The AC system works to cool the interior of your cabin making it quite important for owner convenience. In most car AC systems, you won’t have to make checks or fix anything for a long time. However, if your Dodge Ram AC is not blowing cold, there are chances that you’re dealing with a simple car AC fault or a big one that would require you to change several components.
With car AC problems, the causes are not always straightforward and would depend on the symptoms the car shows. For you, that would be the problem that the AC doesn’t work or is working but is not blowing cold. Maybe you’re only getting a low-pressure breeze from the vents that don’t make up for much.
If that the case, then you can go ahead with this piece. Here, you will find all the possible reasons why your Dodge Ram AC is not blowing cold.
Dodge Ram AC Not Blowing Cold: Likely Causes
- Insufficient Pressure
- Valve Control
- Faulty Climate Control
Dodge Ram AC Not Blowing Cold: How to Fix
Check the System for Adequate Pressure
The AC system request adequate pressure to engage such that, if it doesn’t get the right amount of pressure, the system won’t work and if it gets too much pressure, it could lead to bigger problems. You can check the system for adequate pressure but after that, you would need a professional to analyze and determine if there isn’t sufficient pressure.
Sometimes the cause of inadequate pressure in the AC system could be due to leaks which your mechanic will trace and fix.
To check the system for pressure;
- You would have to attach the AC compressor gauge with the engine off.
- Both gauge hoses should be attached to the low-side service port and the high-side service port of the vehicle.
- When attached, you should get a reading between 50 and 80 PSI (Actual reading may depend on the year of your vehicle).
- If the reading is not within the safe range, then you would have to take the car to a qualified AC mechanic and have them trace the cause of the pressure problems.
Inspect and Replace the Valve Control if Faulty
The AC and heater systems are connected and operate with two hoses. Both hoses are controlled by a valve control which if it goes bad, you would have issues with the cooling and heating systems. To be specific, you would have issues with your AC not being able to make you chill and your heater not been able to get you warm. Diagnosing this problem is actually easy.
You will need to start the engine and have the car running for this. Check the two AC/heater hoses which are just about the thickness of a garden hose. Place your hand on both hoses. Normally both hoses would be warm to the touch but one should be cooler than the other.
If both hoses are at the same temperature, then there is a possibility that the valve control is bad. You will need a qualified mechanic to actually test the system to confirm if the valve control is actually faulty. The mechanic will isolate the actual cause and tell you if the valve control needs to be replaced or if other components are defective.
Check the Temperature Control Buttons
The temperature control buttons determine just how much cold or warm air would be coming into the cabin. If you’re not getting enough cold air blowing into the cabin, there are chances that the temperature controls are not working as they should.
Confirming this is actually simple. All you need to do is press the buttons as you normally would to see if they respond. If they do not, then it is possible that the thermostat is defective and would have to be replaced.
This fix should be easy as the thermostat is not soldered or welded to the car but rather uses screws or snap connections. Before going ahead to take out the old thermostat, you should check the temperature control buttons for any signs of damage. You might have to consider replacing the panel too if you find any damaged buttons.
Check for Leaks
One of the main causes of AC problems is due to refrigerant leaks. The AC is actually a sealed system so there is no reason to have a refrigerant leak except you were involved in an accident that damages the AC components.
A simple inspection of the condenser, hoses, evaporator, compressor, and other AC components should help you trace the source of the leak. If you do notice a leak, then you should drive the car down to the mechanic shop.
Your mechanic will also inspect the system and other surrounding parts. They should tell you if the affected parts can be repaired or would have to be replaced.
If you had been involved in an accident previously or your vehicle is aging, it is more likely that the AC problem is due to a leak, you should get your mechanic to inspect the system thoroughly and fix any defective parts so the problem doesn’t reoccur.
Refrigerant is actually dangerous and you could get into trouble for releasing it into the air. If you notice any leaks or you find out that the car is low on refrigerant, you shouldn’t have to handle it yourself if you’re not used to the system.
You should get a mechanic to flush the system of refrigerant and have it recharged to get it going.
Also adding refrigerant to the system should not be considered as the right solution for a leak. If any part of the system is leaking, you should have it fixed first before charging the AC system with refrigerant.
Final Thoughts
Diagnosing an AC problem is quite easy, however, the main problem comes with fixing or replacing defective parts. If your Dodge Ram AC not blowing cold but it is actually working, you won’t have to worry much about fixing or replacing parts.
