I own a 1998 - DODGE DAKOTA Pickup. The air conditioning only works briefly at initial engine startup. I have to drive it very tenderly, or else the air conditioning fails (quits blowing cool air) and begins to blow a stale musty warm air (like when you unplug a refrigerator and leave the door closed for too long.). Higher engine rpms seem to cause the failure. If I turn off the engine, and restart immediately, it results in the AC failure as well. So does turning the AC off from the dash switch then back on again while the engine is running.
However, if I let it sit a few hours (say, overnight) then it will work again briefly on next startup...ultimately failing again on higher rpms, switch on/off, or engine off/startup. Regardless, when it *is* working, it's only for about 30 mins of engine operation.

I've taken it for 3rd party A/C service, but they only want to recharge the system - which doesn't fix the problem.

Can someone suggest what may be the problem here, so I can effectively communicate with a repair shop? Here comes the Palm Springs summer!

Thanks!

 

Does the compressor seem bad? maybe needs a new drier or condensor or evaporator. But if there are NO leaks then try recharging it because new batch ofR134a could be the fix.

 

A little bit of apples and oranges, but my 2005 Gr Caravan does the same thing with the a/c...all is well then the cold air stops and musty warm air starts. We turn the key off and back on this usually fixes it. We had it in under warrenty and even after the dealer replaced a couple of things, they threw their hands up. I'm also appreciative to any advice. thanks.

 

could be low on freon or have a restriction in line some where. there are two safty switches on unit. one low presure that shuts the unit off if presure to low ( like when a/c starts and creates too much suctoin in line because theres not enough reserve freon) and thereis a high presure switch that turns it off if presure gets toohigh (like bucause there is a restriction in line or the radiator and or condensor is plugged up with bugs and dirt so it cant cool freon making it stay hot and more heat more expansion which eqauls more presure) anything other than buying a can of 134 and trying to top off sys will reqiure a set of manifold gages and knowledge of ac. so try a $5 can of freon and if that doesnt work take to someone who works on ac and not someone who throws parts at it like most younger mechs. or should i say parts changers.