I have a problem with my AC. Most times when I turn it on, it comes on blows cold air for about 3 to 5 minutes then starts blowing warm then hot air.
If I turn it off and leave it off for 5 to 10 minutes then turn it back on it usually does the same thing again. Compressor obviously does work,, but what component(s) in the system might be suspect with this type of operation ? Thanks .....

 

Hi Sunrise,

Moisture in the system can do this. It'll ice up the orifice tube and then after you shut it down it melts and repeats.

Have the system evacuated and recharged.

 

You should replace the A/C Receiver Drier / Accumulator also it removes moisture from the A/C system about $20 if DIY if a shop does it higher.

 

Thanks guys..... Where is the drier located on the 2000 Dakota and how difficult is it to get off / on ? Thanks..

 

It's the silver or black can on the passenger side near the firewall. Follow the lines from the evaporator case.

You need to discharge the system before removing it.

 

like this

 

Thanks to all that replied. I did some more "troubleshooting" and here is what I get. I am wondering if it can have something to do with a faulty dash switch for turning the ac on / off........

So here is the condition:
1. First turn on ac, works fine... at 87F ambient, lowside = 28 to 30 psi, highside = 195 to 205psi, blows 58 to 60F air into truck.
2. After running ac for about 10 minutes if you turn it Off, then wait 2 or 3 minutes and turn it back On, compressor clutch does
not engage and there is NO ac.
3. If you turn the ac Off and turn truck engine Off and wait 10 to 15 minutes, then restart truck works fine again.

One Other symptom I have had is when I turn it on, it comes on blows cold air for about 5 minutes then starts blowing warm then hot air.
If I turn it off and leave it off for 5 to 10 minutes then turn it back on it sometimes does the same thing again, other times it will only blow hot air. Compressor obviously does work,, but what component(s) in the system might be suspect with this type of operation ? Thanks .....

 

Moisture in the system will do exactly as you describe - again.

Your pressures are low too. At 90F you should be between 37-45 low side and 200-240 high side.

Get the system evacuated, replace the dryer, pump it down, and and recharged by weight.