good one and also trying to avoid spending any extra money. I had high hopes the e-fan would have done the trick.

Thanks for any help on this.

 

If your compressor is making a high pitched sound after turning off the engine, it is the high pressure side bleeding off into the low side. You will need a new compressor, that is why it will not cool at an idle but will cool above and idle. Change out the compressor and drier (accumulator).

 

Thanks for the reply. I was afraid it was the compressor.

Is this a DIY job though? The write up in the Durango Service Manual makes it sound pretty straight forward. However, to a professional mechanic, I'm sure it is.

I can find the compressor pretty cheap, so if I can do this myself, I rather go that route. But, I'll check around to see, if I can find someone to put it in and just charge labor.

Thanks again.

 

You can do the DIY way but you will need to go to the mech/tech to have the a/c lines tested and vacuumed to make sure there are no leaks. Besides, it's best to have them put in the 134a for you cause they have the machine for it. IMHO.

 

You will need someone to recover the freon before you change out the compressor and drier. You NEED to change out the drier with the compressor or you will regret it later on when the system doesn't work because of moisture in it. That is the role of the drier-to filter out the moisture. Then have someone pull a vacuum on it, check to see if it holds vacuum, then recharge with the correct amount of freon. You should have a tag on the vehicle indicating how much your system takes. I do believe it is 1.75 for single air and 2.44 for dual air.

 

yup you recall correctly pete

 

Thanks Sharp, kinda hard to remember esp. with the oldsheimer disease that afflicts me at times.

 

lol, np man glad to help

 

Ummmm... Pete, don't you remember you were gonna come over to the east coast to help shrps and me redo our whole a/c system? I'm pretty sure shrps can pull up the exact thread you mentioned it... Right, shrps?... ::Wink::

 

if need be, yes i can, but id rather you just refresh my memory on what he was gonna do for us