1st Gen Durango 1998 - 2003 Durango's

A/C problems

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Old 07-24-2011, 10:33 AM
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Angry A/C problems

Hey guys, kinda new around here but not new to the forum thing.
Here is my issue, I just got my 98 on the road last week and promptly sent it in for A/C work to the one shop i have a credit card for and.... nothing. Im being told I need the HVAC control panel inside the D. A part which is on national back order and by the time shop marks everything up wants 200 Plus for the panel and the updated wiring harness to go with it. However, I went out to do my own diagnosis on it yesterday and the very first thing i find is no R134 on the system, yet i am told by the shop it has freon and is good, just need the switch...
Here is what I have done,
*Put R134 in the system, enough to potentialy engage the compressor, and find out the system will not hold a charge for very long. (that stuff isn't exactly cheap)
*While the system was charged enough i tested the low pressure cut off switch, it tested just fine.
* Checked the clutch relay, tests fine
* Wiring on the switch inside the cabin, fine
* last I manually put power to the clutch, NOT FINE....
I have jumpered compressor clutches manually before and 99% of the time so long as it is a good clutch, it will engage... This one will not.

Someone please tell me, on a budget, what do i do??? Its Hot outside, i want my A/C!!!

Where do i start to find a leak in the system? I have downloaded the PDF on A/C systems from the FSM provided in the sticky, but A/C machines, and special electronics to detect leaks are by no means in the budget....

Lastly,
How can i be told i need the HVAC panel in the cabin if 1) the system wont hold a charge for very long and 2) I cant even manually engage the compressor???
 
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Old 07-24-2011, 11:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Cowboy_Customs
Hey guys, kinda new around here but not new to the forum thing.
Here is my issue, I just got my 98 on the road last week and promptly sent it in for A/C work to the one shop i have a credit card for and.... nothing. Im being told I need the HVAC control panel inside the D. A part which is on national back order and by the time shop marks everything up wants 200 Plus for the panel and the updated wiring harness to go with it. However, I went out to do my own diagnosis on it yesterday and the very first thing i find is no R134 on the system, yet i am told by the shop it has freon and is good, just need the switch...
Here is what I have done,
*Put R134 in the system, enough to potentialy engage the compressor, and find out the system will not hold a charge for very long. (that stuff isn't exactly cheap)
*While the system was charged enough i tested the low pressure cut off switch, it tested just fine.
* Checked the clutch relay, tests fine
* Wiring on the switch inside the cabin, fine
* last I manually put power to the clutch, NOT FINE....
I have jumpered compressor clutches manually before and 99% of the time so long as it is a good clutch, it will engage... This one will not.

Someone please tell me, on a budget, what do i do??? Its Hot outside, i want my A/C!!!

Where do i start to find a leak in the system? I have downloaded the PDF on A/C systems from the FSM provided in the sticky, but A/C machines, and special electronics to detect leaks are by no means in the budget....

Lastly,
How can i be told i need the HVAC panel in the cabin if 1) the system wont hold a charge for very long and 2) I cant even manually engage the compressor???

First off.. i think the shop is feedding you a seriously full bowl of BS! sound like thay have no clue what there talking about.

Second, send me your email (post here or in a PM) and ill send you the full '98 FSM in a zip file.

Third, in my experiances with other vechiles i had if you cant manually engage the clutch then its shot.. find the leak, replace the clutch/compressor, fill with freon and call it a day....
 
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Old 07-24-2011, 11:51 AM
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O you are the man! I had every intention on buying one at some point! You can shot me an email to JRSpenceTrucking@yahoo.com

I was hoping someone would confirm the fact the clutch was NFG.

Anyone ever rebuild one? is it worth it? so long as I get a year out of it I will be happy...
 
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Old 07-24-2011, 03:25 PM
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never rebuilt one, but the 98 FSM is availbe for download from the FAQ thread by sections from mediafire (save your email account some of the work)
 
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Old 07-24-2011, 11:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Cowboy_Customs
Im being told I need the HVAC control panel inside the D. A part which is on national back order and by the time shop marks everything up wants 200 Plus for the panel and the updated wiring harness to go with it.
Please tell me more, or any details at all, about the updated wiring harness you mentioned. A BIG BIG BIG thanks in advance.

IndyD
 
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Old 07-25-2011, 03:10 PM
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If you can't engage the clutch by jumper wire then it is shot. I haven't been able to find just a clutch disk rebuild kit. Now you might be able to go to a junk yard and pull one if possible and swap it with yours.

As for the HAVC control panel,........LOL......Talk about BS.....IMHO
 
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Old 07-28-2011, 01:51 AM
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Does anyone have the TSB mentioned in this thread? It is regarding a replacement plug for the HVAC fan speed control ****.

TIA,

IndyD
 
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Old 07-28-2011, 06:37 PM
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Didn't see anything Indy?????


