8.4 conversion AC issue

[Brenton Scharf]

I'm sorry if this is the wrong place to post this, I'm a new member, but I'm at a loss..
I bought a conversion kit from 4thgen, and after having some issues looked into these forums and tried all sorts of the tips and tricks. I have a 2013 and had the 5.0, did the 8.4 conversion and everything worked great for a couple weeks. Last week the AC started acting up a little bit, a couple times the AC would blow out of all the vents at once even with climate off, and then it would go away and revert to normal. Couple days after that happened, the AC would start to pulsate it seemed, and then 4 days ago it quit working completely. A couple times I could get it to blow at #1 speed but anything else it would cut out. Now here's where I'm getting stumped, I checked the harness for loose connections or anything burnt up, and it wasn't. All fuses are working, the AC clutch turns on when activating climate but nothing from blower motor. Checked the blower motor harness connection that I received and I'm only getting draw from one side, I essentially hot wired it and stuck a wire into the side that wasn't getting a draw and grounded it.. viola blower motor came on and blew ice cold with no issues. Could there be an issue with the HVAC control module that isn't allowing a connection to the blower motor? I don't think it's the resistor but I could be wrong, the resistor is brand new but who knows. Like I said before the blower motor turns out perfectly when hot wired.. If anyone has any info or can steer me into a right direction that would be awesome. I live in Florida and this last week has been pretty warm! Black truck and interior with no AC can be a little rough... thanks in advanced guys!

 

[kad]

Did you originally have a 4 speed or 7 speed system and did you replace the HAVC control module?

-K

 

[Brenton Scharf]

Hi @kad,
Originally had the 4 speed, I installed the HVAC control module and updated 7 speed resistor.

 

[kad]

Hi @kad,
Originally had the 4 speed, I installed the HVAC control module and updated 7 speed resistor.

Ok, so the only difference between our trucks is that I had the 7 speed originally and didn't have to replace the resistor when I did my upgrade. Were the parts you used (resistor and HAVC module) new or used and were they OEM or aftermarket? I got my harness from m2Mods and bought the parts new OEM and haven't had any similar issues.

The symptoms sound like the resistor is bad though. I haven't had one go bad on my RAM, but I have had them go on an older Dodge and the symptoms sound very similar. I would gradually lose the slower speeds until only the highest worked and then even that would go if I waited. I went through several of the blower resistors on that truck ('01 Dakota, bought new and owned for 15 years). Have you pulled it back out? Every time mine went I was able to see that the resistor was, at the least overheated and once, slightly blackened.

-K

 

[Brenton Scharf]

@kad, as for the question on new or used, OEM or aftermarket I'm not quite sure since I just bought the conversion as a kit, I did pull the resistor and didn't notice anything visibly wrong with it, such as any signs of overheating.. but perhaps it was an aftermarket one that just stopped working after a couple weeks? One question is if the resistor is bad, would that be a cause of losing a draw on one side of the blower motor harness? Thanks for the replies, I've been struggling with this for over a week now with no communication back from the company. I ordered a new HVAC control module with the same numbers DIY listed for the 2013 conversion on one of the forums here. Perhaps I'll just have to start replacing things to see what the issue is, next being resistor.

 

[Mpgrimm2]

Thanks for posting. The fact that you bought a kit and can't get people to respond back when you have an issue after several days and had to contact me, is well ...

Let's see a picture of the resistor itself ie the face of it... I can tell if it's one of the Chinese clones vs Mopar/denso. I've seen reports from people claiming these work fine and I bet the clone is what you've got.

You don't even have to take it out. Here's a picture of a $100 genuine resistor vs $20 clone. (I've also see a clone resistor that looks nearly identical, and has issues. Probably used the original molds)

OEM...


Clone...


OEM fan resistor values here as a reference...


M² Mods.

 

[Mpgrimm2]

PS: I just troubleshoot a similar situation and it turned out that a genuine resistor fixed the issue. Here's video of the issue with clone resistor vs OEM resistor

Clone...Updated video Link: https://youtu.be/STwZpe4pns4

Vs.

OEM resistor...Updated Video Link: https://youtu.be/2cfE0LAM_Ps

M² Mods.

 

[Brenton Scharf]

@Mpgrimm2,
Thanks for the reply! Below I have a picture of the resistor that was sent to me. After more searching and reading your threads and recent reply, I'm going to purchase a new OEM resistor and see if that will solve my issue. Seems this is a knock off after all. Can't win them all!

