Warm A/C and some vents not working right
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2
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Warm A/C and some vents not working right
I have an '02 D w/4.7. It's an AWD SLT+
Over the past few weeks, I've noticed that my once "freeze you out of the car" A/C is lukewarm. Well, not actually lukewarm but not freezing cold either. The floor vents and the ones on the outer sides hardly blow. The vents in the middle seem to do ok. Any suggestions?
If I put the heat on, the floor vents and outside vents blow harder but not as hard as the center vents. When I switch it to cool air and not a/c, the air flows down to a trickle. When I turn on the a/c, it's no better.
I called the dealer because we have an extended service contract and would rather ALL repairs needed be done under warrentee. The service guy told me that it sounds like I need a recharge at $110. That still doesn't explain why the outer dash vents and floor vents have hardly a trickle of air coming out of them. GRRRRRR!
I am so frustrated! I wish I knew more about cars. Unfortunately, my husband is not mechanically inclined. I get stuck fixing and maintaining all of the electronic and mechanical things in our home.
I searched and searched for the silver canister that I was told would be obvious under the dash above the gas pedal. I just don't see it. Perhaps it's a different color in an '02?
I did, however, find the green cap in the engine compartment. It was loose, so I tightened it. I took it off to see what it looked like inside first. I'm assuming that is where the refrigerant is put into the system? It looked like the inside of the tire stem.
The dealer told me that refrigerant is not covered under warrentee even on an '02. My '97 Neon has colder A/C than my D. That just doesn't seem right.
Last summer, I could freeze ice in my D, this year, I can't keep it from melting. What a difference a year makes. I haven't changed anything or modified anything or needed anything other than an oil change, tranny service and differential service since I bought it last summer. So, I doubt that my problem is because a hose got pushed in too far. Maybe one wiggled out a bit but who knows?
Can anyone point me in the right direction of finding a service manual that maps out these systems? It would be really helpful to have something to look at. I hate being held hostage because of my ignorance.
Thanks so much!
Aubrey
Over the past few weeks, I've noticed that my once "freeze you out of the car" A/C is lukewarm. Well, not actually lukewarm but not freezing cold either. The floor vents and the ones on the outer sides hardly blow. The vents in the middle seem to do ok. Any suggestions?
If I put the heat on, the floor vents and outside vents blow harder but not as hard as the center vents. When I switch it to cool air and not a/c, the air flows down to a trickle. When I turn on the a/c, it's no better.
I called the dealer because we have an extended service contract and would rather ALL repairs needed be done under warrentee. The service guy told me that it sounds like I need a recharge at $110. That still doesn't explain why the outer dash vents and floor vents have hardly a trickle of air coming out of them. GRRRRRR!
I am so frustrated! I wish I knew more about cars. Unfortunately, my husband is not mechanically inclined. I get stuck fixing and maintaining all of the electronic and mechanical things in our home.
I searched and searched for the silver canister that I was told would be obvious under the dash above the gas pedal. I just don't see it. Perhaps it's a different color in an '02?
I did, however, find the green cap in the engine compartment. It was loose, so I tightened it. I took it off to see what it looked like inside first. I'm assuming that is where the refrigerant is put into the system? It looked like the inside of the tire stem.
The dealer told me that refrigerant is not covered under warrentee even on an '02. My '97 Neon has colder A/C than my D. That just doesn't seem right.
Last summer, I could freeze ice in my D, this year, I can't keep it from melting. What a difference a year makes. I haven't changed anything or modified anything or needed anything other than an oil change, tranny service and differential service since I bought it last summer. So, I doubt that my problem is because a hose got pushed in too far. Maybe one wiggled out a bit but who knows?
Can anyone point me in the right direction of finding a service manual that maps out these systems? It would be really helpful to have something to look at. I hate being held hostage because of my ignorance.
Thanks so much!
Aubrey
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
RE: Warm A/C and some vents not working right
My 02 SLT has no a/c air from the side vents at all. 5 times into 2 different dealers plus a review by the disctrict service rep. manager. The dash has been taken apart twice. Side vents will not even move a tissue when the fan is set in "high". Dealers answer was "a/c performs as designed, no problem".
We are still fighting with the dealer where we bought the vehicle but as I find more owners with this problem, I am going to go to the local ABC TV station consumer advocate who likes to tackle these "corproate" problems.
Feel free to send me a reply at dale4alp@***.net.
We are still fighting with the dealer where we bought the vehicle but as I find more owners with this problem, I am going to go to the local ABC TV station consumer advocate who likes to tackle these "corproate" problems.
Feel free to send me a reply at dale4alp@***.net.
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Texas
RE: Warm A/C and some vents not working right
Yeah, I just bought a 2002 (5.9L with 26,000, second owner) and I noticed the same thing today. I had a 2000 chevy malibu and the same problem. I never looked into it because I just figured it was a design flaw. I'll see if my dealer know anything about it. Will post with news.