1998 Dodge Truck Durango 4WD V8-5.2L VIN Y Recall and Technical Service Bulletin Titles

TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
842 FEB 00 Recall - Fuel Tank Straps
841 FEB 00 Recall - Fuel Tank Straps and Rear Brake Tube
768 FEB 98 Recall - Generator & Battery Cable Fasteners
TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
804 SEP 98 Recall - Power Window Regulator
TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
23-029-08 OCT 08 Restraints - Child Seat Tether Installation
21-021-08 SEP 08 A/T - Repair/Replacement Guidelines
21-014-07 OCT 07 A/T - ATF + 4 Fluid Usage
24-006-06 AUG 06 A/C - Musty Odors When Hot/Humid
21-010-06 APR 06 A/T - ATF+4 Fluid Usage/Applications
23-014-06 MAR 06 Wipers/Washers - Wipers Smear or Streak Windshield
18-037-05 OCT 05 Engine Controls - Flash Programming Failure Recovery
18-029-05 JUN 05 Engine Controls - Co-Pilot Support & Correct Cable Usage
19-005-03 AUG 03 Steering - Power Steering Fluid Usage
24-003-03 MAY 03 A/C - System Sealer Usage Prohibition
24-009-02 OCT 02 A/C - System Leak Detection
18-018-02 JUN 02 Emissions - ASM Test Failure
18-017-02 JUN 02 Engine Controls - MIL ON/DTC's P0201 - P0208 Set
23-015-02 APR 02 Outside Rearview Mirror - Glass Replacement
08-025-01 NOV 01 Air Bag - On/Off Switches
19-009-01 OCT 01 Driver Airbag - Trim Cover Service
24-013-01 SEP 01 A/C - Warm Air From Vents at Idle
08-010-01 MAY 01 Airbag/Clock Spring - Service
18-012-01 MAY 01 Generic Scan Tool - Reference Information
25-004-01 MAY 01 Evaporative System - Leak & DTC Diagnostics
23-006-01 APR 01 Center Armrest/Console - Binds/Sticks
08-006-00A DEC 00 Wiring - Revised Splicing Procedure
18-05-00G DEC 00 Engine - Spark Knock/PCM Reprogramming
23-008-00B NOV 00 Child Seat - Tether Anchor Part Numbers & Labor Time
23-040-00 OCT 00 Rear Door Lock(s) - Not Operating Properly
03-08-00 SEP 00 Differential Cover - Updated Sealer & Fluid
18-05-00F SEP 00 Engine - Spark Knock on Acceleration
08-24-00 SEP 00 Antitheft System - Starting Difficulties
23-31-00 AUG 00 Seat - Rattle/Chuck in Upright Position
21-04-00 JUN 00 TCM - MIL ON/DTC P1763 Set
18-08-00 JUN 00 MIL ON, Erroneous DTC P0107 Set
08-10-00 MAR 00 Battery/Electrical - Dead Battery, Accessory Malfunction
08-11-00 MAR 00 CD Player - CD Compatibility
02-05-00 MAR 00 Rear Leaf Springs - Squeaking/Clicking Noise
21-03-00 MAR 00 Transfer Case - Sector Shaft Leakage
09-05-00 FEB 00 Engine - Spark Knock/Oil Consumption
24-20-99A DEC 99 A/C Bi-Level Mode - Unbalanced Vent Air Flow
02-06-99A DEC 99 Front Hub Seals - Grease Purge Explanation
23-52-99 NOV 99 Window - Squeak Noise When Rolled Down
07-03-99 NOV 99 Engine - Overheats In High Ambient Temperatures.
26-10-99E OCT 99 ABS System - 'No Response' Test Revisions
23-35-99A OCT 99 Child Seat Tether Anchor - Labor/Parts Identification
23-32-99 AUG 99 Center Console/Armrest Lid - Hard To Latch
26-08-99F AUG 99 Engine Controls/Charging System - Manual Updates
19-05-99 JUL 99 Popping Sensation/Noise In Steering Column While Turning
08-23-99 JUL 99 Radio Communication Equipment - Recommendations
24-11-99 JUN 99 A/C System - Cooling Performance Deterioration
18-12-99 JUN 99 Leak Detection Pump - Monitor Test
03-04-99 JUN 99 Front Differential - Vent Leakage
21-08-99 APR 99 A/T - Buzz/Whining in Reverse When Cold
23-12-99 APR 99 Center Console/Armrest Cover - Will Not Latch
05-03-99 APR 99 Front Caliper Mounting/Steering Knuckle - Thread Repair
26-04-99I APR 99 Brakes - Kelsey Hayes EBC2 and EBC325 ABS Revisions
18-06-99 MAR 99 PCM - Engine Knocking Sounds at Idle
26-03-99G MAR 99 Brakes - Teves Mark IVG and Mark 20 ABS Revisions
24-05-99 FEB 99 Rear A/C Unit - Blows Warm Air When Hot Outside
23-04-99 FEB 99 B-Post - Creaking Noise
26-02-99A FEB 99 Fuel System/Engine Controls - Manual Revisions
23-02-99 JAN 99 Center Armrest - Lid Rattles
26-01-99D JAN 99 ABS/TCS - Diagnostic Test Revisions
26-01-99C JAN 99 Engine Controls/Fuel System - Manual Revisions