 

[Brenton Scharf]

Well.. as much as I would love to say my problem is fixed, it didn't work
I purchased a new resistor(OEM) at a costly $90, and while I was at it, purchased a new HVAC control module(another $60), replaced both the resistor and the module and still no blower motor action. I appreciate everyones help, but i'm growing more and more frustrated with no a/c and nothing heard back from the company after numerous emails and phone calls. It's just so confusing because I can hear everything else working when I turn the truck on, i'm just getting nothing out of the blower. If anybody has anymore ideas I would appreciate it a ton! @Mpgrimm2 @kad ?

 

[Mpgrimm2]

Can we see a picture of your conversion harness (both ends of the 24 pin connector where the wires go into the back... Especially on the HVAC module end) and see your replacement fan/resistor harness that plugs into it.
Assuming he is still making the original version of the fan harness (our version is plug n play), are you certain you have the i32A kick panel connector fully seated, and the wire installed at pin 7? Good ground to resistor module? (If it was working before it's probably not an issue with the conv/fan harness but who knows)

Pin 17 from the HVAC module side should go to the Si input of the module... Verify the wire/resistance check it with a meter while disconnected for continuity between the 2 points



M² Mods.

 

[Brenton Scharf]

@Mpgrimm2 ,
1st picture is pin 7 and ground,
2nd is resistor/harness(followed all 4 wires to the appropriate connections)
3rd is HVAC control module connection
4th in harness connection to bezel
5th is bezel connection for knobs and such.
That's where I'm confused as well, it worked for two weeks before it quit working. Are those the pictures or did you want others?

 

[Mpgrimm2]

This may help...

M² Mods.

 

[Mpgrimm2]

PS: not sure what the HVAC module PN is your using for your 13 ram 1500 (which radio do you have?) ... As a reference ...

* 13-18 ram 2500/3500's (& 13 Ram1500) have a fixed displacement compressor (typ. associated with the 4 speed fan)

>> 14-17's w/RAx = 68105017Ax HVAC module (ie RA4 Radio)

>> 18/19's w/UAx = 68366553AA HVAC module (ie UAQ Radio)


M² Mods.

 

[Brenton Scharf]

I'm not too sure on the radio exactly, I just know it was the RA3, so without navigation. This is the module that was sent to me with the kit @Mpgrimm2
2013 ram 1500 originally with 5.0 4 speed fan.

 

[Mpgrimm2]

That's correct

M² Mods.

 

[Brenton Scharf]

@Mpgrimm2 ,
Sorry for the delay, but I checked pin 17, from the Module harness, to the resistor harness. Keep in mind, I'm not that savvy with all of this, with that being said this is the result. So it seems I am getting a connection there. I'm like a lost puppy right about now! If i'm conducting the test wrong, or using the multimeter incorrectly let me know lol

 

[tron67j]

Been following this, and IMHO one option if possible is to not use the radio and just return to your original HVAC controls if you did not have a 8.4 to begin with. I did radio upgrade without wiring in those controls and kept my 4 speed blower since low and high are same cfm as 7 speed. Second option is, if Mpgrimm2 has this build, to start over and buy from him. I can vouch for his work and his help. That may be your easiest route to get where you need to go if this continues to be a problem. Good luck.

 

[Mpgrimm2]

Brenton,
That looks okay. I'd be curious how things work when put back to stock and go from there. If you have steering wheel audio controls you do have some options.

M² Mods.

 

[Brenton Scharf]

Unfortunately I don't have the steering wheel audio controls so switching back will probably be an issue.. I'm just wondering if something somewhere on the harness is a problem. Although I have tested the harness.. man oh man. I wouldn't be opposed to purchasing one from you as i'm already over 1200 on this conversion now with purchasing new pieces, and a couple weeks now worth of time trying to resolve the problem. I would just hope that's the actual issue. Ahh! I appreciate all of you guys tremendously though!
As for @tron67j I appreciate the advice, and he has already helped me out a ton more than I hoped for! Great bunch of guys here on this forum.

 

[Mpgrimm2]

@Mpgrimm2 ,
1st picture is pin 7 and ground,
2nd is resistor/harness(followed all 4 wires to the appropriate connections)
3rd is HVAC control module connection (24pin Female)
4th in harness connection to bezel/truck (24pin Male)
5th is bezel connection for knobs and such.
That's where I'm confused as well, it worked for two weeks before it quit working. Are those the pictures or did you want others?


View attachment 212420

Brenton,
Looking at this closer... is the Terminal pin lock plate in the up/unlock positon on the male 24 pin connector? are all the male pins pushed forward/engaged with the pin lock down/flush? Same with the female 24 pin connector?