Well, I bought my first Dodge yesterday. I got a 2001 Ram 1500 5.2L 2WD Quad Cab 90K miles......So far I love the truck.

I do have a couple problems I need to address, and it looks like this is where the experts hang out!

First of all, I did some research here on the antifreeze smell (only in the cab) when the truck warms up...looks like it might be the heater core? No steamy windows or any floor dampness, but I definitely get the whiff of antifreeze every now and then, and it's stronger when the heat is on through the vents. No coolant leaks anywhere and there is no coolant smell outside the cab.

Secondly, the AC compressor is not engaging. Turned the AC on max while the truck was running, and nothing. Hooked a pressure tester up to the refrig. line and didn't have much readable pressure, so we cranked the AC again and ran a can of 134a into the line, and checked the gauge again, and it didn't even take a full can before I was getting a good reading. Let her run for a few minutes...still no compressor. All the wiring seems to be hooked up and in good shape...Could it be a relay/fuse? Anyone know a quick advice pointer for me to check next?

Thanks all!

-JJ

 

swap relays first and their is a sensor on for the a/c that might be bad

 

On your first question, yes, it's a heater core. It's just not leaking enough to really get out yet. Vaporizing/congealing in the box. Give it time. lol.

On the A/C, what was the pressure? If you just wanna test compressor function, either jumper the pressure switch or remove the compressor relay and jumper the sockets for terminals 87 & 30. The former is better, though, as if the compressor comes on, it will verify that the problem is either low pressure or a faulty pressure switch.

 

can you elaborate more on jumping the a/c...i have the same problem...ran a can through, and have good pressure, but a/c clutch isnt engaging.

 

Low pressure switch on the reciever/dryer, up on the passenger side firewall. Disconnect the connector, and stick a wire into the two contacts in it. Compressor should engage.

 

Exactly. If it comes on, then the rest of the system is working properly, and it's either a faulty switch or low pressure. This test works on any vehicle that has a single pressure switch.

 

Thank you! Thank you!

Went ahead and took the heater inlet/outlet hoses off the heater core and put them together...Viola! - no more coolant smell... Bought the heater core today, and I am going to start working on her in the next day or so...



As far as the AC goes...I will try the jumper method in the morning.

I called two local Dodge/Chrysler dealers here in my county, and neither of them could help me with the AC relay. The first guy said "Well, do you know what the numbers are on the relay? Cuz I have a picture here that justs says mini-relay or mini-relay kit. Without the numbers on the relay I can't tell what it should be." So then I called another dealer and the parts guy said "Who told you that there was a relay for the AC?" So I said that I found out from a few people that I should try swapping the relay first. He said "My computer doesn't mention anything about a relay for the AC system" So then I decided I better ask here since the idiot parts guys couldn't help me.

 

In the Power Distribution Center, under the hood. Pull the cover, and on the underside of the cover, it will tell you what things are. Figger out which relay you are looking for, and swap it with one that you won't need for a few minutes. (NOT the ASD, or Fuel Pump relays...... ) If you determine that it is indeed a bad relay, just take the relay into the parts department, and they should be able to fix you right up.

 

swapped the relay....that was the issue! I just have to find a competent person to sell me one now!

 

Any autopart store should have one and the incompetent dealers should be able to find another relay like yours if you take it to them