Air conditioner will randomly stop working

[Drrkburdette16]

2016 ram 1500 5.7 V8
About two months ago, I noticed while driving my air conditioning was blowing warmer than normal, it wasn’t hot, but it wasn’t cold. I would turn the AC off, then turn it back on and it would start working. After a while, it started acting up more and more and all I had to do was to turn off the AC and then turn it back on. Then it got to a point no matter what the AC would only blow coolish warm air. I work at a car dealership and they believed it was the AC condenser due to having hotspot on the condenser believing there was a restriction. We replaced the AC condenser and it worked fine for three weeks and now is randomly doing what it was doing before.

we replaced AC condenser fan because we thought the low speed was not working, but then realized when you have the V8 mechanical fan, they do not come equipped with a low speed only high speed condenser fan, so that wasn’t the issue either.

Freon levels have been normal and per the technician the gauges looked normal. It is r1234yf system.

When it is acting up, the AC compressor is working driver and passenger side vents blow out the same temperature and condenser fan is operating properly. I’m starting to think there is a restriction somewhere in the lines but want to get some advice.

 

[JDB5]

Had similar problem with my 2014. It was the recirculation door not closing properly to allow the AC to function properly. I helped it close behind the glovebox then disconnected the actuator so it stays closed. Heat and AC now working great.

 

[northvibe]

Had similar problem with my 2014. It was the recirculation door not closing properly to allow the AC to function properly. I helped it close behind the glovebox then disconnected the actuator so it stays closed. Heat and AC now working great.

HEY! I have 2019 classic and my ac just was out this spring. But when I had it on and parked, I saw condensation dripping below so I was wondering if there was a flap/door that was actuated and was broken.

Which door/part is the recirc door? I just did the filter and saw one to the left (driver side) with the glove box out.

Thanks!

 

[northvibe]

was able to watch it move, and it was not that... I must have a leak/failed part in the AC system...fun.

 

[seems fishy]

Can't the Mechanics at your Dealership fix it?
I worked at a auto bodyshop,and did A/C all day
long ,and I was licenced ,and had a range of tools for testing.I am always interested that people who have issues with HVAC,ask people they never met ask for help on the internet to surmize ,what is going on with their A/C.
Based on your description,I think you have again lost some freon since your condenser was replaced. But,it is a guess I do not have a access to your truck and do not have manifold gauges hooked up to it.I can't test for leaks.Yes it can be something else,but it is complicated As some have said it could be something else.Unless there was more history,and some hands on while it's running,everyone is guessing.You work at a dealership that has mechanics.Why use other people who have no clue the diagnostics to refer to to fix it,based on your 3minute description.Including myself.Maybe you have a schrader valve leak? Maybe your compressor leaks ,h valve issue,or a hose .We could offer a thousand possible scenerios.If they fixed it once at your place of employment get them to follow up and diagnose it..
I am just being realistic.Based on your description it can be anything.You should have your best shot getting it fixed where you work ,not on the internet.
Sure if you just want to chat about it,and have everyone offer opinions(you can get ten different opinions,) and they may be all wrong.
IF I tell you its a plugged evaporator ,are you going to switch it out, I hope not There are people and diagnostic tools available to you,use those.IMO.
BTW,there are people here that know more about HVAC,than me.I see them help and I like how they help others.But they are talking to people who narrowed the issue down,to the point where they have more precise idea (based on a detailed description).Yours blows hot and cold and you have a new condenser .If it was a new condenser all I can say with almost 100percent certainty is it is not your condenser.Have them fix while you at work.Just saying.

 

[04fxdwgi]

^^^ 100% correct. LOL unless it was a grey market one from a dubious source. Then all bets are off.

Low on refrigerant
Plugged filter dryer (hopefully it was changed when condenser was done)
Bad clutch
Kaput compressor
Refrigerant leak
Solenoid valve

List goes on and on with limited info supplied and assume that's why the responses have been so limited..

But the blown fuse indicates a wiring problem between it and the clutch or the clutch itself. If the fuse blows more than once, don't get all scientific, the answer is simple. The load increased dramatically and that doesn't happen by some mystical force. Unplug the clutch and see if happens again. If not, intermittently bad clutch is probable cause. Is an intermittently bad clutch a possibility, Absolutely.... If it does keep popping with clutch disconnected, check for chaffed wiring to a metal part, ie: short to ground.