08-17-98C DEC 98 Air Bag System - ON-OFF Switch Availibility
18-48-98 DEC 98 Ignition System - Cross Fire/Ignition Wire Induction
08-52-98 DEC 98 Fog Lamp - Service Guidelines
24-16-98 NOV 98 Rear Overhead A/C - Performance Testing
25-02-98 OCT 98 I/M Testing - OBDII CARB Readiness Monitor Information
23-51-98 OCT 98 Left Front Leather Seatcover - Chafing
23-47-98 OCT 98 Third Row Seat - Paint Transfer To Upholstery
05-06-98 OCT 98 Front Brake Caliper - Rattle Noise on Rough Roads
05-05-98 OCT 98 Front Brakes - Grind or Growl Sound
23-44-98 OCT 98 Liftgate - Hard to Open/Handle Moves When Using PDL
26-10-98B OCT 98 Electrical - Pin-Out/Connector Revisions
07-05-98 SEP 98 Engine Cooling Fan - Roaring Noise Explanation
03-05-98 JUL 98 Propeller Shaft - Clicking Noise
08-36-98 JUL 98 Auto Computers - Y2K Effects
23-12-98A JUN 98 Power Window Door Glass - Falls Down Inside The Door
08-29-98 JUN 98 Front Wipers - Grinding or Creaking Noise
18-21-98 JUN 98 Powertrain Control Module - Service Precaution
26-06-98R JUN 98 Brakes - Kelsey Hayes EBC 2 & EBC 3 ABS Revisions
26-06-98L JUN 98 Fuel/Ignition System - Wiring Revisions
02-04-98 MAY 98 Lower Ball Joint - Diagnosis/Service
26-05-98H MAY 98 Body - Window Regulator Service Revision
14-03-98 MAY 98 Fuel Pressure Gauge Adapter - Usage
19-02-98A APR 98 Steering Column - Clicking When Using Gear Selector
18-19-98 APR 98 A/T - Engine Bucking/Surging at 5,300 Rpm
03-02-98 APR 98 Differential - Lubricant & Sealing Requirements
08-13-98 MAR 98 Headlamp Switch **** - Pulls Out of Headlamp Switch
08-10-98 MAR 98 Electrical - Multiple Systems Inoperative
26-03-98F MAR 98 Brakes - Teves Mark 20 ABS System Revisions
23-08-98 FEB 98 Hood - Does Not Open When Release Is Pulled
25-01-98 FEB 98 Purge Solenoid - Knocking Noise From Engine Compartment
26-01-98 JAN 98 Brakes - Teves Mark 20 ABS, Manual Revisions
18-35-97 DEC 97 PCM - Cold Engine Sag/Hesitation
18-34-97 DEC 97 PCM - Engine Spark Knock
18-36-97 DEC 97 PCM - Incorrect Fault Mature Time for DTC#B7
26-12-97I DEC 97 Brakes - Teves Mark 20 ABS System Test Revisions
26-12-97F DEC 97 Brakes - Teves Mark IV/Teves Mark 20 ABS Revisions
26-12-97G DEC 97 Engine Controls - Miss-Fire Test Revisions
26-12-97H DEC 97 Engine Controls/Fuel System - Service Manual Revisions
23-62-97 NOV 97 Console/Arm Rest - Squeak Noise on Opening/Closing
08-39-97 NOV 97 RKE Transmitter - Premature Battery Failure
14-08-97 NOV 97 Engine - High Driveability Index Fuels
19-12-97 NOV 97 Steering Column/Wheel - Clunk/Rattle
26-11-97D NOV 97 A/T/Ignition - Mis-Fire Test/TC Clutch Service Revisions
26-11-97F NOV 97 Engine Controls - ECT Sensor Test revisions
 
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Old 07-31-2011, 11:12 AM
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Hey guys sorry i havent updated lately, so here is the update...
I sent it to an A/C specialist being as A/C systems are kind of out of my realm of knowledge. 1) compressor clutch wiring SHORTED and tried to take my computer with it (i think the first mech did this one) so now i have a brand new compressor, and the computer was repaired 2) The rear A/C lines need replacing now.... Dodge has decided to discontinue production of the rear A/C lines!!!! I am currently scouring the local junk yards for some decent lines. I have located a couple early durango's so far with the lines i need.

So far Ive charge 540 bucks in repair work and i still dont have a/c.... Is there a source anywhere for new rear a/c lines??
 
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Old 07-31-2011, 12:51 PM
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id suggest checking rockauto.com but i really dont know

p261 of this parts manual will give you the part number you want, use that in google and i bet you will find it easier

http://www.mediafire.com/?7f5z6jgf71ki6az
 


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