Hello,

Today I went out to look at this 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. Has 134K miles, body is in excellent shape, has the carfax with maintenance done every month and on time. My major concern about it is the A/C system. When I started the engine and turned the A/C on the compressor clutch engaged and the compressor started running. So I waited and waited... and waited. Air was warm to hot. So I went over and touched the low pressure aluminum tube near the compressor and it was very hot to the touch. Touched the high pressure side and it was just the slightest bit cold almost say outdoor air temp..


I have looked around online and not find much answer to this problem. Is there any known issues with the 2002 Ram A/C units? hopefully a easy fix? I am ready to buy this truck, however, really need the A/C to work.

 

Is this at a dealer or a private individual?

 

I have an 02 and have blend door problems and thats about it, i could care less about ac tho just roll the windows down imho.

 

What do you have that shows monthly maintenance? Just curious, because CARFAX doesn't show that kind of stuff. Will the seller allow you to have a mechanic take a look at it? If that AC is no big deal to you, don't let it be a factor. For me, living in the south, it's a big deal. No 2-55 AC for me - I can ride around town with the windows down but hate that noise going down the highway.

 

It's a 3rd party dealer. Well the carfax is showing all maintenance records from the Dodge Dealership such as oil changes and inspections. The previous owner seemed to have kept up on the truck and only had one owner.

The A/C is kinda something I would like to work. Weather has been rather hot lately as it was 93F today.


I admit I am not too familiar with a/c systems. I just found it odd that the high side of the line near the compressor was really hot and the low side was not cool at all. However, the compressor was running away as if everything was fine...

 

If its a dealer then make the permanent resolution (not temporary) of the AC a term of sale

 

Ahhh! We think alike LOL! When I started to mention that we said no, the price is final. It is listed at $5,995.00 which Carfax listed as about 1.5k under market. However, they are trying to throw in a $1k 1 year warranty that covers the power train. Not sure about taking it... Just the A/C bugs me, dunno why. THink because they had it listed with A/C. Did not say it worked or anything. Just that the truck has it...

 

A/C repairs can be very expensive. This could be as simple as needing an evac/recharge, or a complete rebuild. You may wind up spending that $1.500 getting it working.

Living in Florida, A/C is a must. The power train warranty can be important, too. Guess you have a decision to make.

 

Pretty shady IMO. That would make me walk right away. Tells me they didnt inspect the truck much! I bet they never even looked at the rear diff fluid or checked the coolant fluid. And the truck doesn't have it unless it works.

Warranty... Who is it through? Them or an aftermarket warranty company? Better read fine print of whats included because it might not be worth it.

 

Yeah, those are good points about the inspection. My assumption is they got it at an auction like most car dealers and assumed everything worked. As they even have in the statement "All accessories work".

The warranty is through them for one year on strictly the powertran. If I do get the truck I am almost certain I will not purchase their warranty.

Yeah, as for expensive A/C repairs go. That is what has me worried. I was in hope that the symtoms I described sounded familiar and someone knows what the fix was. After looking up general A/C issues. It almost sounds like a blockage in the line?

The fact A/C compressor is running which suggests the pressure switch is detecting their is freon in the line. Also the fact one line is hot while the other line feels just the slightest bit cool.