AC went out, seeking advice and similar experiences

[Hans Gruber]

I have a 2015 Ram 1500 Express. Love the truck. But the AC doesn't blow cold at all after just one year of normal use. It's currently at shop and they couldn't find a leak after the first day. Has anybody had trouble with the AC in the last couple model years?

Starting in 2014 or 2015, Fiat Chrysler started using a new refrigerant because doing so gives them CAFE credit offsets they desperately need because of their Jeep and Ram heavy sales (low MPG). I have no idea if using this new refrigerant required a redesign of the AC components but I wouldn't be surprised given that significantly less of this refrigerant is needed than whatever they used prior. Long story short, I wouldn't be surprised if some of us have some issues going forward. Anybody else have similar issues on their 2015 or 2016 Rams?

 

[RamCares]

I have a 2015 Ram 1500 Express. Love the truck. But the AC doesn't blow cold at all after just one year of normal use. It's currently at shop and they couldn't find a leak after the first day. Has anybody had trouble with the AC in the last couple model years?

Starting in 2014 or 2015, Fiat Chrysler started using a new refrigerant because doing so gives them CAFE credit offsets they desperately need because of their Jeep and Ram heavy sales (low MPG). I have no idea if using this new refrigerant required a redesign of the AC components but I wouldn't be surprised given that significantly less of this refrigerant is needed than whatever they used prior. Long story short, I wouldn't be surprised if some of us have some issues going forward. Anybody else have similar issues on their 2015 or 2016 Rams?

Is the vehicle at a certified FCA dealer? - Kevin T, Social Connect Team

 

[ExpressRules]

My A/C still works fine after 2 years of use.

 

[swanny297]

I have a 2015 Ram 1500 Express. Love the truck. But the AC doesn't blow cold at all after just one year of normal use. It's currently at shop and they couldn't find a leak after the first day. Has anybody had trouble with the AC in the last couple model years?

Starting in 2014 or 2015, Fiat Chrysler started using a new refrigerant because doing so gives them CAFE credit offsets they desperately need because of their Jeep and Ram heavy sales (low MPG). I have no idea if using this new refrigerant required a redesign of the AC components but I wouldn't be surprised given that significantly less of this refrigerant is needed than whatever they used prior. Long story short, I wouldn't be surprised if some of us have some issues going forward. Anybody else have similar issues on their 2015 or 2016 Rams?

Probably needs to be vacuumed and recharged, not blowing cold is usually an indicator the system isn't charged properly. Since it is under warranty they should do this and not look for leaks. CAFE regulations to switch away from R134a don't go into effect until 2021 in North America, R1234yf which is its replacements has the same thermal characteristics.

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[Hans Gruber]

Is the vehicle at a certified FCA dealer? - Kevin T, Social Connect Team

Yes, it is.

 

[Hans Gruber]

Thanks for the responses. I spoke with shop today. Looks like damage to some wiring from a rodent (or something) is preventing the AC system from engaging. I'll update if replacement of wiring fixes the problem. A little disconcerting a little guy could so easily get in there. I don't live rural or anything, either.

As to the helpful commenter discussing 1234yf, I had read that 2015 RAM 1500s adopted the new refrigerant early in order to take an advantage of some CAFE offsets. This could be wrong, just what I read.

 

[Rustycowl69]

I believe it's the result of trying to green-up the manufacturing of cars. They are using some kind of soy based wire insulation, which critters can and do eat.

 

[Hans Gruber]

I believe it's the result of trying to green-up the manufacturing of cars. They are using some kind of soy based wire insulation, which critters can and do eat.

This sounds like something straight out of the onion. But, no, a quick google search reveals this is real. I can't confirm whether RAM has jumped on this bandwagon but wow. How stupid are we becoming? SOY-based wiring insulation? What could possibly go wrong!

 

[Fullmetal]

Yep Honda has the soy lines in their Accords and there are issues.

 

[BlownGP]

This sounds like something straight out of the onion. But, no, a quick google search reveals this is real. I can't confirm whether RAM has jumped on this bandwagon but wow. How stupid are we becoming? SOY-based wiring insulation? What could possibly go wrong!

W in the F!!!

That's crazy. Guess my 09 should be ok..lol

 

[Ramzaq]

You didn't say what they have or haven't found really. Freon in the system, yes, no? Compressor turns on?

If it has freon and the compressor turns on I wonder if they checked the left temperature actuator
?



If it is bad it will only blow warm air.

Edit: missed your update post somehow, but keep this in mind.

 

[Hans Gruber]

You didn't say what they have or haven't found really. Freon in the system, yes, no? Compressor turns on?

If it has freon and the compressor turns on I wonder if they checked the left temperature actuator
?



If it is bad it will only blow warm air.

Edit: missed your update post somehow, but keep this in mind.

Thanks, though. The truck was only blowing warm air, which is why I figured it was low on freon. AC indicator in cabin said AC was engaged but apparently the compressor wasn't even turning on. Seems like they should have checked that first before checking for leaks! Not covered by warranty, of course, which is fine. Just hope it doesn't recur.

They said there was no other indication of rodent destruction. I don't live in a rural location and I don't leave the truck parked, so it's odd this was a problem. Debating putting some mothballs or something in engine compartment. Other ideas?

 

[RamCares]

Yes, it is.

Have they been able to properly diagnose the vehicle? If you’re in need of more help, please DM me – Kevin T, Social Connect Team

 

[Hans Gruber]

Have they been able to properly diagnose the vehicle? If you’re in need of more help, please DM me – Kevin T, Social Connect Team

Yes, they did. And thank you. Something apparently nibbled on some wiring and it's been fixed. Honda has had a lot of problems apparently they are making the insulation with soy which various critters like to snack on. Is daily driver and not rural so it's strange but I'm happy it was fixed quickly and I was on my way. Thanks for support you give forum. I really like the truck after one year of ownership.

 

[Smashius]

I had an issue just two weeks ago in my '14 where it was blowing hot. Ended up being an a/c suction hose.

 

[gustheram]

Thanks for the responses. I spoke with shop today. Looks like damage to some wiring from a rodent (or something) is preventing the AC system from engaging. I'll update if replacement of wiring fixes the problem. A little disconcerting a little guy could so easily get in there. I don't live rural or anything, either.

Crazy how often this is happening. A friend of mine bought a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk new and, long story short, squirrels had munched the wiring and insulation so bad while it was sitting on the lot it ended up getting Lemon Lawed.

Glad they got you sorted out though.

 

[Padilen]

I have no scientific data but I truly believe that there is something in the coatings, that attracts them. Rodents just love chewing on wires.
Where I live they damage a lot. Red squirrel's chipmunk 's and mice do the most damage. With grey& black squirrels, doing some too-yes I know it's just a black phase, for a grey squirrel but I'm a Michigander

 

[RamCares]

Yes, they did. And thank you. Something apparently nibbled on some wiring and it's been fixed. Honda has had a lot of problems apparently they are making the insulation with soy which various critters like to snack on. Is daily driver and not rural so it's strange but I'm happy it was fixed quickly and I was on my way. Thanks for support you give forum. I really like the truck after one year of ownership.

Thanks for the follow-up! - Kevin T, Social Connect Team