I have a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2. I had new compressor and drier replaced and recharged. However the a/c is still not cooling too good. Do I need to replace the condenser as well? It is sort of beat up.

 

Make sure the charge was the correct amount. They take 2 lbs I think. When they are either under full or OVER full, they will not cool properly. Then check for:
-leaks
-blend door operation
-blower motor operation
-compressor operation
-condensor (it may just be a bit stopped up too)

 

you can test the condensor by turning the truck on and ac on full blast, then jimmy rig a garden hose to shoot cold water on the condensor while you sit inside and feel the vents. if it gets colder then i would look into the condensor. it could also be the orifice tube aint workin.

 

Sounds like a charge problem to me. Remember that when the truck isn't moving the air passing through the condenser is limited to the fan only. This is why when your stopped at a red light the air temp rises. And then gets colder when you're moving. You could have a partially blocked orifice tube. My guess is a refrigerant charge issue. Also keep in mind that you just had it serviced and they may not have gotten all the fittings tight enough and you could have a leak as well.
Hope this helps.

 

Sorry to steal the spotlight, how does one go about this?I think mine Is messing up too

 

98 is cable operated. I think the electrically powered feller was an advent of the 00 model year. There is a procedure in the 96 manual for adjusting the cable..... Might try that first.

 

I'd replace both check valves in the vac lines, check fan clutch, 134a charge numbers. And here is how to check and adjust the blend door cable.

 

That helped immensely, thank you. Now I can hear the blend door touching base at both ends of the spectrum... Just gotta figure out the a/c issue now. Thank god I do HVAC for a living right? =)

 

Is that ^^^^ adjustment for 1999 also?

 

Some 99's started using the electric motor. You'll have to look.