hello, new here and i need help.... just grabbed a 2001 1500 4x4 5.2 for pocket change. 198000 miles. tranny over haul 1 yr ago, interior is in great shape(dash needs replaced of course), body is ok for 11 yrs old.

PROBLEM.... AC works for a minute and the stops...

tried checking low side pressure, it was a little low, added one can of 134a. before i added the can, the compressor was cycling like it was low. after adding, it worked perfect for a minute, blew ice cold and then the compressor kicked off and will not cycle at all. starting the truck cold, it cycles 1 time and then does the same thing...im from deep south texas and we are still seeing 90 degree days here so AC is something i need.

i have read that it could be several things, blend door actuator broke, compressor bad, low pressure, blockage..... among others...

does anyone here have an idea?

****edit****
check engine light is on, code reads that there is a potential problem with the PCM... control computer. could these be related?

on a different note, the truck has a minor vibration from about 35mph on up... im guessing the tires are probabaly out of balance

 

compressor kicking out is probably pressure too low or pressure too high. you can test the low pressure side with the supplied gauge on the AC charge canister. i don't know of any way to check the high pressure side without a set of gauges.

download the 01 service manual and part manual here.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...load-test.html

welcome to DF.

 

Thanks, I will check the high side. I was unaware that the compressor would stop working if it was over pressured but it makes sence. Is there any way that this could be related to the PCM error code saying that it failed a self test?

 

**duplicate

 

no. 2 separate problems.

 

on my way to work this morning i had to use the heater (it got down to a freezing 49 degrees) any ways, i noticed that A/C compressor was cycling when i had the selector on vent or defrost. i also own a 99' 1500 4x4 5.2L, it does not do this. could the control head in the dash be bad.?

 

a/c compressor is supposed to work in defrost mode. how deep in tx are you?

 

Probably partially clogged orifice or condensor causing the compressor to cut off on high pressure. There is a low pressure switch on the AC lines, but the compressor has its own internal high pressure switch to protect itself. T

 

@gertie240 I live in Raymondville.

why would the compressor cycle correctly when it isnt even supposed to run
normal vent with selector on heat? i know it runs with the defroster.